When my husband Gary and I were first married, he would laughingly call me “Pollyanna” –the girl who always saw the good in every situation. Through the years, I have to admit there have been times when that quality has failed me, when things were so bad I didn’t know what we were going to do. I know we’ve all had “those” times. But in general, I’m one of those people who does try to see the good in things.
I think I “learned” to do that from my mom. I thought a lot about this over the last few weeks—fall makes me remember and miss my parents more than any other time of the year. One night Gary and I were talking about the things our parents had taught us, and I told him one thing my mom taught me was to look on the bright side of things.
I imagine she had to do a lot of that, being the oldest of eleven children in the Dustbowl days of Oklahoma—which was also during The Great Depression. Growing up, I remember how she’d comment on things that meant nothing to me…at the time.
“Oh, Cheryl, I saw the first robin today! That means spring is on the way,” she’d say, with a smile.
And? my young brain would ask. So, spring is on the way.
When spring came along, maybe she’d comment on how green the trees were, or how blue the sky was today—just look at those clouds!
Now that I’m older, I realize why these things were important and such a cause of joy to her.
Growing up dirt poor in a small house that had no insulation and very little heat, I’m sure that seeing the first robin was important because it meant those cold days and nights would soon be at an end and warm weather was soon to blow in.
The green of the trees meant there was enough rain to allow things to grow—something I know, as the oldest in such a large family, she was acutely aware of since my grandfather was a hardscrabble farmer and had so many mouths to feed.
What a relief, especially here in Oklahoma, that there had been plentiful rain and things were growing well!
This was a picture I took of my hibiscus tree the kids gave me for Mother’s Day one year and its beautiful red blooms! I have to bring it in during the winters here in Oklahoma, but I’m thankful I have a place to put it and keep it hale and hearty until we can move it back outside again when spring–and that first robin–come along! The second picture is one of my two furbabies, Max and Sammy, watching a squirrel they’re thinking of chasing as he jumps from the crape myrtle to the fence. So glad to have these boys in my life!
The blue of the sky—can you imagine growing up in a time when you could look outside and see billowing gales of dust—and nothing else? Animals had to be put up in the barn, families had to be inside, and still, the houses were so poorly constructed there would be layers of dust on the windowsills once the dust storm had passed. So a blue sky was important—no dust, and those beautiful white clouds must have looked heavenly in her eyes.
Mama always found happiness in the small things—small in MY eyes. A good meal she’d cooked for her family, getting the laundry done and put away for the week, finding a good sale on orange juice—yes, those were the days when people would look through the Sunday or Wednesday paper at the grocery store ads, make several stops to find the things at each store that were on sale, and several trips home to put the perishables away—a very different time.
It was not just the fact of the accomplishment itself, but what it meant to her from the things that had happened in her past. A good meal meant there was enough food to go around for everyone, served on a matching set of dishes. No one went to bed hungry. Laundry being done meant that everyone had clothes for a solid week—not one or two good dresses that had to be laundered over and over. Making the rounds of the different grocery stores and finding good “deals” meant she was able to provide some extras with what Dad made in the oilfield. She knew how hard he worked. She never took anything for granted.
So though I didn’t have the past that Mama had—mine was much easier in comparison—I think I learned that attitude through watching her. I’m sure there were times she wanted to just go into the bathroom and have a good cry, but instead, she looked for the good, and found it.
This is a picture I took of a gorgeous Oklahoma sunset a couple of years ago. I just loved the beautiful sky, and the way the light hits the water of the pool.
I think of Mama every time I see that first robin. What a gift that has been to me, in so many ways, including my writing. Part of writing a good story is thinking about our characters and WHY they act, and react, like they do. This realization about seeing the good in things has been a whole new area of enlightenment for me. I understand so many of my characters even more than I did when I wrote them—their reasoning, and their motivations.
Do you have an aspect to your personality that you inherited or learned from one of your parents or another family member? What is it? Do you think that these behavior patterns can be multi-generational? My mind is whirling! What do you think? Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of one of my books–your choice!
