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OpinionResolutions, keep em simpleMy mother always looked forward to the new year with eager anticipation, like something magical was going to happen because of a numerical change on the calendar. I guess if that thing is going to happen it will be up to each of us to make it happen. Making New Yearís resolutions used to be quite fun. But grandiose plans made in the name of improving oneself are all too often tossed aside by the end of January, February at best. Mother knew the value of setting goals that were reasonably attainable. This year I will take more time to listen to my family and friends. Also reasonable and fairly easy to accomplish. But it takes effort. Mom didnít have to worry too much about this one, though. She listened to everyone who needed to talk. As she couldnít get around very well at the end, her mission work was listening. She listened to her grandchildren, really listened, she listened to her daughters. We would talk into the wee hours of the night, or all afternoon some days. We solved all the problems of the world, and felt good about it to boot. Mom even listened to people she hardly knew, they just seemed to flock to her door. And she listened long and hard to a cousin who prattled on and on on the telephone. Once mother even fell asleep during the conversation and woke to add a ìsure, I understand,í and the cousin wasnít even aware she had been asleep. This year I will stop being jealous of others who seem to have more than I do. Motherís life was simple. She got excited about going to the senior center for lunch, about playing cards with friends and about seeing her picture in the Peach paper once in a while. She accepted what little she did have as as a world of gifts. This year I will tell my loved ones I love them more. Mother did a wonderful job of doing this. When she died unexpectedly in 1998, my heart was broken, but I knew she loved me. Guess thatís the one resolution Iíll start with this year. ©ECM Post Review |