Today marks my mother’s second birthday in heaven. My sisters are sharing distinct memories of Mom with me that make us smile. Honestly, some make us weep, too. Regardless of whether you knew our Mom, I’m sure some of these highlights you will enjoy. Humor me as I write while listening to Floyd Cramer.
As I was driving today, it was as if a reel of Mom’s life was playing in my mind. Mama was beautiful and, yet, so happy in her own skin. She was a natural beauty. She fixed her own naturally curly hair, painted her own nails her signature pearl white color. In fact, I think it wasn’t until I started driving her to the beauty shop; I introduced her to the nail salon next door. We went a few times through the years, and always, literally, always. She had the whole nail salon in stitches by the time we left. One instance that stands out, she was trying to teach the nail tech how to speak French and could not understand why she could not grasp this language. So, in true Norma Jean fashion, she started imitating their language. Oh, the techs thought she was a riot and Mom enjoyed every minute. Nothing made Mom happier than making someone laugh. The beauty salon was another arena for her to showcase her outgoing personality, her humor, and her childlike ways.
Mama was a lady. She was never above others; never put on airs. Many respected and admired Mom. She had an abundance of lifelong friends that I have known dating back to my childhood. She often saw a need and jumped in. If you showed kindness to my mother, I promise you received a pie, a cake, or something tangible. Mom was never afraid to jump in and get the task at hand done, and done right. She taught my sons how to work hard and not expect anything but the satisfaction of helping the elderly and widowed. On a rare occasion, she would treat them to a Dairy Queen ice cream cone. We joked with Mom she needed to wipe off the “Work Horse” logo she had written across her forehead. She could easily outwork someone half her age. Her energy was boundless.
Her creativity served her well. She decorated cakes, sewed for all four of us girls, and was a wonderful sketch artist. She also dabbled in tole painting. Her home was decorated so beautifully with many, if not all the draperies sewn by her. As sisters, we compare notes about who got what talent, and I’m the first to say I did not get the decorating or drawing gene at all… not one iota.
Her devotion to her Lord and her love of family, especially our father, was paramount all throughout her life. She enjoyed opening her home to others, including her granddaughter’s entire soccer team. I actually believe she did that twice. She was so faithful to her church community, serving in several capacities throughout the years. Mama loved being in the choir for well into her late seventies. She also played the piano quite beautifully. “In the Mood” by Floyd Cramer was one of “those songs” that brings you right back to seeing Mom at her piano. With the progression of Mom’s Alzheimers, music was sometimes the only thing that would bring her joy. We started a playlist for her to cheer her up. Songs included Heart and Soul, Last Date, Chattanooga Choo Choo, Zydeco, Soul, quartets (the harmonies) and Tequila
The story of her life could go on and on, but this should suffice my emotions for today. Please leave a comment below and share the memories you have of Norma Jean.
Happy birthday Mother Dear.