One of my fave pics of Mama and Daddy–taken April 9, 1991 on their 47th wedding anniversary.
LANDON–GUN FOR HIRE (#9) by Cheryl Pierson
Here’s one of my favorite examples of how finding the good in a terrible situation, for both Land and Lissie, came to a wonderful decision for them. This is from my book, LANDON, from the GUN FOR HIRE series. Land has fallen in love with Lissie, and she with him, though they have yet to admit it to one another. Things seem impossible from his point of view since the relationship between Lissie’s father’s late wife, Little Dove, is so entangled in a way Land doesn’t believe Lissie knows about. He must take a chance on ruining their budding relationship by telling her a huge part of his reasoning for being on this wagon train was because he had come to avenge his sister–Little Dove–by killing Lissie’s father.
Take a look:
He gave her a piercing look, then led her to a large boulder where she sat down. She watched him with worry in her expression. There was really no way he could say what had to be said but to blurt out the blunt truth. He took Lissie’s hand again, then released it, half-turning away from her.
“Little Dove was my sister. Zach is my nephew.”
Silence washed over them. A soft spring breeze rustled the treetops. From far away, a coyote yipped, and another one answered.
“I know.”
****
Land turned quickly to face her, surprise in his handsome features for a moment before he veiled his expression.
“You kn—how?”
“Just from what Zach has told me. And—from your reaction when we talked about how she came to be married to my father.”
Land shook his head and gave a short laugh. “I guess I made no secret of my opinions that day.”
Lissie stood, looping an arm around his waist. “Zach—told me about your ‘friend’ who died having her baby.”
Land shook his head but remained silent.
“I wanted you to know…Little Dove and I were close. I don’t know what I would have done without her.”
“She wasn’t much older than you,” he muttered, looking out into the night woods.
“She was very dear to me.” Tears welled up in Lissie’s eyes as the memories flooded over her. “When she told me she was going to have a baby, we began to plan all sorts of grand things for him—or her.” She smiled. “We both hoped for a boy, but my father seemed to have no interest. So I became her confidant. We were more like sisters. But…I loved her so much.”
Land pulled Lissie close to him, the warmth of his body flooding through her, the support of his arms filling her with strength, as well.
“I loved her, too,” he muttered roughly. “I’m glad you had each other. When I learned what my father had done—I was sick with anger. I’d been gone—a long time. When I came home, my father…well, it took his life, in the end. The truth of what he’d done hit him in the face once he’d sobered up. But by then, it was too late. Little Dove had been lost. And it had been three years. The alcohol had numbed his brain for so long…”
His voice trailed away, and Lissie looked up into his face. She took his hand, careful of the bruised and battered knuckles.
“What happened to him, Land?” She carefully examined his torn flesh. He glanced at her, just as she brought his knuckles to her lips and kissed them.
“He died. Sank into the bottle and never came out.” He turned toward her. “Little Dove was always his favorite,” he said with a faint smile. “She was so full of life and the love of adventure—and he had a real soft spot for her. When he realized she was gone forever, he gave up.
“I told him I was going after her. I would find her—but she’d been gone so long by the then that he didn’t have faith I could find her and bring her home.”
“What about your mother?”
“My mother…she was stronger than he was. She had the others—my brothers and other sister—to live for. But losing Little Dove took a hard toll on her, too, along with my father’s love for drink—and then, his death.”
They were silent a moment, then Land said, “I want to do this right between us, Alissa.”
Her heart jumped at his use of her proper name, the formal seriousness of his tone. She nodded, not looking at him. Sometimes, the hardest things were easier to say in the darkness, without looking—
It was the way her mother had spoken to Lissie of her own impending death…the only way Lissie—or her genteel mother, she suspected—could have borne to have that conversation at all.
But sometimes, speaking of the good things that were dear to a person’s heart were best spoken of like this, as well.
