There are lots of other pictures that I might have chosen to honor my mother on what would have been her 110th birthday. This particular picture reminds me that even as her journey on earth neared its end, her eyes and spirit shined brightly.
My wife, Glenda, who is to the left of my mother developed a special relationship with my mother after her own mother died fourteen years earlier.
The fact is my mother was special to many people who she gathered under her wings. She helped raise many more children than just me. She was instrumental in making certain that more than a few children made the right decisions at an early age.
She was always there for our family. Sometimes she said the wrong thing but that never diminished how much she cared for her extended family.
If I had to think of one thing that mother drummed into me, it would be the absolute necessity of treating everyone fairly. Mother rarely refused any favor asked of her, but she also expected everyone to hold up their end of the bargain. She sometimes had a hard time forgiving those whom she believed had taken advantage of her or any of her family. She did soften a little as she got older, but she never lost her edge.
Mother believed in hard work and expected that hard work to be rewarded even if it was only a kind word. She also believed that when all else failed that you should be proud of your own work and let that be your reward. She worked harder and longer than almost anyone I have ever met.
If mother were still alive, and her cancer doctor said she would likely have lived to 110 if she hadn't smoked for several decades, we would be having a party today with a cake and presents. I wish she was still here so that we could ask her advice. She always had an opinion and her advice was usually very good. She would also be another vote for the good guys in the upcoming election. She pronounced Richard Nixon a crook long before he was caught.
In some ways, mother is with us. I did not fall very far from the tree. Also many of our everyday tasks, whether cooking or gardening seem to remind us of her. Then there are the many small and some large things that mother loved which are still with us. I just scrubbed one of mother's favorite pots which we use at least a couple times a week.
Today 110 years after she was born, my mother is still a part of our lives. I would not have it any other way and I am certain my wife and our children feel the same way. I am sorry that she never got to meet her great grandchildren. When they are a little older, I have some videos of mother that might be a start at helping them understand what a great lady they have in their family tree.
Beautiful tribute to your mom, David. Sounds like she was an incredible person.
Posted by: Andy McKinnon | August 23, 2020 at 11:51 AM