Mother
Generous. Warm. Loving. Gifted. Invariably kind. Always hospitable.
When I remember Mother, I think of wonderfully creative, yet homey, delights. Sugar Easter Egg Dioramas. Cupcake Easter baskets…frosted in white topped with green-tinted shredded coconut and tiny jelly bean eggs. Sugar ice cream cones turned upside-down, frosted green and decorated as edible Christmas trees. Light-as-air baked meringue cups filled with lemon custard. Homemade candles adorned with holly. Handmade felt angels lovingly embroidered to hang on the Christmas tree. Carefully sewn horse-heads to turn candy canes into stick horses. Tiny treasures to delight her children and grandchildren.
I can’t count the number of toys she created when my children were small…from a line of tiny dolls carefully stitched together to hang across the crib to the pterodactyl that guarded my pre-teen son’s room. Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls for my boy / girl twins. A stuffed leopard for my youngest daughter’s first birthday, eliciting a delighted cry of “Bup!”…a name the toy still carries.
Whether she worked in the kitchen to create a treat that would disappear in an instant, or with needle and thread to create a lasting memory, Mother always labored in love. We never doubted that we were precious. She had a gift for making everyone feel worthwhile and worthy, capable of conquering the world.
I have a good friend who had a wretched childhood. “Mother” is a dirty word for her. I mourn for her, for all the love and laughter she missed, for all the things she never experienced that I simply accepted as the way life works. I’ve always known that my parents were the best, but knowing my friend has given me a deeper appreciation of the wonderful couple who brought me into this world. Because of my parents I began my life blessed. Because of my mother I continue to believe I can accomplish anything.
I remember her hair – impeccable always. I remember how she doted on your father! I had never seen ANYTHING like that before! I remember how soft spoken yet strong she was – and always welcoming me into your home. I think she was always in the kitchen when I was there! And after reading your memories, now I have a better understanding of where your crafting abilities came from!
Happy memories. Thank you for posting, Sally.
What I remember most about your mom was being our Sunday School teacher. You could not get away with ANYTHING when Mrs. Logan was teaching. She also introduced me to the term of endearment – “Little Missy” which was usually followed by a stern look and a warm smile. I knew she meant business when she had that look in her eye.
I also remember what soft skin your mother had – especially when she gave hugs for a scrapped knee or a perceived injustice from a peer.
There have been two women in my life that were role models for me about living life, having a family, and being a good person. Aunt Dorothy is one and your mom was the other.
She will be missed and rembmered by those whose lives she touched.
Thank you, Lynette
Debbie, how lucky you are to have such wonderful memories of your mother! Although I never knew your mother, it is clear to me that you got many of your parenting skills from her! Treasure your memories!
Thanks for stopping by, Martha.
I’m so sorry you lost your Mom. She sounded like a lovely person!
Melisse
So very sorry for your loss. What a beautiful memorial to her. I love the words you’ve chosen to honor her. Very poignant indeed. It gives me pause to reflect on my mother and step-mother. A blessing for me, both are, for certain.
God comfort you in your grief.
Debbie, this is a wonderful tribute to the love you both had/have for each other. I am so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. The world will shine a little less for her departure, but the memories you and her loved ones carry forward will ensure that her story lives on. Her incredible legacy will go forward as stewards and authors of the still unfolding chapters of the amazing life she created. Although she has gone, her life story if far from over.
My thoughts are with you and your family and friends.
Debbie, your mother sounds likes she was a wonderful person. May you always keep those precious memories in your heart.