Memorial to my Mom

[Martha]

I Remember...

Your hand on my brow when I was sick. You checking on me many times during the night to make sure I was covered in a cold room in the winter.

Your sacrifices so I could have piano lessons. You listened to the terrible sounds as I practiced and never complained (even if you did have to close the door to block out the sound.) Your encouragement to continue when I wanted to quit. The piano you bought me. It brought so much joy into my life. You could not have given me a better gift!

The trips to the fabric store with Dad picking out the fabric and you the pattern, then you making me beautiful dresses. I never lacked for proper clothing. Even though you worked in the cotton mill every day, you still found time to make my dresses.

Those wonderful lunches every day. I never went hungry. And oh my! Those wonderful chocolate pies and the Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners!!!

Those summer vacations. Sometimes just to visit family in Tennessee but sometimes to places like the beach for the very first time or traveling all the way to Texas and picnic lunches along the way.

Singing with you at church, at home and riding in the car. You taught me so many wonderful hymns that I never heard in church! Coming in from school at lunch time and hearing you singing as I came in the door. And of course your whistling, in particular “Amazing Grace.” I knew what kind of mood you were in by the song that you whistled.

Those late summer nights, sitting on the front porch, after you got home from work. We talked about everything and about nothing. You had worked all day in the mill but you still made time to sit with me. I don’t remember what we talked about. What I remember is the feeling of love and security.

You were a strong and independent woman in an era where that was not acceptable. You sometimes were ridiculed for it but you never backed down. You taught me to be strong and independent. That has served me well in these last few years of my life.

Even in your death you taught me about strength. You lived and died with dignity.

I only hope I have imparted to my sons some of the strength I received from you and that I will be able to pass on to my granddaughters and the other women in my life that same strength.

Yes, I remember and I love you Mom. Thanks for all of it!

[soulsearcher]

Thank you, Martha, for sharing your heart, and a glimpse of your Mother. Reading this really blessed me. Now I know where you got so many of your wonderful qualities.

[Dr. Ron]

Wow Martha, I didnt' know we had the same mom

[Worshipn4ever]

stole it from me...



it's funny how some things DON'T get passed down to the daughter from the mother...like how grandma used to make your's and mom's dresses...yeah...Mom is doing good to sew a button on.

Although she did good with the curtains downstairs...just clothes...not so much...