Reality Check

The cell phone vibrates with a call; my sister...but my dinner is just heated and the glass of wine stands ready to refresh.  I hit the button on the side, shut down the call, and turn the phone over.  Focused on a late dinner after a long day, I pick up the glass and sip the chilled sauvignon blanc.  

Zzzzt, Zzzzzt, Zzzzzt.  "Hmm," I think, "Another call?  That's unusual."  I flip over the phone and my heart drops when I see it's my sister calling again...and then, a text from her saying, "I need you to call me now."  

I answer - and within two minutes I'm on the way to the ER.  "Life can change in a blink," my mom says, when I finally get to see her.  "We were just carrying a plant up the stairs."  

My parents have been so young and vigorous that the years creeping by have deceived me. In one fell swoop their (and our) lives have become more complex, and yet what's important has been drilled down to one simple concept:  gratitude.  

Mom will be ok, I hope - it will be a long journey to recovery.  Dad will be ok - his bruises and bumps will heal.  Our family will ensure they have what they need.   So thankful for my siblings and extended family.  Grateful for more time.