I have said so many, MANY times before that things come full
circle in life. I am experiencing yet another one of those situations as I now
live again with my mother for a time.
Her house is quaint, one that anyone would love living in because it has
charm and a warmth that only a Mother can provide. I have needed this warmth
and time of healing for a very long time, and there is no one else that can do
this for me like my Mother.
Mom is a funny sort, literally funny. She laughs and we laugh together,
she is a jokester at heart. Growing up with my Mom has so many delightful
memories..she loved playing tricks on people, silly things that kept everyone
in stitches, fake throw up by the toilet, fake mice that she hooked up by a
string, hid and then as you walked by she would pull it across in front of you, and you danced like nobody’s business; and loads creating an explosion in cigarettes
of co-workers at Evan’s Grain where she worked for 18 years.
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| A typical look from Mom |
After Evan’s Grain Mom joined Phazes Salon & Day Spa and
spent 24 years by my side. At times tensions were high because we were so consumed with business. No one had our back like my Mom. She always
stood for principle and at times would challenge an employee or customer if
they were taking advantage of us. She is a woman that never backs down on what
she believes in, and family blood runs through her veins more than anyone I
know. She will defend her children, grandchildren, parents and siblings like no
bodies business. In truth she’s not always popular, because she says what she
feels and lives what she preaches. I find this rare these days.
The integrity and commitment I have in my life is due to the
example she has set for our family and me. This is a woman that hates pomp and
circumstance, particulary if it is over her. I admire that in this day and age
when so many of us seek the approval and attention from worldly matters.
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| Sherry, Mom and me |
I never comprehended how much my mother loved me until I had
my first born son T.J.. I remember calling my Mom from the hospital after I
delivered and saying to her, “I never knew you loved me this much.” The love of
a mother is second to none, other than God’s love for us, which, I suppose, is
uncomprehendable. He did give us families after all. I cannot imagine life
without my family, and I am sure you feel no different. I have been blessed
with not just good parents but great parents. They started as teenagers back in
the 50’s. Times were different then and work was a plenty. I know few women
that worked harder up until she retired than my Mom. This woman labored and
found satisfaction in it. She began working full time when I was 3 years old.
When she came home from work she cleaned and cooked (another second to none),
sewed clothes for us kids, washed window every month, played with us, talked to
us, took Sherry and I shopping and made family trips fun.
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| Another typical scene..Mom cooking in the kitchen. (look at those homemade rolls) |
My Mom is grey now and still beautiful, and, I know my mother will die some day, and I will miss her
terribly. It will also be a day of celebration for her because she will be able
to rest from her labors. She has sacrificed much and deserves rest from this
world. That may sound morbid for we are uncomfortable speaking of death but I have
become somewhat comfortable with the thoughts of a beautiful life after death.
I have many loved ones on that other side and someday we will all join them..
and Oh what a good day that will be!
