Lilies of the Valley, cut on Sunday, still fragrant on Thursday
Mother's Day was a little tough for me this year. I thought of Momma more often than I have in the past. I missed having her to call. It seemed like there would have been stuff I would have shared with her, if she had been around this year.
Mom sure would have loved to have seen my girls grown up, and who they have become. And I think she would have been tickled with my grandbebe girls. I would love for her to know how I have done since the dee-vorce, and for her to have really gotten to know the Guy, and his (now our) kids.
I think she would have enjoyed sitting on my back patio, knitting dishclothes. And I think she would nod in approval of the ground I have covered in my knitting accomplishments.
She probably wouldn't think my way of planting iris to be proper, however. But, we all have to go our own way sometimes...
Momma would love to know of how Wonderful Guy and I travel, and my new camera skilz, I think.
I know, I know. I am thinking of Momma of a few years ago, the woman who traveled to the grandkid's graduations, and gardened, and sold iris at the farmer's market in Overland Park.
But's that the Momma I have been missing lately, the one I have been wishing I could call up and with whom I could chat.
Lilacs, still doing okay, after being buried by the snow, and a couple of chilly nights
Having lilacs take me back to being a little girl. And spending a weekend back in Kansas earlier this spring helped all these feelings, too, I am sure.
Then there is this. Wisest Sister sent me a package today. (I swear, my report cards from grade school ended up everywhere but with me! I suffered no end of abuse when a less than stellar report card fell into Dearest Sister's hands a couple years back!) Click to make big if you really want to read Miss Ravenstein's exquisite handwriting. Because it is. Exquisite, that is.
First, I got A's in science! Now what science-y thing we did in 3rd grade, I am not sure. Probably had alot to do with reading from a book. Such a good way to learn science.
Second, I got B's in art. Which I remember thinking at the time meant I was no good in that particular subject.
Thirdly, I was a healthy, model citizen, obedient and courteous, who played well with others. Interestingly, these are traits that haven't always served me well through life. I think it might have been good to have spaces for 'assertive', 'stands her ground', 'has found her voice', 'speaks her truth', 'protects the rights of the less fortunate'. But alas, I was in grade school in the early 60's. In a small town. And round pegs needed to fit into round holes....
Fourth, there's my mom's signature. Always recognizable. Never able to forge it...if I was to try, that is....
Just missing my mom more than usual.
And now I have to frog about 10 rows on Eldest's February Lady Sweater. Mom, this one's for you.
8 comments:
It is a blessing that the memories of painful illnesses recede and let the earlier ones come forward. My memories of Aunt Ruth are not those of the "home," but of when she was in her house. Those of Ginger are the ones when we were young women together, and those of my love are those of our courtship and early days. And I know that Mom came alive during planting time..that may be why the missing is so strong now.
Your lilacs are so pretty! I am glad they survived the fluffy rain. (they are waaay too late for May baskets, though...)
This is a lovely post.
That looks just like the report card my school used, and I'm pretty sure your grades were better than mine. I love all the comments on the right -- most of them are negative.
I miss my mother, too, but it helps to have sisters and friends who share some of the same memories.
Well, you've sparked a host of emotions in me. You've made me appreciate my mom a bit more... she's still here. You've made me realize I need to spend a little more time with her while I still have her. Thank you.
The memories you are experiencing are on an emotional parallel with what I've been feeling this week, but from the opposite end of the relationship spectrum. Sometimes being a mom is difficult. Even when the nest is empty.
Kansas report cards from the '60s look just like Texas report cards from the '60s. :)
This is such a coincidence-- I haven't gotten around to reading your blog for ages and tonight I decided to try to squeeze some of it in and while checking your report card I noticed that Miss Ravenstein was your third grade teacher. (Mine was Mrs. King--and we were in third grade when President Kennedy got shot--I remember they made an announcement over the speakers in the classrooms and it didn't bother me much but a girl named Marla Stein cried and cried! Do you remember that?) Well, guess who I saw in the hall with a tour group of older women Tuesday at the hospital? That's right...it was Miss Ravenstein!!! (Only now her name is Mrs. Booth.) Isn't that funny?! I hadn't seen her in a long time. Now something has me concerned...it is marked that your work was "falling off" on that report card...I wonder what that was about? But you did make wonderful grades and everything else was so inspiring! (I always tell Dennis that they marked "does not play well with others" on his report card!) Well, I'm taking your whole blog up. I'll talk later! Tish
Happy B-Day Becky!
;)
Very touching post. Very nice. I think about my Mom all the time. Things I want to show her or share with her or tell her. But I can't.
You ARE courteous and play well with others! And I can certainly understand being taken aback by your mom's signature. The other day, I came across an envelope addressed in my grandma's hand. I had to sit down.
Happy belated birthday, my dear. Somehow, I know your momma knows all about you and your lovely girls, and she's so proud.
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