I lost my father almost five years ago.
My mother is very close to passing away now.
Some might say, with the advancement of Alzheimer’s Disease, that we’ve already lost her. I don’t see her that way at all.
One thing I’ve noticed, however, is that her children are quick to use the phrase “Dad would have wanted…” or “Mom would have wanted…” and then fill in the blank with whatever they want to do.
Some examples:
Question: Should I read a book or play tennis?
Answer: Mom would have wanted me to play tennis.
Question: Should I fix a pot roast or go to a movie?
Answer: Dad would have wanted me to go to a movie.
I don’t say it very often, but I, personally, am more apt to have thoughts such as “Dad would turn over in his grave if he could hear this bullshit.”
This makes me think about how religion must have started.
The first thought was “Who made all this?
Answer: God.
The second thought was “How did He do it?”
Answer: The Book of Genesis and other ancient texts.
The next thought is, “Wow, what a powerful Being.”
And then the next question. The biggie: What does God want me to do now?
Answer: God would have wanted…fill in the blank.
With Dad, Mom, and God, it’s awesomely convenient. With a little ingenuity, you can justify anything!
Sam,
Bravo. Your mom would have…loved it! It would delight her that you are continuing to write. give her a gentle hug for me and whisper to her that she is loved by us still.
Liz