Happy Mother's Day! Can I have some money?

Last weekend my fiance, Seth, and I drove to my homeland - also known as Chapman, Kan. - to visit my mom on Mother's Day.
I could not wait to get out of town.
It had been at least two months since I'd seen my mom and much too long since I'd talked to her on the phone. I was definitely going through mom withdrawals.
My mom is the kind of woman who just makes everything OK.
Don't picture her as June Cleaver, though. She doesn't bake much, her house is not immaculate, and she does not wear belted-dresses and heels.
She teaches first graders all day and has for decades. She likes exploring with her students and doesn't hesitate to pick up a harmless snake or a toad to give the kiddos a better look.
She has a simple, direct wisdom about her and a lot of times it's just what I need to get my perspective straight.

My mom, the rodeo queen

So on Sunday, I rushed Seth out of church and we headed toward Chapman - which is about an hour and a half away.
Before we left town, we gassed up.
We had about half a tank, but Seth has this thing about NOT running out of gas - or even really getting close - so we filled up.
Since it was my mom, my hometown - I paid.
The numbers rolled. And rolled. And rolled.
When the pump finally clicked off I saw the damage - $50. For half a tank of gas!
I have to admit, it kind of knocked the wind out of me.
During the drive up to Chapman I contemplated whether my trips home were going to have to be fewer and farther between. I couldn't imagine cutting back on my visits home, but the fact that prices will continue to increase would creep back into my mind, reminding me that "You can't afford this."
We pulled into mom's driveway just before lunchtime. She came out with her bare feet and gave us both a hug. We had a great lunch of pork chops, and asparagus straight from her garden.
Seth quickly found a book and a couch to occupy his afternoon and I helped mom plant some flowers. We ran errands and laughed and talked and played with the dogs. She listened to my worries and, as usual, gave me some perspective.
When we pulled out of her driveway that evening, I was feeling more relaxed and happier than I had for weeks.
And it occurred to me that, in this time of rising costs - specifically the cost of gasoline - there are some things I am unwilling to give up to save a buck. Or 50.
-EH