This picture was taken February 16, 1944. My Mom was 20 years old. My brother was 7 months.My Mom and Dad met in March 1941. They married that July. He wanted a family and so did she. And a family they had.
Seven of us.
Their first daughter passed on the day she was born. Spina Bifida was not treatable back then. Mom held her baby as she died. My brother was born in '43, a sister in '46, two more boys in '50 and '53, me in '54 and my younger sister in '61.
My brother, Charles, passed in 1957. He was barely 13. Leukemia.
Mom had a rough childhood. She had a father who loved her dearly. He came to this country at the age of 18 and spoke no english. He learned it quickly, started a business, married and had two children. My grandmother left my mom and her brother when mom was 3 years old. Her father did his best as a single parent, but for a time Mom and my uncle stayed at a childrens home during the week and with her father on weekends.
It was hell, but I truly believe it is what made her such a wonderful Mother.
And she is. Truly.
Mom is now almost 83. She has had 4 strokes, uses wheels to get around (and we do get around!), lost her husband of 48 years in 1989, survived breast cancer surgery last year, has lost 2 children and 2 grand children - yet, this woman, this tower of strength has such a fantastic outlook on life. She always has a smile and a laugh when you need it.
We have so much fun together, even now. She loves to shop and has a watch fetish. One of every color and style I do believe. She loves anything to do with Native Americans (her Mother was part Cherokee). She likes to read, sew...and play computer games.
And she wants to live to be 100.
I think she'll make it. I hope she does. I can't imagine my life without her.
She has given me strength, laughter, hugs....love. She gives love so freely. No one is a stranger. Her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and even great great grandchild love her dearly.
We will all carry that love with us, long after she is gone. I will carry it with me always.
To my Mother, my best friend - I love you and thank you for all you are, have been, and will be.
5 comments:
So glad to see a new post from you and what a great one to find. Your mom sounds like a remarkable woman.
This is a classic tribute to your mother and quite appropriate for Mother's Day.
May God continue to bless your mother.
God bless.
What a sweet tribute to your Mom, she sounds like a remarkable woman.
That is beautiful :)
thanks for sharing.. just passing by on Blog Explosion.
Very nicely written! Sounds like a great lady! She seems to have a pretty good child too! (You. ;))
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