As I contemplated this post for the last couple of days [since I had a minor emotional break-down in the post office parking lot because I saw a post office *Property of United States Government* pen... yeah, well, maybe you understand... maybe you don't] I'd considered using the photo of my mom taken when she was 27 and engaged to my Daddy... but then I thought, "No, I want to share the Momma I knew!"
I was born when mom was 39 [and Daddy was 55]. I've realized as I've gotten older what a burden I could have been to my family [sisters 10 and 8] but they never made me feel like I was anything less than the greatest thing that ever happened to our family... "They prayed for me!"
By the time I arrived Mom had raised her two younger brothers [her mother died when she was just 14] and then my sisters. I was definitely the beneficiary of all that experience. I was her #1 helper and companion. Whenever Mom got a calling in our little Branch it was always with the proviso that *little Joanie* would come along too.
I don't have many photos of Mom when I was little, but as I got older I was able to get her in front of the camera instead of always behind the camera.
This first photo was taken by me in our little front room about 1967. The beautiful curtains in the background were made by Mom and Sue (or maybe just Sue). I love how tanned Mom was... and her left arm was always more tanned than the right since she drove the rural mail route everyday [hence the break-down over a PO pen ;)]
In 1972 when our little Tony was born with severe complications and birth defects [see upcoming 4/21/09 post] Mom prayed, read Alma 32 on planting the seed of faith, jumped on a plane and came across the US to Portsmouth, VA be with us. Here she is, the proud Grammy [and what a wonderful Grammy she was] the first day Tony was out of the isolete, April 28, 1972.
Mom got the job of rural mail carrier in Greenville in 1962 and drove that 30 mile trip every Monday through Saturday for the next 15 years. That job was such a blessing in our lives. Mom was closer to home now that it was just she and I left at home. This is a snapshot taken by one of her coworkers outside the back door of the Greenville post office in 1972.
Mom was synonymous with playing the piano. She filled our home with music and happiness. I love the hours we spent singing around the piano. I can close my eyes and see my Momma's hands on the keyboard. This is a photo taken Christmas 1974 with little Rebekah helping her Grammy make beautiful music.
I've spent well over half my life without my Momma here. Yes, I've missed her and every year on her birthday I think how nice it would be to sit down with her and have one more piece of fresh strawberry pie with her and give her a wonderful, warm and loving birthday hug and kiss...
I love you , Momma...
FONTS- Problem Secretary, CK Cursive, BRUSH- KPertiet_LedgerFrames, KPertiet_StackedPhotoFramesNo2-2
7 comments:
Joanie, thank you so much. You are right! This is the Mom I remember too!
I have been thinking about Mom for the last week, thinking we ought to have a birthday party for her -- Instead we are having Grannie Camp here for Sam's kiddies -- No doubt an outgrowth of Mom's Grammy trips when we had our babies. So Happy Birthday, Mom!
And thank YOU Joanie, for your wonderful pics, as usual!
What happy memories you share. Such a blessing to come from all happy childhood memories. One of the many things we have in common. Happy Birthday Joanies mom.
What a sweet, lovely tribute to your mother. Joanie, I never knew her but this post you did in honor of her put a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. I KNOW she is so proud of her little Joanie and the woman you are and I'd like to thank her pesonally for giving us YOU.
Love ya,
Sheri
Now I am in tears. My mom's birthday is tomorrow - I lost her almost 3 years ago. I too have been thinking alot about my mom, how I miss her and wish she were here to enjoy my beautiful children! Thank goodness for the gospel and our Father's beautiful plan!
What a beautiful post and beautiful Mama. Thank you for sharing.
Oh Joanie. the second that I saw that picture of your momma, I got goosebumps. I so remember your Momma. Especially when I went to church with Mary Lou Parsons. Your Momma was so very special. I remember her kindness and love for others....
Karen
I wish I could have known her. I was just toooooo tiny when she passed away...but I have a feeling when I meet her, it'll be like, "Oh, yeah, hey Grammy. Good to see you again!" Because I really do know her, I know how she feels at least. But it still would have been nice to know her here...she was so loved by everyone.
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