Honoring my Mother

Mother's Day is Sunday. Mothers have been honored in various ways for centuries but it was Julia Ward Howe who started the American Mothers Day in 1870.  I'd like to wish every mother a very happy day.

Mothers are special for every child and should be held in respect and love every day, not just on  the Second Sunday of May. While all of you are either remembering your Mom (if she is gone), or celebrating the day with her I want to share with you the story of my Mom and what she means to me.

Mom was born in 1904. She was from a loving but hard working family. In 1922 she married my Dad, Willie Alexander. From what I hear it was a match made in heaven. Mom said they never fought, never really disagreed, Dad was her best friend and they loved each other dearly and unconditionally. Eleven years later (when she was pregnant with me) Dad was killed by lightning.

It was the Depression and times were hard. She and my sister moved into the house with my grandparents. Mom went to work, walking 4 miles each way to and from work, rain or shine, cold or hot. She knew I loved to color and also to play with paperdolls. So, when she could she'd bring home a little surprise for me. I know she made sacrifies to do that. 

For awhile she worked under WPA at the local library and would bring the discarded books home for me. That was how I grew to love the written expressions and stories found in books. Thank you, Mom, for that.

I never saw my Mom raise her voice. Nor did I ever hear her say a bad thing about anyone. She never complained with whatever life dealt out to her. She was so gentle, a lady. She gave me freedom to become myself and she guided me from afar without me ever realizing that the guidance was there. That made me the person I am today.

Mom died in 1996 at the age of 92. I miss her every day. Happy Mother's Day, Mom