“We will do it right, Land,” she promised him. And, before she thought, she raised her eyes to his in the dim, silver-filtered moonlight and the soft, far-away gold cast by the lantern.
It seemed the silver and gold came together around them to enfold them in a magical velvet enclosure of their own, where there was nothing but the two of them—no fears, no worries, and no sorrows.
But Lissie knew it wasn’t truly that way—it was only an illusion. She already understood the trials and hardships they would face—through her father had sloughed off much of what others taunted him with, not only having married a “squaw” but also that she was so much younger.
“It won’t be easy.” Land’s voice was harsh.
“You won’t find a quitter in me.” Lissie raised her chin. “I’ve heard and seen everything, I think. When my father was alive, he thought nothing of parading Little Dove and me through town…letting people believe we were—for sale.” She gave a short laugh.
“I can’t tell you how many times we were ‘saved’ at the last second, complete with witnesses—so that dear Papa could be paid off and not press charges.”
Land swore. “Did he ever let it go…too far?”
Lissie smiled faintly. “No. But Little Dove and I were so scared—”
“He was a monster!” Land turned away from her furiously.
“Yes,” she agreed. “But for now, it’s important that Zach think well of him. As well as possible,” she amended quickly. “He and Papa were never close.”
Land took a deep breath. “For now,” he agreed. “But—what about you and me? Seeing the things you’ve seen, and knowing what you’ll experience—are you certain I’m what you want? That’s only a part of what I was talking about. You could go on alone and get your homestead set up on your claim. There’ll be plenty of men—”
“I only want one man—you.”
He watched her in silence.
“I’ve never been more certain of anything,” she whispered.
He took a step toward her, pulling her into his arms once more. “I don’t ever want you to regret marrying me.”
Tears blurred her vision, but she smiled as she lifted her head. “I don’t believe you’ve asked me—”
His lips came across hers, hot, demanding, the best proposal she could ever have hoped for.
CHERYL’S AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE (CLICK HERE)
A native Oklahoman, I've been influenced by the west all my life. I love to write short stories and novels in the historical western and western romance genres, as well as contemporary romantic suspense! Check my Amazon author page to see my work: http://www.amazon.com/author/cherylpierson
I live in Oklahoma City with my husband of 40 years. I love to hear from readers and other authors--you can contact me here: fabkat_edit@yahoo.com
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I think positivity can make such a difference in one’s life and you were blessed with your momma.
Denise, that’s so true. My mom had that influence on me, and I’m so glad I was able to use that same positivity with my own kids and help them see the silver lining sometimes!
My grandmother was a positive person in my life. My mother must have took after her! And most of the time, I am too. My daughter sees joy and laughter in most things. Yes, I am with you Cheryl. I think it can be a multi- generational matter! Thank you for sharing your mother’s beautiful outlook on life. Your pictures are lovely. But the one of your parents makes me smile!
I enjoyed Landon and all the Guns for Hire. Many blessings to you Cheryl!
That is wonderful, Tracy. I didn’t always have such positivity when I was younger, but as I got older and matured, it became more so. That pic of Mom and Dad always makes me smile, too. They were childhood sweethearts through highschool and married in their early 20’s. I don’t think there was ever anyone else for either of them.
Thank you so much for your kind words about the Gun for Hire series! AND LANDON! LOL I’m so glad you enjoyed them all!
I think I inherited determination from my mother. The women in my family were never ones to just sit around and cry about something. They just set their jaws and went about getting done what needed to be done.
Boy, Rhonda, determination is a wonderful characteristic to have inherited! I think my mom was very determined–she had to be since my dad was, too! LOL I know her mother and her grandmother were, as well. I wasn’t around my dad’s mother and never knew his grandmother, but I would venture to say, they had to be determined as well, just to survive the times and the situations they lived in. I think the determination to do things in life that I got came from both my parents.
I can’t say that I always looked to the bright side of things. I always tried to do the best and push through with every problem that came around and believe me when I say I had my share in live.
