She also loved to read novels. Romance novels to be precise. She would sit, so engrossed, somehow able to tune out my whines of "Mommy. Mommy. Mommy" for at least a few minutes.
She was a teacher. What was then called a "Resource Teacher." She didn't deal with severe special needs, more learning disabled kids. They all loved her.
She grew up on a farm in New Jersey. She could ride and jump horses, although I never saw her do that as an adult. She would talk about the hardness of being a kid on a farm, the pain in the ass jobs. I've always thought it would be wonderful.
She was barely 5'1''. Just scraped it. I was a head taller then she was when she died. At 11 I looked down at her. But she had the spirit of a woman who was 6' tall. She didn't let people intimidate her because she was small.
She had a great imagination. When we would go out on the sailboat for the weekend, she would spin yarns for my brother and me. I try to make up stories for my kids sometimes - and wonder at how she was able to create things so easily. She would read aloud to us as well. We have a picture somewhere of my brother and I on either side of her, sitting on the boat, with her reading Pippi Longstocking to us. I love that picture.
She was creative in other ways too. I guess I would call her "crafty" nowadays. She sewed, did needlepoint, could figure out ways to keep us occupied on rainy days without turning to the TV. (Another trait I don't seem to have!)
She was taken from us twenty-seven years ago this past week. Suddenly. Her heart failed, and subsequently ripped ours' out. Over the years, I have gone through many ups and downs remembering her, as anyone would losing their Mom at such an early age. The shock, the terrible grief and pain, the anger. Mostly now I get sad about the fact that I never knew her as an adult. I never got to hang out with her and have a couple of glasses of wine and just talk. But I can remember her, and all that made her such a wonderful woman. And I can share those things.
My Mom, at the helm.
17 comments:
I'm still laughing about the chisel! That picture says almost as much about her as your touching words.
A really touching tribute. I am so sorry for your loss. My grandmother died when my mom was just twelve. I've missed never getting to know her and the exceptional woman that she was. Our daughter is named after her. I'm so glad you have those beautiful treasured memories.
She was definately a special woman. A beautiful and touching tribute.
She was an amazing woman who found nothing that she could not do. I am very blessed that she left me you and Jeff. A beautiful tribute to a loving mother.
XXXOOO,
Dad
ok i seriously have tears in my eyes - that was absolutely beautiful - thinking bout you!! love you!!
Kelly
A gorgeous post. It's a rare thing, to be able to write like that and give others an understanding of who a person was. I feel honored to know a little bit of your mom.
That was beautiful. I often wonder how my children will remember be when they are grown, what memories will stand out.
My father's death is still one of the most painful things in my life. It's hard for me to write about it. I miss him desperately.
I was ok til I read Burt's comment.
Sigh.
Bittersweet, but what lovely memories.
I suspect she knows she was loved.
I loved this post (and the picture). She sounds like she was such a vibrant person - I wish you could have kept her so much longer. It's not fair.
I can't imagine being without my mother. Although I mock her endlessly, I really do love and appreciate her. I'm sorry you lost her so early.
One of my biggest fears is losing my mother. The other is my children losing me.
Much love to you and the memory of your beautiful mother.
Beautiful job of showing us your mom. Such a sad loss. I love the picture - your words capture her spirit that shines through in the picture.
This is a beautiful tribute. Incredibly lovely. So is that photo. There's something quite regal about it.
That's a beautiful picture of your mom. How wonderful to have those memories to hold on to.
Our mother's must have taken the same cooking class.
Beautiful post.
Simply beautiful.
Thanks for sharing your mom.
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