This is the 12th year that I have not looked for that special Mother's Day card. I loved to read and purchase the ones that made me cry...then I knew they were really good!
I didn't know any of the women ancestors in my family beyond my grandmother's. On my dad's side of the family, I remember his mom so well. I often spent the night with her and grandpa. She would let me take her long white hair out of it's bun, and comb it. Grandpa always made sure to caution me, somewhat gruffly as I remember, to be careful and not hurt her. She would assure him I wasn't. The next morning I pretended to enjoy the lumpy mush or oatmeal that she made for my breakfast! My grandma had 8 children. She had 2 sons, then a daughter, then another son (my dad), then another son who died at birth, then another son who died accidentally when he was 4, then she had her 7th child, a girl, who is the only living sibling, and then her 8th and last child, a girl, who lived just 6 days. I often wish I had been of an age where I would have been mature enough to talk to her about the deaths of these children. I am sure I know how she found strength during those tragedy's, and that was through God's word. Her Bible was well marked. She had a very sweet spirit and I look forward to seeing her again!
My mother's mom was of Swedish descent and came to this country with her son and daughter (my mom), in 1914. My grandfather had been working here and saved enough money to send for her and his children. He was a police constable before coming to the US. Six years later my grandparents had another daughter, who is the only living sibling. This grandma was very short, as opposed to my paternal grandma, who was tall (like me!). My little Swedish grandma became a widow in her early 40's, and never remarried. She never lost her heavy accent. She was a very hard-working woman. Both she and my grandfather became US citizens and learned English. I sometimes spent the night with her and she was so thrilled. She was a harder woman to get close to and again, I wish I would have had more maturity as a child, more compassion. I look forward to seeing her again!
My mom was a shy person and suffered from mild depression. She loved my dad very much and loved me and my brother. She was known as a "giver" and liked to help others. My dad passed away in 1980 and my mom in 1997. She did not remarry and I know there were some lonely times for her. But she filled them with things and people that she enjoyed. She very much enjoyed all six of her grandchildren and would be thrilled to know she has 16 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren!
We are a part of all those who have gone before us...one grandma's height, (and I like to think I've developed her sweet spirit, or at least am in the process!), the other's tenacity, my mother's love of care-giving, and other qualities given me by the beautiful women I have yet to meet! The picture above is of my paternal grandmother as a little girl, and the other picture is a rare one of my very shy mother!
What a glorious reunion we will all have when God calls us home! So, Happy Mother's Day to all the beautiful women...past, present and future!!
