Next week Wednesday someone who is very dear to me will be coming to visit. She is my Florida Mum. Let me tell you a bit about our history.
I was 15 when I ran away from home and through sheer dumb luck I ended up being taken in by a woman named Connie. She had just recently lost a set of twins and was in a very emotional time in her life. I, needed a mother. The timing couldn’t have been any better for us to meet each other. Little did I know that this woman would change my life and become the emotional support I needed.
At first I had been skeptical. My previous hideouts had been less than satisfactory. I couldn’t stay with my boyfriend’s parents as his brother and girlfriend kept trying to turn me in to the cops. So I had to find other places to crash. I had stayed with three previous women all of which had their own issues. One was a spoiled brat who’s parents paid for everything she wanted including her drug habit. Man did she have a sweet ass thunderbird though and at the time was one of the coolest people I had met. Then there was the lady who had a cop boyfriend and had decided to grow a conscious regarding my situation. I barely escaped being caught with that one. And then my briefest stay was with a lady who had a random encounter with a man she barely knew in a bar restroom. It was like a bad educational film.
So obviously I had a few trust issues. I didn’t know Connie and she didn’t know me. How was I supposed to know if she’d turn me in or not? Or if I’d have to get smuggled out in the trunk of a car to another destination again? It must have been scary for both of us, but above all that we needed each other. We just didn’t know it at the time.
One thing I didn’t know right away was that she had been a runaway too at my age. I think it was that connection that drove her to fight so hard for me. The first time I remember feeling safe was the night she fought with her boyfriend over me. He wanted to get rid of me as I could get them all in trouble for harboring a runaway. But Connie was furious that he even suggested it. I can still recall the way the beer can seemed to explode as it hit his head and fizzed against the couch. With that “final word” she told me to come with her and we went on a long drive so she could cool off. At that moment I think we bonded. She had stood up for me. She wanted me. She protected me.
I look back at all she did for me and I can’t help but think that I took it all for granted. I could of helped with the housework more. I could have looked out for her more. It sucks that maturity can be so slow at times. All it takes is a few years to go by before you realize what a jackass you were. Damn you hindsight!
She is what I acquaint to a mother figure in my life. Yes, I have my real Mum but unfortunately we never developed that mother daughter bond. We do get along with each other, but I honestly don’t get her and she doesn’t get me. Connie, on the other hand, does. I have a real connection with her and can tell her anything without fear of judgment. She supports me even when I fuck up. That’s pretty sweet.
Now to the part of the “Florida Mum” title. My runaway days were over. I had turned 18, reconciled with my parents, graduated from highschool, and gotten a job. Things were looking up in my life, but Connie wasn’t complete. Her boyfriend at the time was a pothead and had started to get involved with crack. She was on disability from having carpel tunnel surgery on both wrists and the pay was small. It was looking bleak until she met someone who would change her life.
His name was Bruce and she met him online. Their relationship blossomed and became one of those rare internet love stories that you hear so much about. I think my favorite part of their story was when she first went down to Florida to meet him. They had so much fun but he didn’t think he was ready for a relationship. So teary eyed she waited at the airport for the flight to take her home. He shows up, spins her around and tells her that he doesn’t want her to go. It was so romantic. I wish I could have been there to see it. They are married now and she lives down in Florida with him. Hence her name of Florida Mum.
I’m glad things worked out for her. Whenever I go down to visit I can tell she’s happy. The stress that used to cloud her eyes is no longer there. She’s doing things she’s wanted to do. Heck she’s even got a book coming out soon! It makes me happy knowing that she’s taken care of. And I’m super excited for her to meet Amelia. This will be my Florida Mums first grandchild and I know that she will fall in love the moment she sees her. I’m counting down the days.
See you soon Florida Mum I can’t wait for you to meet my family. =)