I like Saturday mornings. I watch the sunrise, without a sense of urgency. I can think my own thoughts and allow my mind to stray without a sense of hurry. I stay in the clothes, that I woke in, for a good while. This particular morning is warm and the sky doesn’t host a single cloud-and today, is mamas’ birthday.
Mama and daddy married very young. They married in 1958. They live where a pasture used to be on the farm, my mom grew up on, and still have the first phone number, they were ever issued. Daddy retired from a factory, he had worked at for thirty years. Mama kept the house, managed the money and raised three girls, in the process.
Tending the house, is no small matter, to me. I find it to be as noble a work as there is. Our house, was not a closet for accumulated possessions. The kitchen was not a pantry for pre-packaged foods. Laundry was done steadily and hung on a line, to dry in the sunshine. I did not ever wonder, if mama would be there, when I got off the school bus-she was, without fail. If one of us was sick, we did not go to school, hoping it would pass. She checked our homework, insisting it “was neat” as well as accurate. She taught us good manners. Manners that made us consider the needs of others. Good manners are really just that and we practiced them til they became our second nature. I believe now, that those early lessons, that became habits, have made all the difference-may be the biggest factor in my life, even now- for they were, lessons in compassion and respect, and nothing less.
Mama took us to church, every Sunday. I have the perfect attendance awards, to prove it. When we were young, mama made our dresses. I hated the measuring and trying on pinned up fabric-you were bound to get pricked, no matter how careful you were. This morning, when I remember that time, it humbles me without end.
When we went on vacation, mama packed an arsenal of snacks and little surprises for the children, as well as everything else. I am sure that all my sweet daddy had to do, was get in the car.
Sometimes, mama packed a picnic basket for us to eat outside on a blanket, by the edge of the woods, on the farm. She made cakes for special days and decorated them herself, without any formal training in that art, and did a fine job, whether they were heart shaped or looked like a rabbit. All details, belonged to mama, when I was growing up.
One Christmas, I suppose, money was scarce. As her children, we would not, have been troubled with such concerns. We were taught that waste was about sinful, in general. (I still think it is.) On Christmas morning, my sisters and I got dolls. Each doll had dozens of little dresses, bonnets and booties. We were thrilled and tried them all out that morning! We hoped for rain and snow-we hoped for cold days and nights, because our dolls had everything needed for such times. It was months later, I finally realised that the dresses our dolls wore, were of familiar fabrics. I would remember having a dress of the same cloth. I remembered an itchy fabric, I had worn now showing up in a coat for my doll. It was a Christmas miracle, I thought. How clever, Santa was this year. Mama, did not correct me. Years later, when the dolls laid motionless in boxes, under the bed-mama finally confessed, that money had been scarce that year, and so she set out on a mission, for her girls to have a Christmas, that did not tattle about that. It is one of the sweetest memories I have, and clearly indicates the “art of motherhood” done well.
Mamas’ career never ends. Her work, did not land her plaques to hang on the walls or “papers” that officially declared her competent, in some area. Mama had to know it all or learn quickly.
My mama is seventy five years old today-and as it turns out, her work, did pay off. Her daughters “rise and call her blessed”. Her promotion to “Nana” did finally happen, and now she has the daughter, of her own grand daughter that greeted this world, wrapped in a baby blanket, made by her hands. Mamas’ walls boast many awards now. Some have dark brown eyes and some have freckles. The latest has the bright blue eyes of her dad, and little baby teeth.
Of all the things this world offers, good parents, top the list, I think. Mama did not hesitate to sacrifice -nor gear up for battle, should an occasion warrant such measures. She “gave to this planet” by taking great care of “her charges” and then dismissed us to serve others, by her example. I do not believe, there is a more noble line of work.
Oh, such a beautiful post to your Mama. My mother is gone now, but she sounds so much like your mother. You were so blessed to have a mother who taught you values. Happy Birthday to your lovely mama.
Happy birthday to your mom! She sounds like a beautiful woman inside and out. Love the picture of her and the grandbaby.
My mom also made all of our clothing. I remember well, sitting in church and being poked by a pin that had been forgotten in the hemline.
My mom always made my cousin, who is 10 days younger than me a matching dress to mine. We felt like twins.
Happy birthday to your beautiful Mother! Your story made my eyes well up with joy today. Your mama and my mama are the same age and I too feel so blessed to have been raised by a loving mother who worked at home. I especially love the Christmas story -I hope you still have those little doll dresses to pass down, what treasures they must be.
I can’t wait til the end..this is so beautiful and very heartfelt.
Happy Birthday to a wonderful woman who brought you up.