Quilt Lady, I agree–I haven’t always looked to the bright side, either, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve tried to do that more and more. Sometimes, there just IS no “bright side”, is there? :(((( But pushing through the troubles we have is, in a way, the bright side, as there are so many who are just simply unable to do so. Hugs to you, and thanks for stopping by today!
I think our outlook on life may be generational. A person is influenced by those around us. My mother has always looked on the positive side of life. My grandmother always told us to get all the education we could get because that something no one could take away from you. She’d only went to 3rd grade. She made us a believer. My mother had quit school and gotten married. After I graduated my mother went back to school, graduated from high school and continued to graduate from college. So I did the same. I went to college and graduated when I was 39 years old. Time will tell if my daughters will do the same thing.
Karijean, my parents were very adamant about getting a good education, too, and when I met Gary’s mom, she was even more so. She was raised in Appalachia, very poor, and I don’t know how much education she had as a child, but I do know she went back to school and took her GED and went on to college to get an associates’ degree when she was in her mid-late 50’s! She also had to learn to drive at that age after her husband passed away. Listen, I’m so proud of your mom and you for going back to school and finishing it up. That is monumental. My daughter had 2 years of college when she quit for a job she wanted in the acting/casting industry. Then COVID hit, and all that went away when California closed their doors because of it. Jessica went back to college and graduated, and ended up getting a scholarship to law school! She will be 40 next year. Congratulations to you and your mom–that is no small feat!
I think our parents and grandparents have a great influence on our lives.
Linda, I do, too. Even though I didn’t know my great grandparents at all, they lived through my parents’ memories and the things they taught them. I treasure the stories of my mom’s grandparents that she told us through the years.
That picture of your parents reminded me so much of my parents. They were so in love. I learned from my father that I don’t have to voice every opinion I have and to listen to others.
Awww, Barbara, I know just what you mean. That kind of love doesn’t come very often. I like that you learned that lesson from your father. That made me laugh, because my dad used to say, “Cheryl Kathlyn, your face is an open book!” LOL So evidently, I didn’t even HAVE to voice my opinions to him! LOLLOL! Dad’s can tell.
being hardworking
That is a VERY good trait to inherit! I think our parents and their generation really knew the value of hard work.
My aunt once told me that when they were young it wasn’t until they were grown that they didn’t know they were poor. Because everyone in the neighborhood was the same as them. She thought because her grandmother’s sister that lived next door and was a seamstress and made her and my mom new dresses for Easter and Christmas that they were rich. But they were made from the scrapes of dresses that were made for other people who paid my great-great Aunt Jessie to make them a dress. So I try to be aware of privilege, not so much the wealth and am grateful for the life I had growing up. Many did not have two parents, brothers, family and a home. These are lessons I learned from my parents, grandmother and aunts and uncles who grew up or lived during the depression .
Kathleen, that is a sweet story. My mom always said the same thing about them not thinking about being poor. There were eleven kids in her family and she was the eldest. Mom was an excellent seamstress, and she made a lot of beautiful clothing for my sisters and me through the years. She was such a perfectionist. She told the story of how, after she moved out, she would make clothing to send back to her younger brothers and sisters, and one thing she made was 8th grade graduation dresses for her twin sisters. It was a great joy to her to be able to create such beautiful clothing for others, but I don’t remember her ever making much for herself. She made my sister’s bridesmaid dresses for her wedding, and they were so beautiful. She told me many times that yes, they WERE poor, but they didn’t realize it because so many others were in that same predicament. No one really ever thought about it because it was just the way things were for everyone. She counted her family as wealthy in love, good times, fun between siblings, and just so many wonderful memories, probably very much like your aunt did. You are so right about how lucky many of us were to have had a good life, a good family and home, and so many memories of growing up that were so wonderful!
I was always a happy person and even worse a morning person which I think I inherited from my mother. I find I am not quite as chirpy as I used to be. Life and other people do that to you.
