This is my mama, before she was my mama.
My mother was one of the nicest people you could ever meet. She wasn’t opinionated, but she knew what she believed. She wasn’t preachy, mean, or hateful. Ever. She’s been gone for 30 years on May 20th and I still miss her every day!
These aren’t the best quality pictures, but you might guess Mama was pretty young when I was born–only 20 years old. Dad was 21, Let me tell you, it was fun growing up with young parents.
Mama was very athletic, and she was a talented cook. She fixed a big breakfast every morning except Sunday. And she cooked supper each evening.
She taught me to dive, play softball and basketball. I didn’t play much basketball–there were no girl sports back in the day–but I loved softball and swimming.
When I was about 12, I thought I could out run her, so I challenged her to a race. I lost big time!
Mama was a Christian a long time before Dad and I accepted the Lord. She led us both to Christ that Easter morning so long ago. She took my hand, and I found she was shaky. I couldn’t figure out why for a long time.
Now I know she might have been trembling with gratitude because God answering her prayer for Dad and me.
Mama, Me, and Debbie
I don’t know that I have one favorite memory of Mama, but one that shines in my mind is the day my oldest son was born. Gary and I were staying with my family because we lived out in the boonies and it was snowing a lot that year.
We had pancakes for breakfast that morning (January 24) which was my due date. I was hoping my baby would be a couple of weeks late.
I went to the bathroom so regularly during breakfast that morning, Mama started timing me. Then she told me if I went again in five minutes, she was calling my doc.
She called.
Number One Son was born at 4:00 or so in the afternoon.
Mama
This is the Bible Mama carried when she got married. I carried it, too. I think all my sisters did. All Mama’s granddaughters and some of her grandsons had it in their weddings, too, when we could find it.
My mama didn’t know any of her grandparents, so she adopted my Dad’s grandparents. She spent a lot of time with his maternal grandmother. I think she learned a lot about being a good wife and a great mother from all the women in her life–which she in turn tried to teach her kiddos.
Mama, Grandmother, Grandma, Great-Grandma Mitchell, and my Mother in Law. I was related so many beautiful women in my life that I learned from! And then there were the ones I wasn’t related to who taught me way more than I can ever use. Teachers, Sunday School teachers, professors, neighbors and friends were careful to teach the kids around them only the good things in life.
And I learned from some of the best.
BLESSED!
“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.'” Proverbs 31: 28-31.
I realize everyone didn’t have a great mother like mine. Who taught you the most about being a woman and mother?
Precious memories! I’m blessed to have my mom with me still. She’s 93, has a few physical ailments, but is still mentally sharp.
Our mama died when she was 59. Daddy is 90 now and still going strong.
You’re so lucky to have your mama, Carlene! God is good!
Are you sure that first photo isn’t Deb? It looks just like her.
I know! It looks just like Debbie. But it’s Mama.
Thank you for sharing about your mother. She sounds like a wonderful woman. I am so blessed to still have my mother in my life. She’s always been my biggest fan and the wind beneath my wings. God knew what He was doing when He created mothers!
My mama was a big fan for all her kids, too. She always knew I’d be a good writer, even before I sold a thing.
Mamas are great things to have.