Today is 5-Minute Friday. Lisa-Jo challenges us to write for 5 minutes without any forethought or critiquing. She provides the prompt, and today’s is: My Mama Did …
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My Mama worked whatever shift needed to help provide for her family. When I was young, she worked a night shift at the hospital and slept during the day (the best she could with a young child in the house). I can remember sitting in front of the TV watching Captain kangaroo while Mama slept on the couch. The television was probably my entertainment while she attempted to rest.
My Mama loved the sun and even though she didn’t know how to swim, she had an in-ground swimming pool built when I was around the age of 13 (yay ME). She would float for hours in the shallow end, soaking up as much sun as possible.
She was very proud of her yard and attempted to make it look like a Southern Living snapshot (in spite of my Daddy’s little hoarding thing he had going on behind the fence near his tool house).
Mama had a tradition of making cheese wafers, sausage balls, and trail mix at Christmas. I didn’t realize until later years just how much Mama loved Christmas! It was by far her favorite holiday! She would decorate every room of the house. All candles were switched to red, all sconces were adorned with bows, garland dangled over several doorways, mistletoe was hung, and snowmen + Santa’s took over her home. She had a very special nativity scene that was almost magical to me when I was young. Being a child, it was just the right size for my curious hands, but I was never allowed to play with it (ceramic of course).
Mama worked hard and did the best she could with her family. The last 20 years of her life were tough, but especially the very last year. She died on June 13, 2012. I trust that she is whole now, walking in the full knowledge, enjoying eternity with her Lord.
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(Photo was taken from a newspaper article I found after my Mama died. I think this is a good picture of her — taken before her string of health complications began. You just have to love those 80’s glasses.)
Have a blessed Friday everyone!
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Your mom sounds like an incredible woman! I ache for your loss, but rejoice with you that she is whole and happy.
Beth … may the writing of your memories be a sweet step in your grieving ..
Your mother sounds a lot like mine. My mother would would tirelessly to take care of us. She worked two jobs for a while to pay the bills. My mother was wonderful and strong. I think Christmas is her favorite holiday because all of her (grand)children come home again.
I am sorry for your loss. I pray for your strength and healing.
Sophia
twentyfiveseasons.com
ah, beth, it sounds like she worked hard. and sometimes that hard work leaves less time for the warm and nurturing. but there is love in the provision, yes?
so thankful for a God who fills the holes in our lives. who loves and nurtures us. who knows and meets our every need. and so looking forward to the day when we will all be whole!
have a great weekend!
steph
Oh the pain of losing our mamas! I hear your more recent pain Beth. It’s been 8 years since my mama died. The anniversary was only yesterday. But the memories live on. And we both share the joy of knowing we will see our mamas again one day. Of that we can be sure. That is so comforting.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
What wonderful memories to have of your hard working but obviously fun mom 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend!
Dear Beth
It is wonderful to have such good memories of your mom. She seemed like a dedicated lady … dedicated to her family. I can see in my mind’s eye your mom lounging in the shallow end of the swimming pool! What a gift to know where she is right now!
Much love XX
Mia