Happy Mother's Day - to my Mom

For those of us who have lost their Moms, this is a tough day. It took me a long time to try and think of this day for me, as this day was always meant for my Mom. I still can't fathom that thought; it will always be about my Mom.

I chose this photo of Mom 'cause this time in her life was so special. She was beside herself, anticipating the birth of her grandchildren. She had retired shortly before this time so that she could enjoy her time with the babies. Patrick was her first, and then Jordan came five days later. I'll never forget I was at her house, visiting (I was still pregnant) and she was reading a book about infant care - about bathing, feeding, diapering.... I couldn't believe it... I said, "Mother, why in the world would you be looking at a book like that, you had six babies." She said, "Oh that's true, but, it was a long long time ago since I've had to care for a baby, and I thought I should just look this over, thing's have changed." I cracked up at her. My Mom, reading a book about infant care. She could have written that book, and then some...

My Mom was special. I never knew anyone in the world, who was as unselfish as she was. She defined the word, "unselfish." She had six babies in ten years - 1954-64. Can you imagine that now a days? No, unheard of. Six babies in ten years! We had one stroller that she used for all of us, this little old red rickety thing, it was red plaid, and my God, did that thing get beat! I can think of many many walks to Cottage Hill, to watch my brothers play little league baseball; we didn't miss a game. We walked many a times up the Hill to watch those games, walking behind that stroller. It was our lives every Spring and Summer. And to St. Mary's, to watch basketball games, and "up street" - that meant, to downtown Steelton, to the drug store, or to Morrison's for shoes, or to the dress store, (I can't think of that name), or we would catch the bus and go to the really, really big City, we'd go Downtown, to Harrisburg. There, my Mom would cash my Dad's check that would come in the mail, and she'd treat herself to a hairdo at the beauty school downtown, where the girls would practice on customers (it was cheap!) .... And then we'd go to Pomeroy's....now that was a big treat! She'd let us pick a candy from the candy counter, or we'd just window shop. At Christmas time, Pomeroy's had the prettiest decorated windows! We'd love looking at those.

I can think of thousands and thousands of stories to tell, but they are mine, and still to this day, difficult to talk about. One I will share that is very painful and difficult, is the day we learned she was terminal. I went to see her, we had already heard the news. The entire drive there, I swore I would be strong for her, and help her through it, but I wasn't... I walked in the house, and I embraced her, and cried and cried. She held me, and comforted me, telling me over and over again that I'll be alright without her, that I'll be fine, that I'll be strong.... She was comforting me....she was comforting me??? That moment defined my Mom, unselfish - an unselfish angel, who only thought of others, who lived her entire life for her family, who devoted her life to her family - to her six children, and then grandchildren, who was comforting me when she was the one needing comforted. I'll never forget that moment.

I'm sorry for the sad blog, but it feels good to share a story about how wonderful my Mom was and to celebrate her life. On a more cheery note, here's a short summary of my Mother's Day.... I slept in (I really needed it; it felt soooooo good) .... When I woke up, Mack was on the side of me, totally snuggled up on my side, it was unreal.... Then Pat got in bed with me, and snuggled with me.... Joe had gone to Panara's for my favorite bagels, and had made coffee, and they gave me a lovely card... Pat and I are going bowling, and Joe's making his faux Mueller's chicken for dinner.... It's all very, very good....

A very, very Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful Mothers! There's nothing like your Mom, nothing..........