Sunday, May 10, will be Mother’s Day. Few people need a special day to think of their mothers. Those women cross our minds many times daily. Most of our habits were instilled by our female parent as we were growing up: we brush our teeth before we go to bed, we put on clean underwear every morning and don’t talk with our mouths full.
If you still have your mother in your life, you’re fortunate. Most of us are making do with memories and photots.
I can take a step back and look at the woman I called Mom. Little Edith was seven years old when her mother died in 1920. Her two much older sisters soon married. Her father raised her and her brother, Lawrence. He died in December 1934 before she and Alex were married February 7, 1935.
Both of my parents were farmers. Mom donned pants, rode a tractor and miled dairy cows twice a day alongside my dad. On Saturday night, she dressed up in a dress, stockings and high heels to dance with her husband.
I am an only child so it was always the three of us working and playing together.
Mom’s watchwords were, “Actions speak louder than words.” I don’t remember hugs, kisses and “I love you,” but I’ve always felt loved. When I married Ken, he felt her affection.
Our three children were able to spend a lot of time with their grandparents. I’m sure it made me a better mother because she gave me a break.
When Kurt married Sandy, she was welcomed by Grandma. Their two children, Katelyn and Jacob, had a chance to know Grandma T.
Our family learned from her to look at the person and to accept and return love in the manner she gave it.
What are your favorite remembrances of your mother?