I know you’re thinking, “The first woman I loved”? Sounds interesting, huh? This is not a racy post, allow me to explain. While I love women… because let’s face it, that’s what I am and God made us rather special so naturally, the first woman I loved is my dear mother.
On Wednesday Medley hosted by Terri at Your Friend in Florida posed some great questions for Mother’s Day and instead of joining in the fun at that time I decided to reserve this set to share today.
1. Where did your mom grow up? My mother was born and raised in southern West Virginia up a little hollow called Groundhog, near Jolo (both ‘o’s are long). My first five years of life, I lived up that same hollow. Everyone knew where it was but in recent years I think that hollow was renamed.
2. Tell us about her siblings, if she has/had any. Did you have a favorite aunt or uncle? My mother is the oldest of 7. My grandparents had a kid every year. My mom’s brothers and sisters are in birth order or as close as I can remember are Minda, Freddie, Neal, Roger, Mary Lou, and Randy. It’s hard to say which is my favorite because they felt more like older siblings than uncles and aunts. I was really close to them, especially the youngest two.
3. What is ONE of your favorite memories you can share with us of your mom? My mother is only 16 years older than me. Yep, she was a super young mom. She got to grow up right along with me. That’s not an all bad thing because she had plenty of energy to deal with her kiddies. It was my mother who taught me how to do a cartwheel. When I was in elementary school on summer break, she’d be outside in the early evenings playing dodgeball in our yard with me and my friends. It was one of those warm nights just before the fireflies came out that she did a cartwheel across the yard. I was awed by this cool thing that she did and had to learn which I did with her help and a few tries.
4. Please share a picture or two of your mom with us.
This is the earliest picture of my mom. Seeing that she has her two front teeth, I figured she was in early elementary school. 🙂
Here is a Mother’s Day photo-creation from a few years ago of my mother and me.
In this recent picture, I borrowed it from my niece’s FB wall, is my mom and great-nephew. They share the same birthday separated by a few years. lol
5. Let’s not leave out the grandmothers. Share what you will. Thinking about my grandmother, I realize now that she wasn’t as old as I thought she was when I was little. Strange how time puts things into perspective. I think she was 18 when she got married. Assuming she had my mother by 19th bday then when I was born, she was around 33. That’s way younger than me and I just became a Mimi for the first time last October. WOW, makes me wonder how my little Angelina will see me when she’s a tot. I always perceived grandma as grouchy and not-so-warm but what I didn’t understand was, she was a mom of pre-teens and teenagers when I was a tot. I was a pretty grumpy mom when our kids were teens so I totally relate to what she was dealing with at the time. It wasn’t until after I was grown that I really saw the best side of my grandma’s sweet, loving nature. She had a heart of gold but I do have some fond memories from my early years. She taught me about Jesus’ love, to place my trust in Him for all things, and that I’m never alone even when I think that I am. Her heart/life foundation strongly built on Christ.
This is the earliest photo of my maternal grandma. It was made in my grandparents’ early years of marriage or during their courtship. I do not know.
I need to check with extended family while I can to collect more photos but have fallen short in doing this job. I need to make this a priority before the door closes. Here’s one of the last happy pictures I have of my grandparents. They look so sweet together. You can tell they are more than husband and wife but forever best friends.
I wasn’t especially close to my paternal grandma we called Nanny. She passed away in 1980 not too long after our first wedding anniversary. Leaning on limited memories of days gone by I see some things in my daddy that make me think of her. For instance, the way he smiles or laughs transports me back in time with only a tiny glimpse of her doing the same. Although her life was a hard one, you’d never know it by her happy nature.
This picture has to be from the late 20s or early 30s. Nanny is the heavier gal to the far right.
The only kinfolks I recognize in this photo from the 50s is Lige far left with Nanny on his left and my daddy her left. The young boy kneeling with the dark moppy bangs I believe is Daddy’s brother, Dee.
This is probably one of the last photos of Nanny. I remembered she was ill but I don’t think I understood the serious nature of her health. She had cancer. Do you see the picture on the mantle? That’s me! 😉
6. Do you have any special plans for Mother’s Day? Nope, I have nothing planned. I’m sure DH will treat me to a special day. He always does! I can’t say what my kids will do but they don’t put quite the emphasis on special occasions as I’d like. This is something that will change as they get older. I know it took me a while to fully grasp the importance of showing my parents appreciation. You just don’t realize all there is that a mom does for you until you are one. I know I was grateful and always said things like, I will do this and that differently or if that is my kid I’d do…but in reality, things change the moment you step into motherhood. The learning curve might be easy or it can take years to master if ever but whatever you do, your child finds fault with the way you handle his/her upbringing. All you can do is your best and when that child has children of his/her own, they’ll see the struggles, the sacrifices, and the love of a dear ol’ mom. That’s when the light in the attic goes on!
Dolly Parton’s song ‘Coat of Many Colors’ illustrates the love her mother showed her. While I didn’t grow up like Dolly there were hard times but I think of how difficult the days were for my mom and hers. So, I dedicate this song to my beautiful mother and to her’s who’s in heaven.
One more thing, Mother’s Day isn’t complete without giving a special nod to another woman who I am not related to but loved me like I was her daughter, my beautiful and kind late mother-in-law, Dorothy.
Honoring my mother trump regular blog posting, but not to worry my 4M mewsic goes live at 12 a.m., tomorrow morning. One more thing, please 🙏pray🙏 for Marie’s daughter. She’s having four brain tumors removed in the morning. That’s all I know. Marie flew to Missouri for a few days. Ask for God to guide the surgeon’s hands with precision and grace, as excellent medical care from nurses, technicians, and doctors. Thanks a bunch! For those looking to link up early, it’s right below. Don’t forget Michele’s theme for this week is ‘Body Parts Song Titles‘. Join us on the dance floor!