Day 13-(Writing 31 Days Project)-It was my Mama who made the difference in my life.
We were not from “The other side of the tracks” as is often said of folks with no means, but our family was probably not even middle of the road in terms of monetary wealth when I was growing up. My father had been in the Army and upon moving to Jacksonville, Florida took a civil service job paying minimum wage. His father was a farmer and blacksmith so he worked hard for little money. Over time my Father became an administrator and worked his way up but when I was young we were living hand to mouth.
I have to say one thing for my parents, we were really wealthy in terms of love, care and being nurtured. We did not own fancy cars, furniture, clothes or the like but we were certainly well cared for, given an “I can do it” attitude and focussed towards college all of our days. And to college we all went and with advanced degrees at that!
In this series, I will write an “It Was My Daddy” post as well because my parents equally were important in the growth of the three of us siblings but today, I’d like to give a shout out to my Mother of whom I called “Mama”.
It was my Mama that taught me about Jesus. First and foremost, she lived for Him herself and I saw first hand her love for God. Throughout my years, it was my Mama who would be sound asleep in the living room swivel chair with her Bible open when I came down the hallway after a nice nights rest. She would “tell me the story of Jesus and write on my heart every word”. She might even sing a snippet of that song.
It was my Mama who was kind and tender and taught me the importance of loving others. My Mama loved people. She spent much time in various groups talking, laughing and sharing. I remember this about her.
It was my Mama who cared for those without. She cared for the poor, had a heart for the less fortunate and did things to better the lives of others whom she did not even know.
It was my Mama who took me to church. Not only did we go to church on Sundays, but on Monday night visitations, Wednesday night church services and Saturday afternoon pot luck dinners.
It was my Mama who would spank me if I did not do as I was told. She was not a gestapo-type mother but rather a matter-of-fact Mom who when she spoke, we were to listen and better do so, for she did not suffer fools. She would get the wooden spoon, fly swatter or brush(the brush always seemed odd to me as a spanking tool!).
It was my Mama who played with us. She was once captain of the basketball team and kept those skills for years and years sharing them with her children.
It was my Mama who brushed my brow when I was sick and stayed up all night with me when I couldn’t sleep.
It was my Mama who did all she could be be sure I had what I needed to “fit in” with the kids at school. We did not have money to spend on labeled brand clothing but my Mama put aside her pocket change to allow us to shop the sale racks at the rich and famous Rosenblums Department store.
It was my Mama who gave me the feeling that I could do anything I wanted to do. It was her ideas that promoted me in every endeavor to be and do growing up.
My Mama died when I was 22. She had a brain tumor. One week she was here and the next- gone. It was such a surprise for us all. We were all devastated and our hearts heavy over her loss. We’ve really never gotten over it but did not feel sorrowful for her because she is in heaven with Jesus.
When I think about my life, I realize the love my Mama had for me. It was my Mama who made the difference. From pinning my clothes to a clothes line to sending me off to college to ensure my success; it was my Mama’s doing.
Josie
