The sun blazed in the searing sky over the mid Texas town of Mineral Wells. Dead brown grass crackled under our feet as we walked the perimeter of the small piece of land.
Annoyed as I was in my teenage ire, I rebelled by not paying attention. As much as I loved my mom and wanted to care, the most important thing in the world seemed to be my comfort - or lack thereof. Little matter that she was enduring what I was as well to impart whatever it was she was trying to get across by being out there on that God awfully hot day, I would rather not hear it.
So, I have only a vague recollection of her explaining that she owned some mineral rights to this land, and that someday I would, too. I think Granny bought them.
About twenty five years later, the checks started coming. Nothing hefty or life changing in the sense that I could now retire or anything remotely close, but, enough that it did make a small dent in my tiny budget. Some months it made the difference between a bounced check fee or not, or another trip to the grocery store.
I think when I got my first check Mom had been gone about four years. I am once again humbled by her competence and nurturing. As much as I felt she didn't take care of me in so many ways, she is still taking care of me from beyond.
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