I am so blessed that I am still able to laugh with her, to cry with her...and even to sing with her. Mom had a difficult time showing her affection for us...she was not a demonstrative woman...not comfortable with any kind of touching. We always knew she loved us...even without these tactile actions. She was always at our events...cheering us on. She would relentlessly work with us on our spelling and grammar homework (Thank goodness for that!). She was our cheerleader...she even taught me how to do a cartwheel (I was 14...she was almost 50!) She sewed tiny Barbie clothes for my dolls...and matching outfits for my friend's dolls. She made thousands and thousands of cupcakes, tea sandwiches, and cookies for our school programs...scouts...classrooms. She welcomed our friends into our home...cooked for them...and encouraged so many of them. She even fed my big brother's college football team for several days...and boy could these guys EAT!!! She taught me a lot about being a mom. And I am very grateful for her....
But there were many other "mothers" in my life...Women who stepped into her shoes when she wasn't there...women who filled in the gaps where she was not able to do so...
There was Miss Frances... She was my first grade teacher. Everyday she gave me a warm hug...and told me that I was special. Many years later, she was my supervising teacher...and she still gave me hugs and encouragement. Then, upon graduation from college, she became my co-worker. Again, Miss Frances hugged me everyday and told me I was SPECIAL. She was a great encourager to me.
Aunt V taught me to hug...and to tell others "I love you!" She even stood up for me when my parents yelled at me for sitting on my fiance's lap...just weeks before our wedding!!! (We weren't supposed to show affection in public...now can you see why hugging is sometimes difficult for me?)
There was my sister-in-law. She filled the role of "big sister" and explained many life experiences a mother would usually share ...My SIL came into my life when I was quite young. She taught me how to apply makeup...how to talk with boys...how to be "me". She listened to me...answered my questions...made me feel like I was truly special. She was my very best friend during some of my most trying years of growing up...
Honor was another special "Mom"...she invited me into her home several times to teach me skills like baking bread and "putting up" jelly. We had many a tea party...just we two. During these times, she helped me accept...and to actually celebrate... my awkward height (5'9" in 7th grade...all arms and legs!) She taught me to walk tall and straight. All my friends were petite and cute...the adults just loved to hug them...but not me. I think I put a wall all around me...but Honor breached that wall and taught me how to demonstrate love and grace.
There was the cafeteria lady at my Jr High School...she always made my "favorite" cookies and sent them to me in college...for my friends to share. She made, not only me, but all my friends feel special with that little touch of "home"!
When I moved to PA...far, far from home...while pregnant with my first son...Louisa, the minister's wife, "adopted" me. She was always there to answer questions, to wipe tears, to hold my hands when I was fearful. She taught me to love unconditionally...she taught me the meaning of hospitality and the true meaning and importance of fellowship...
When we moved to our current home, Miz Becky adopted our family, becoming a grandmother, of sorts, making each of our boys, and me, feel welcome. She stopped by with goodies for the boys...hired my youngest to catch lizards on her lanai...listened with endless patience to my eldest as he regaled her with stories...And she encouraged me through my years of home teaching my boys!
There were many more Moms in my life....to those who I have mentioned...and to all the other wonderful women in my life....
THANK YOU!!!
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!
Jane
11 comments:
Hello Drummer Mum...that is how I always think of you, sorry I haven't visited for ages. I Love this post, and so lovely to honour all the "mothers" in your life. Hope you have a wonderful day my friend xxxx Katherine
What a nice post, Jane...lucky you, to have so many moms. I enjoyed meeting your mom at your art house show...such a tiny little thing!
Oh Jane, what a beautiful, thoughtful post, it made me think of all the other women in my life who left such an impression and helped mold me into the person I am today.
The first was my kindergarten teacher, who I bit on the first day of school and ran all the way home to my mother. I guess you could say she was the first one to let me know that I didn't need to cling to my mom, that she would be there waiting when I got home from school and that she would always be there throughout my life, even now, mom's spirit guides me.
Thanks for making me remember Mrs. Ralston today and all the other women in my life — like YOU!
Hugs and Happy Mother's Day!
I know your Mom had to be fabulous, because she raised a delightful daughter! Love reading this perspective and appreciating the other women in my life who helped shaped me and my life!! Thank you for sharing, sweetie!
Hugs to you! And Happy Mother's Day wishes!
Becky
What a beautiful post Jane! I too have had many moms in my life. Some are still in my life but others have moved on or passed away but each had a role in shaping me into the mother I became and the woman that I am today.
I hope you had a fabulous Mother's Day!
Hugs,
Tracy
thanks so much for the cinnamon trick. will try.
anna
Happy belated Mother's day - I loved reading your toast to all the moms who have enriched your life - each one of whom probably didn't even realize the role they were playing in enriching your life.
Very touching!
Jane, I really enjoyed reading your perspective on honoring ALL the mothers you've had! That is so special and endearing. You have such a big heart, with a great capacity to love. Each of these women were and are blessed to have you in their lives as well <3 Your Mom sounds like an incredible lady too. Those non touchy types are sometimes the solid foundation that give security and dependability.
YOU also are an outstanding MOTHER! I admire the mother you are. Happy Mother's Day!
It seems you have been very lucky to have a life surrounded by amazing women!
It reminded me of my mother who's staying 1500 Km away from me. It's been a long time I had not met her. And your story makes me emotional.
What a very sweet post! You are lucky to have so many beautiful "moms" in your life! Everyone has so much to teach us:)
I think you are a fantastic mother too!!!
Happy Belated Mother's Day!!!
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