Debra, like you, there are many times in my life now that I’m not quite as “chirpy” (LOVE THAT WORD!) and cheerful as I used to be. And you are so right about how life can bring you down, as well as some other people in our world. There are so many days now when I’m just supremely TIRED. I have to admit I’m not 20 anymore, and that definitely has a lot to do with strength, stamina, outlook, and how we feel about things. I’m so glad you stopped by today. Big hugs to you, my friend.
Personality wise, I’m sure there are, I just don’t know them! lol!! Otherwise, yes, I can see my parents in me!
Trudy, you made me laugh. The older I get the more I see facets of both my parents in my own personality. I think when we are younger we don’t want to admit it. I remember everyone saying “Never trust anyone over 35” when I was growing up. That was kind of something that was only said in a half-joking way. Of course, I never said that after I was about 25…LOL
Cheryl, what an adorable picture of your parents on their 47th wedding anniversary. Priceless. I bet it makes you smile. I inherited the love of coffee from my mother. That was the bright start to each day and is mine as well. Seriously, I love baking cinnamon rolls and giving them away. I learned that from my mom. From my dad, I learned the importance of having faith and trusting in God. The love for Jesus has carried me through my joys, struggles, and sorrows in life. Loved your blog sharing your memories and thoughts. We are blessed. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Kathy, thanks so much–yes, that picture always makes me smile. That was a really sweet memory. Gosh, I wish I loved coffee. Dr Pepper is my downfall! LOL How nice of you to bake cinnamon rolls and give them away! That HAS to be a day brightener for so many people, and so very thoughtful of you! Yes, faith is so important in our daily lives. I’m glad you enjoyed the blog. We ARE very blessed in so many things. I hope you all have a fabulous Thanksgiving!
The book sounds very interesting, thank you for the giveaway opportunity!!
Hi Bridgette! Thanks for your very kind words, and thank you for stopping by today!
The way my mom described how her family survived the Depression in the coal mining mountains of PA sounded bad but your mom’s family living through the Dust Bowl was definitely worse. She must’ve been a marvelous human being.
Thanks for running the giveaway; print books are the absolute best prizes.
Mary, I know those Depression days of the coal mining mountains were VERY hard to survive! My husband is from WV and living there as I did for about 10 years was a true eye-opener, even in today’s world. Those coal mining camps still existed even into the 1970’s and were unbelievably rugged for what was then “modern times”! Mom really was one of a kind. She truly was one of the kindest human beings I’ve ever known (except when I came in past curfew…) LOL and she did so much with so little. She was very resourceful. Thanks for your kind words. I’m so glad you stopped by today! I love giveaways!
Good question – attributes from a family member. My mother passed when I was just 22 so I can’t remember her and her attributes too well. I am nearly 81 (or will be on Dec 7). She was a very hard-working mom, sewing, washing, canning, cooking, you name it, she could do it. I remember her sweetness and her love. My father was also a hard-working farmer, most all of his life. He invented machinery and welded it together; a skill he taught my brothers. I believe I got my constant need to be doing something to better the home or myself. Each of us in the family have become a very hard worker and outstanding testimony to their love and teachings. I love to sew, cook, crochet, do bookkeeping, and be accurate in what I am doing.
Judy, that must have been so hard to lose your mom at such a young age. You rememember the attributes that matter–her kindness, her love, her willingness to work hard to provide good things for her family. And your dad! What a talent he had in his imagination and putting it into action. Sounds like your parents both had a great influence on you, my friend. I think my dad’s influence on me was in encouraging me to read, read, read, and that led to my writing. Sadly, my parents didn’t live quite long enough to see any of my books in print, but they knew I was working on them.
My parents went through the great depression also and were each one of 11 children. They were married in 1929 so had young children at the time. I am the youngest of their 7 children. My mother always taught us to work and to enjoy it. She would whistle while she worked and I don’t remember ever hearing her complain about all the work she had to do caring for a large family. When we were young she would take us to the fields to pick blackberries. She would stomp the weeds down around the berries and put one of us there to pick then go on and do a place for the next one. These were wild blackberries so out in the weeds. We also had a strawberry patch and would pick berries then walk the two miles to Munford and sell them. It was fun, not a chore, because of Mother’s attitude toward the job. I remember whenever it would come a shower we would sit in the swing on the porch and Mother would sing, “Showers of Blessings”. She taught us so many good things and how to appreciate all God’s blessings and creation. Wonderful memories. Miss my parents so much. Love the picture of your parents. So sweet.
