Mama had a birthday. Last Friday, she turned eighty years old. In light of that, My sisters and I, after months of deliberation, decided to take Mama to see her cousin, Yvonne. We had a car packed by ten am, on that day to head to Salter Path, NC.
Salter Path is situated on a small island just an hour , and the best part of another, from Mama’s house. Yvonne and her family, have called it home for more than fifty years-in fact, they are a well known family there -and not only because of their well established shrimping business, nor because of their admirable work ethic, but also because they are good people.
In summers, long past, Cousin Yvonne would load her car up with her four children and hid inland to see all of us. I loved those days. The cousins and I would play in the shade. Angela and were close in age, so we were fast friends. We wrote letters for years, as children rarely used a phone. The boys were so cute-and quiet. They weren’t nearly as rambunctious as every male cousin, inland. The baby Debra Lynn, was adored by all of us. It was always a grand event, when they visited. Cousin Yvonne was and is a happy, smiling person. She is Mamas’ first cousin, and the granddaughter of “Mama Hodges”. She was the least stern of the adult relatives and because of that, we were “good as gold” in her presence.
Mama and her sweet cousin kept in contact, but visits became few and far between. I suspect , we kids kept them busy. At long last, we were united again, for Mamas’ birthday. It was as if, we had not spent years apart. Right off, we were crying and chattering. It felt like a “homecoming”, of sorts. . .it felt like it was everybodys’ birthday!
They are a loving lot to one another. They were to us, too. We left their home on the blue sound, tumbling by, with lovely memories-and shrimp! . . .vowing to visit more, as we ought to.
Now nothing else could compare to that afternoon, but we had several nice meals at some local restaurants and one morning, we went to the beach. We visited several shops. One night we took a personality test. That was interesting. My results were quite accurate. I have taken this same one before, and as it turns out, I am still a procrastinator and I still can’t bear lists nor schedules.
We came home on Sunday. It was another spring like day. We all dreaded parting and whined about it as we tidied up the cottage. We all agreed that this was time well spent . . .and that Mama had enjoyed her birthday.
Monday came along-and that changed everything. Even the chill of February returned. Now, there were routines to follow and housekeeping. I am quite satisfied with my work and even the chores of tending a house, but often I thought of my cousins and I missed them. I thought of Mama, turning eighty. Of course, the world is full of frightening news-and I thought of that, too. What a contrast of things to consider.
Life can be very somber sometimes. The last few years, have been somber ones. Fear and anger have resulted in a sort of chaos. This lingers heavily. If there has ever been a time for us to examine and define as precisely as we can, what we love, what we truly value and what matters most to us, it is now. Somehow, in this time of suspicion, greed and all sorts of division, we must seek that “peace that passeth understanding” with a zeal. In some way, all the static, seems to make this effort, easier, for the circumstances almost implore us, to do so. Whether we want to or not, we will discover who we are. Dire circumstances tend to sharpen with precision, our senses . It is as if, the truth pierces obstructions, to find us.
To counter, all of the harshness, I strive to maintain some sort of balance, in hopes it will preserve my sanity. For this reason, I look for violets, and sprouting lilies. I listen to music and read inspiring passages. I think how Mama was so happy on her birthday weekend. I plan for Hayleys’ wedding celebrations. I hope to paint a picture soon, and if all else fails . . . I think of my loved ones . . and I will remember my cousins.
What a special and lovely visit. Your Mom is blessed to have you and your thoughtfulness. Spring is trying so hard to come in but the cool temps just keep knocking her back. Living in this old cold house gets harder every year and I once loved Winter. Aren’t we glad each season has it’s own time space. At least here in the South we have seasons. I can’t imagine living where things in Nature never change.
What a nice birthday presents for your mother. I will be turning 80 at the end of this year. Makes a person look back and long for the days when it was easier for families to get together. A very nice postt Michele.