Now I know why your heart is full of goodness, indeed Mothers are precious jewels and you discover their sparkle once you become a mother yourself.
High respect to you & to Motherhood.
Wishing you the warmest thoughts from Germany!
Your mother is beautiful and an example of a woman who was an everyday hero. If you remember, why not post a link to this post next Friday on Feminist Friday.
Michele, What a sweet tribute to your mother. I feel the same things about my mother. Although her work was not as difficult as your mother’s, she taught us the same things: manners, respect, importance of near perfect homework, and handmade is always better. You’re lucky that you still have her with you. And I’m sure that she’s quite happy that you learned so much from her.
Good seeing you briefly the other day at school, Monica
You don’t need to become a daughter or mother to appreciate Mom.
Sons that become fathers see all these things, though they may be slower to speak of them.
Please give your Mama a kiss from me.
I have many kisses saved up since my own left me.
Happy Birthday, Ms. Glynda!
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Such a beautiful post! Happy Birthday to your Mama who sounds like an incredible person.
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Oh, such a beautiful post to your Mama. My mother is gone now, but she sounds so much like your mother. You were so blessed to have a mother who taught you values. Happy Birthday to your lovely mama.
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thank you- I am blessed and it has made all the difference.
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Beautiful photo, beautiful lady, beautiful post! Happy Birthday from me too!
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such sweet words-thank you.
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Happy birthday to your mom! She sounds like a beautiful woman inside and out. Love the picture of her and the grandbaby.
My mom also made all of our clothing. I remember well, sitting in church and being poked by a pin that had been forgotten in the hemline.
My mom always made my cousin, who is 10 days younger than me a matching dress to mine. We felt like twins.
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of goodness-forgotten pins!! what sweet memories we have anyway!
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They are wonderful memories!
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A beautiful post to your mom and Happy Birthday to her!!
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I hope you shared this wonderful Birthday gift to her. Brings great memories to me.
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Happy birthday to your beautiful Mother! Your story made my eyes well up with joy today. Your mama and my mama are the same age and I too feel so blessed to have been raised by a loving mother who worked at home. I especially love the Christmas story -I hope you still have those little doll dresses to pass down, what treasures they must be.
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I have tears in my eyes! You have a beautiful mother, God bless her!!! This is such a touching story!!!
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oh you sweet dear! thank you! and you are right about my mother, xoxo
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I can’t wait til the end..this is so beautiful and very heartfelt.
Happy Birthday to a wonderful woman who brought you up.
Now I know why your heart is full of goodness, indeed Mothers are precious jewels and you discover their sparkle once you become a mother yourself.
High respect to you & to Motherhood.
Wishing you the warmest thoughts from Germany!
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one of the sweetest comments ever-thank you so very much for the kind and precious words! sweet wishes to you!
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You are welcome!
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Values in life never change or age
Happy birthday to MAMA!
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so very true! thank you and how kind to send mama a happy birthday-she loved that!
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Your mother is beautiful and an example of a woman who was an everyday hero. If you remember, why not post a link to this post next Friday on Feminist Friday.
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Happy Birthday to your mother! What a hard-working, resourceful and loving woman! This post is a wonderful gift to her.
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Thank you Ann-She did love it-and she deserved it!
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A beautiful post and tribute to your mother!
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thank you! I love kind words. you made me happy because you took the time to leave a gift. thank you
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You’re very welcome!😊
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Michele, What a sweet tribute to your mother. I feel the same things about my mother. Although her work was not as difficult as your mother’s, she taught us the same things: manners, respect, importance of near perfect homework, and handmade is always better. You’re lucky that you still have her with you. And I’m sure that she’s quite happy that you learned so much from her.
Good seeing you briefly the other day at school, Monica
Monica S. Ferrari 252-975-1698
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thank you! Good mothers are a precious gift! I was so glad to see you too!!
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Such a lovely post dedicated to your mother… I was also blessed with such a mother… Diane
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thank you-mothers like ours are blessings all of our lives!
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You don’t need to become a daughter or mother to appreciate Mom.
Sons that become fathers see all these things, though they may be slower to speak of them.
Please give your Mama a kiss from me.
I have many kisses saved up since my own left me.
Happy Birthday!
Paz
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you are so right. I have four sons and they are so loving-they are wonderful uncles too. thank you so much! I loved your sweet comment.
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What a beautiful post and beautiful lady… That smile!
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you are right about her smile! I have truly been blessed with my parents! thank you!
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Happy Belated Birthday to your beautiful mother!! Lovely post that brought back many wonderful memories of growing up in such a different time.
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It was a lovely time-it seemed safer and just more reliable. Thank you sweet Debra
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