Oma Goodness

Elsewhere in the mail came my mother’s reaction to my new tattoo. Oh, you think you know the general gist of it? Think again:

 

“Just read your latest blog, and not only am I so deeply touched by your (our) connection with Amitabha and your beautiful explanations and comments, but am blown away by the new tattoo - can't wait to see it in person in about 2 weeks!”

Whoa. She goes on: “(of course the next tat will be "Mother" surrounded by a heart)”

 

Well, it oughta be. I mean, how many layers of cool is that? My own mother not only using the slang term ‘tat,’ but appreciating its beauty and the fact that it symbolically resonates with our common bond through Buddha Amitabha. That is to say, she met me once in New York City so we could both attend an Amitabha empowerment bestowed by HH Penor Rinpoche, and that’s deeply meaningful to both of us. Though one could say we had it anyway, that event really sealed our indestructible connection. In the unlikely event that I outlive her, I now feel confident she’ll greet me in Amitabha’s pure land of Dewachen with one of her big hugs, having already manifested a freezer filled with homemade turkey soup and calorie-free Ben & Jerry’s.

 

Oh, and did I mention my mother’s 81? (Sorry, Ma) Like, today. I feel it’s no accident her birthday’s on the summer solstice, the longest that the light dispels the darkness. A part of one of our common aspiration prayers says, “May we be born in good families.” Well, at least I nailed that one in a previous life. My mother (and it must be said, by extension, my two older sisters) have offered me such unstinting and consistent love and support through every improbable decision I’ve made and every kooky bend and twist my life has taken, it’s really just impossible to repay such kindness. The best I can do is live this life as purely as I’m able, and hope it makes them happy, and even sneaks a little something into their karmic accounts.

 

I’ll be on your doorstep before you know it, Ma. I love you, and happy, happy birthday.

 

(“Oma” in the title refers to the German name that her grandchildren call her. The helpless addiction to puns is genetic. See previous paeon.)

Comments

[sisLaura]

Sweet entry! I'll deliver double hugs, along with the lemon sour cream pound cake topped with strawberries, today when I see her, to keep her until you can deliver yours yourself!

[Ma]

It's not nice to make your mother cry on her birthday! Thank you, Pig

[Sangye]

(I'm not even related and I'm sitting here blubbering)

In countless previous lives, you must have provided others (including of course, your mom and sisters) loving and supportive homes. Thanks for reminding us of the recipe.

[Konchog]

Um, it should be mentioned that "Pig" is a term of endearment. All members of my immediate family have an identifying animal. I came by "Pig" honestly, as you might imagine.

[Christian]

Happy birthday and many happy returns!!

[Konchog]

"Many happy returns" takes on new meaning as a Buddhist, doesn't it?

[Christian]

;-)

[Robert]

Very cool Mom! Very cool tattoo. Thanks for the link. I think this may be the guy to design my first tattoo. I'll be in London next week and maybe I can check it out.