Oh, Sarah, you have many tender, sweet memories! Your mom sounds like she really made the best of everything that came along and that is a real gift. My mom used to talk about how she and her younger sister would go stay with a relative and help pick cotton in the summers. She never talked about it in a bad way, just that they were glad to have the opportunity to earn some money because “times were so hard” and that they had a chance to get away and stay with different relatives. She enjoyed working, like your mom, and I think it sounds like they were both just glad to have something productive to do that allowed them to see an accomplishment and maybe make a bit of money, too. I miss my parents, too. That never goes away. Thanks for stopping by today, Sarah.
I LOVE your photos!!!!!!!!!
Yes I inherited my Dad’s stubbornness. lol I have also inherited my Mom’s patience. Talk about 2 ends of a spectrum. haha I’m not sure about the multi-generational thing because I didn’t know either of my grandfathers/ I can say that neither grandparent matched my parents. haha
Thanks, Carrie! I’m so glad you enjoyed the pics. You made me laugh about inheriting your dad’s stubbornness! That’s not a bad thing at all! And you know, it pays to be patient while you are being stubborn, right? A win/win situation! LOL
Good morning and what Beautiful and cherished memories you have shared with us! I too was very Blessed to have had the Greatest parents anybody could ever ask for . We were 6 kids and our dad and mom were very hard workers , my dad of course would work out of the house and our mom would attend to our every day needs. We never lacked anything and they always made our birthdays and Holidays very Special. I just dont know and am very grateful how my parents did it with 6 kiddos and 6 different personalities. They would always tell us to always be there for each other, I have a daughter and a son and I have always told them that they only have each other as siblings and to always be there for each other, same as with my grandchildren my daughter has a daughter and a son and our son has 1 son, so I have always told them to be there for each other. My parents are gone now, but my 5 siblings and I are pretty close, we all communicate every day, we all dont live in the same states, so Thank God for the internet. Have a great day and a great week. God Bless you and your family .
Alicia, it sounds like you had a wonderful life growing up. I wonder how people ever were able to find a way to make life so special with so little, but it sounds like your parents had a gift for that and gave you many precious memories in your growing up years. I tell my son and daughter that same thing–that they only have each other and to always be there for each other. They do love one another very much. How great that you and your siblings communicate so regularly and yes, thank God for the internet. Remember those horrible phone bills of yesterday, when we had to call long distance? And we had to wait until after 10:00 p.m. to get “the best rates” so we could talk longer? Gosh, I’m glad that’s all over with. LOL
Imagining not being able to see because of dust is easy for me. I too have had dust piled on my windowsills. Dust storms happen several times each year here in the Columbia Basin. With new windows I’m not getting the dust in the house but a time or two I have had to sweep it off the patio. Fortunately the storms don’t last long and not the day after day of the 30’s and even 50’s here. My mother-in-law told of having set the table for family coming to dinner and having to clean everything before she could serve the meal.
Thank you for sharing your treasured memories. It made me think about growing up with my family in a house full of love and laughter and lots of cousins to do things with too. And, no dust, just a blizzard now and then 🙂
Oh my goodness, Alice! Those dust storms sound horrific. Especially what your m-i-l said about having to clan everything before she could serve the meal! I’m just shaking my head.
You know, if it’s not one thing, it’s another, isn’t it? Dust, blizzards, where I live it’s tornadoes. LOL But yes, such great memories through it all. The cousins were one of the best parts of my life, looking back–it was so nice to have so many of them within the same age range.
My Mother was always upbeat-nothing much ruffled her feathers. I think I got that trait from her.