Oh Peggy-you are so right. I have been remembering many wonderful seasons-prompted by birthdays, and these times. God bless you and thank you-love Michele
Oh, so sweet! Had tears in my eyes as I read this. A very happy birthday to your mother, and I hope that from time to time, if the drive isn’t too much for your mother, that you can slide in an occasional visit to cousin Yvonne. I had to giggle at your character traits because I share many of them. I am no lover of lists, but, alas, the ageing memory now requires them. 😉
I will plan supper down to every detail-but I AL@YS owe some place money . . or else! and will never be five minutes early for anything! haha! Thank you Laurie for your kind words. love Michele
What a fantastic celebration y’all had for your mother! It was marvelous that you could make that visit — special place for a special time. Like Peggy, I’ll be 80 at the end of the year.
I’m so glad you had a chance to see your cousins again, and what a wonderful way to celebrate your mother’s special birthday! I also agree that hard time help us focus on what, and who, is truly important. That’s a very wise and productive response to our troubled world, I think.
It sounds like you had a wonderful time. It is special to get together with family that we haven’t seen for awhile…. and you’re right about somehow finding peace ‘in the storm’ by finding things in our lives to treasure… Diane
What a lovely, thoughtful and caring post. Thanks for sharing it. Glad you and your mother got to spend time with family. We soldier on as human beings, hoping our better angels will come to the fore when we interact with others and ourselves.
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What a special and lovely visit. Your Mom is blessed to have you and your thoughtfulness. Spring is trying so hard to come in but the cool temps just keep knocking her back. Living in this old cold house gets harder every year and I once loved Winter. Aren’t we glad each season has it’s own time space. At least here in the South we have seasons. I can’t imagine living where things in Nature never change.
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What a nice birthday presents for your mother. I will be turning 80 at the end of this year. Makes a person look back and long for the days when it was easier for families to get together. A very nice postt Michele.
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Oh Peggy-you are so right. I have been remembering many wonderful seasons-prompted by birthdays, and these times. God bless you and thank you-love Michele
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Oh, so sweet! Had tears in my eyes as I read this. A very happy birthday to your mother, and I hope that from time to time, if the drive isn’t too much for your mother, that you can slide in an occasional visit to cousin Yvonne. I had to giggle at your character traits because I share many of them. I am no lover of lists, but, alas, the ageing memory now requires them. 😉
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I will plan supper down to every detail-but I AL@YS owe some place money . . or else! and will never be five minutes early for anything! haha! Thank you Laurie for your kind words. love Michele
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Dark times remind us always vividly of what is really important. Happy birthday to your mom! X
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What a fantastic celebration y’all had for your mother! It was marvelous that you could make that visit — special place for a special time. Like Peggy, I’ll be 80 at the end of the year.
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I have quite an affection for eighty year olds! Thank you sweet Anne love Michele
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I’m so glad you had a chance to see your cousins again, and what a wonderful way to celebrate your mother’s special birthday! I also agree that hard time help us focus on what, and who, is truly important. That’s a very wise and productive response to our troubled world, I think.
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so good to hear from you Ann! We must all focus on all the goodness we can find-you are “goodness” for me. love Michele
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I am so glad you helped your Mom have such a wonderful Birthday. I can’t believe we are 80! But the age of our children speaks differently!
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You are so right-None of us can believe that either of you are eighty. I am glad you have one another. Thank you! love always to you
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What a wonderful family celebration and reflection.
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thank you Jnnie
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You’re welcome, Michele!
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Love your story’s .
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thank you
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It sounds like you had a wonderful time. It is special to get together with family that we haven’t seen for awhile…. and you’re right about somehow finding peace ‘in the storm’ by finding things in our lives to treasure… Diane
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Happy Birthday to your mama! PS I love violets!
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What a lovely, thoughtful and caring post. Thanks for sharing it. Glad you and your mother got to spend time with family. We soldier on as human beings, hoping our better angels will come to the fore when we interact with others and ourselves.
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Amen to your words. thank you so much for your sweet comment. I am late on replying, but please know that you added some light to this day. x Michele
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I have sequestered my mind from the troubles of the world, and keep my eyes trained on the sparrow.
Peace that transcends is within us.
Love,
Scott
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