Internet relationships, texting and the weather

Three seemingly unrelated topics but I beg to differ. Since moving to a state that is related to the Arctic circle, I've found myself indoors for at least 95% of this past winter. I might add that it's spring and I'm STILL inside. Anyway, my poor child has been quarantined with me and is about to drive himself nuts. Well -- he's driving us both nuts. The only time he sees children is when I can muster up the strength to take us all to the library. Otherwise, he might get a fleeting glance at the neighbor children running across our lawn trying to get back inside before they freeze. He saw them one day and started screaming at them through our kitchen door. I felt so bad for him. He hadn't seen another small person like himself in days. I wonder what that felt like. So, I stopped the neighbor and she took him over to play. How sweet. But, now, you're wondering where the internet comes into play. The internet is MY playground. I find myself talking with people who I've known for a long time (in real life) and would other wise never have a relationship with. Now, I have fantastic friends with whom I play Scrabble, exchange advice and gossip about our motherly duties. And if I'm not communicating with these lovely women over the net, then I'm getting texts from my sisters and other good friends. As a matter of fact, one of the neighbor girls just texted me and we're signing up for an aerobics class together. Cool, huh? Since when did I start cultivating all of these indoor virtual/ real relationships? Well, as soon as I realized that it would no longer take me ten minutes to get out the door. It now takes me closer to an hour. It is a long winding ride to the library and I have to find places to hide in between the bookshelves to nurse while trying to keep an eye on my VERY active two and a half year old. I suppose I would rather nurse while at the keyboard, listen to my son entertain himself in the next room and then make grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup for lunch. Ahh yes...the internet does serve a good purpose. And, my days look more like this now:

Could it be...

Could it be that: growing up you never really understand the sacrifices made by your mom and dad for you? Your parents are under appreciated? Someday you'll be in the same position to sacrifice for you own children? There is a reward from their selfless acts? That there is a chance you may never understand the depth of their sacrifices?
All of these thoughts filled my mind early this morning as I lay in bed. Yesterday, I spent the afternoon with my mother buying food in preparation for a luncheon this afternoon. As we purchased food, exchanged thoughts on our plans I secretly observed my mom. Her face has wrinkles now. They appeared out of nowhere, it seems. Her eyes and mouth now have smile lines. The telltale signs of life and the survival of the many tests in her lifetime. There are many things I know that took place while I was still too young to understand. My mom did her best to protect me and my sisters. I may never understand all of her reasons, but I would like to thank her for doing what she thought best. Today, I am happily married to a wonderful man and have two beautiful, and I mean beautiful, children. I wonder if my happy marriage is a result of her sacrifice. I wonder if I can ever repay her for the opportunities created for me through her giving. Now, you may be wondering why I have only mentioned my mom and not my dad. My father is definitely no less important and I have a whole post to write on him as well, but this post is dedicated to my mother. The one who carried me in her womb for nine months, nurtured me through my toddlers years, taught me through my high school years, offered advice into my married years and is still giving...and giving.
Thank you. And no, it will never be fathomable all of the things you gave up for me, but don't doubt that it will come back to you one hundred fold.