TIME TO REMEMBER.. inspired by loving mom.. passed away many years ago..

A TIME TO REMEMBER.. inspired by my loving mom .. Maring...
 Many years ago , early in my Navy career, while stationed overseas in Japan, I received a early morning call from my brother,Jr, he informed me that Mama was very sick, in the hospital and I needed to come home for Emergency purposes. At first , i was shocked because months earlier I spent 30 days of leave having a blast with my mama. Laughing telling jokes, taking walks, Enjoying our company. 
 But this phone call was so serious and scary. But , I called her at the hospital the following day and asked her what was wrong? She said " I'm alright , just getting old. she sounded great , she was laughing , and telling me how excited she was for me being stationed overseas.. 
 I called my brother that same day , and he said it was miracle , she's up and walking and looking strong , he kept telling it was a miracle.. I thought huh? needless to say I didn't want to accept the fact she was very sick , I mean so sick she had to go to the hospital. 
But, when I called her again, the mood was more somber and I decided to take leave, after the phone call, I cried my eyes off , because I had this weird feeling something was really wrong. I put in my leave , and pack my bags and off we went to San Diego.. 19 hours on a plane is torture ,, But somehow I survived with my wife and young son. But I had delays in Japan and in the states and I had to sleep at a hotel for one night because of weather conditions.. one day.. I thought no big deal at the time.. so off we go. I get to SAN DIEGO, and I decided to go straight to the hospital instead of going home,.I went to the hospital staff and asked for my mom.. The looks and confusion was apparent to my wife , but I was tired and I wanted to see my mama. 
 They directed me to a chaplain , and there I knew she had passed during that time I was delayed, I thought at first , Was this gods intervention , or was it bad timing, or what? But I was upset I demanded to see my mama, and they were adamant that , it was not a good sight , or she's not in good condition, I said I want to see her..!! They sent the chaplain and other military folks,, but they weren't helpful;, with their organized , speeches and bull shit,.,But I relaxed my demands and I hugged my wife and kid and went home.. This happen during the Holiday seasons.. and since that day to be honest has changed my outlook and my attitude about the holidays.. More times than not , I get sad and depressed thinking about Christmas time with out my beloved mom and the fact my lovely faithful wife lost her mama during the same time in San Diego,, didn't help matters,, From that day on,, the Holidays and the San Diego atmosphere changed forever.. After the burial, I returned to Japan and spent the 6 greatest years of my life and navy career there. It was the many friendship's and the Japanese lifestyle that helped me cope with my devastating lost. Now that I live in so cal after nearly 10 years away , has made me appreciate the greatest weather on earth and the many familiar places , like Imperial beach , 32nd naval base exchange or Miramar Marine Corp station, the sea food city's and all the Filipino restaurants with great food.. Plus the parks, beaches and malls I visited with my mama , back in the day made me smile and also sad at times.. 
 On reflection , I miss my mama and I dearly wish , I was less of head ache growing up , but it was part of growing up, I don't regret how I dressed or acted , or the many parties in TJ and home parties with the South side crew.. Those days molded me and groomed me into the man I have become. If anything , I learned no matter how long you stay away from home and try to erase the painful memories, you cant do it.. Home is always home. and the memories good and bad are always in your mind.. Life is meant to be lived and I wonder at times , why so much drama is bestowed upon me , but I know God , must love how I handle things because it seems I'm treated to daily ... testing,.,To those who have lost loved ones,, and friends , take the time to reflect on the good times shared and always cherish the times you had , because time and life is so fleeting and swift, before you know it,, it's over and thinking about what i should of done,, You should thinking about what am I gonna do,, Succeed or fail... Life is meant to be lived and not observed. The more you live and do life , the more content you will be , when you get old and have those many stories to tell at parties or playing cards or shooting billiards in your garage or park.. A time to remember and a time to live,,,,Enjoy my friends and may you have a Merry Christmas and Happy New year.. !! THE SOURCE PRODUCTIONS @ 2011