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Today is Groundhog Day. It's not exactly a holiday, but it is a day that we in the US take notice of because of the tradition of waiting for that famous little critter to poke his head out of his subterranean home so he can tell us if winter is about over or not. Then we wait for the next six weeks to see if he is right. What's interesting is that we have to wait that six weeks to know, regardless of everything.
February 2 has a special significance for me, for my family. It has nothing to do with the groundhog. Today is the anniversary of my mother's birthday. Had she not passed away in 2000, Mama would be 97 years old today.
Mother was a very special lady. I didn't always think favorably of her, especially during my teenage years, something that is pretty common, I suppose. But for most of my life she was the rock, the real glue of our family and a wonderful, warm woman. I could write a long essay about this, but that's not how I prefer to remember and honor her on this day. I just want to recall how much she loved us, the things she did to make our lives good, how she loved my daddy, and the legacy she left with us. Each of us came away with our own set of gifts, and I don't really know what my siblings recall and hold dear. But for me, it's as simple as knowing I was loved and valued, that she was proud of me, and that she had faith in me. Even when my decisions and actions didn't warrant her support, I had it.
She was a great mom. She was my friend. I miss her more than words can express.
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Ah Lyn Happy Birthday to your precious Mamma!
ReplyDeleteI know I will feel likewise when my Mamma is gone. She is my best friend (next to Stacy & Maddie).
Thank you, Patti. This is a part of aging that is really, really hard. Cherish every moment.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to your Mamma. I loved reading how much she meant to you. Very sweet.
ReplyDeleteReading your post makes me miss the friendship I had with my Mom.
Aw, Caroline, I thought about that and wondered if it might be hard for you to read. Sorry, hon.
ReplyDeleteNo....it wasn't too hard. I loved reading about how much your Mom meant to you. No worries....
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to your Mamma That ground hog is evil.
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ReplyDeleteYep, totally getting teary eyed over here! Aww, Lyn, this is a great tribute to your mom and friend. What a sweet and thoughtful post for today. I hope you had lots of good thoughts about her today.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful memories Lyn....PRICELESS
ReplyDeleteThose of us who had mothers who were also dear friends were lucky. My mother's been gione such a long time, but i still dream about her as if she's alive. When I awaken, for a few moments I don't realize that she's gone.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to your mother.
Hugs,
Betty
oh, Mamma. I am so honored to read your story about your mom, and that you had that kind of experience--which undoubtedly shaped how good of a mother you became I am sure.
ReplyDeleteCaroline, I'm glad it is OK. :)
ReplyDeleteBobbie, thank you. :)
Melissa, I did have nice thoughts of her today. Sometimes the thoughts are very hard to deal with, but today was very good. :)
Ruth, yes, very much so. :)
Betty, yes, indeed we are. What we got from them lasts forever, doesn't it? :)
Beans, I think if we are lucky enough to be loved by our mothers, we are blessed in ways we can barely understand. But I'm glad for it. :)
Happy Groundhog Day, Lyn. And a happy birthday to Mom wherever she may be. Today is special to Allan, too. But for no good reason that I can conceive except that he likes that persnickety Phil.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Catherine. I just read your post on Allan and Phil. OK, I gotta know what is his fascination!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to your Mama.
ReplyDeleteMy mom died 3 years ago yesterday.
Today is my 7th anniversary. My grandmother died 38 years ago on Feb 13th. My brother died 8 years ago on Feb 27th.
Have I ever mentioned how much I hate February?
Traci, I can't imagine that you wouldn't. What a sad list of losses. Hugs, dear girl.
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