Joye, that is a great quality to have. It sure keeps your blood pressure down! I admit, I worry over a lot of things–I am a worrier, and I think I also got that from my mom, but with that came the ability to prepare for whatever might happen.
I have my mechanical ability and stubborness from my Mother!
Oh gosh, Teresa! I wish I had even the least little bit of mechanical ability. LOL And yes, stubbornness is a really great quality to have! You hit the jackpot, lady!
I get my sense of humor from my Dad. It’s a bit quirky but it’s ours. I get my love of simple things from my Mom. She instilled in us an enjoyment in life no matter what we faced. I am so grateful for laughter and the ability to find joy in life.
I think I got a love of simple things from my mom, too, Danielle, now that you mention it. Yes, finding joy in life no matter what is a true gift. And how can you miss with a sense of humor, as well? LOL! Those are great qualities to have.
Being on time…never late. My dad always had us to where we needed to be early…at least fifteen minutes beforehand. As a result I am rarely, rarely late to a function. And I detest these people who are never on time. Would it hurt them to call and say they will be late?
You know what, Jackie? I got that from my mom but because she was ALWAYS LATE! I vowed I was never going to do that. I do like your dad–always 15 minutes early. I’m not late either, unless something very unusual happens. I don’t like late-comers either. It’s aggravating.
My dad was chronically late to everything except his job, and as a result, I always do my best to be early or at least show up right on time. Looking back, I know it was because he worked so hard and was so busy with his horses and cattle. He would come in tired and dirty, but he still made an effort to clean up and take his family places, even if we always missed the first part of the event!
Kim, that was just exactly what I mentioned in my comment above to Jackie about my mom. That drives me crazy to be late. My dad wasn’t late, he was punctual when he could be, but he worked strange hours in the oilfield so couldn’t always be there for every event and sometimes would come in late.
My mother raised my younger brother and myself through the pain of my father’s cancer. She was 34 when he passed and remained a widow for 17 years working as many as 3 jobs at a time to provide for us.
She was certainly a mother to be proud of for so many, many reasons. I was very blessed to have her. Even this very moment at almost 80, I still miss her.
Carolyn, I cannot even imagine what your mother must have gone through during that time in her young life. And then to have to work three jobs to keep things going…she was amazing! That had to be so very hard for her, and you’re right–you have MANY reasons to be so proud of her. My mom has been gone almost 18 years now and I still miss her so much. I don’t think that ever leaves us.
Great picture of your parents and your mom looks like a movie star! What I learned from my mother was to avoid gossip about other people. My dad was a pastor so they heard a lot of negative information and they never passed it on. If someone said anything mean in front of my mom she’d say ‘You should be glad you’re not like that’ to stop that part of the conversation. I’ve followed her lead and keep my thoughts positive.
Rachel, that is such a perfect response your mom would give to people with negative comments! I bet that stopped that line of conversation right in its tracks. Thanks for your kind words about that picture of Mom and Dad. They loved to cut up together, and my dad was always such a tease about things. I should have posted a picture of my mom when she was young. She had a beautiful singing voice, and loved to sing. I think in another time, another place, she might have actually BEEN a movie star if the “stars” had aligned differently. Thanks so much for your kind words.
I do several actually, I inherited stubbornness and bullheadedness, and the stand up for yourself don’t let no one walk over you attitude I suppose they could be multigenerational but hard to tell really.
Those are qualities my husband sure inherited from his parents, and believe me, some that I wish I had MORE of in my personality! LOL I think those are really ones that come in handy in this ol’ world, Crystal!
Always being early and if you are on time, you are late. I get it from both my parents.
Joannie, I’m always early, too. I mentioned in another comment that I got that trait because my mom was always LATE and I swore I would never be that way. LOL!
Being stubborn and doing what’s right.
Diana, I wish there were more people in the world who had the quality of doing what’s right–even when it might not be the easiest thing to do. I think that’s why I love those old tv westerns so much–that was something that really was prevalent in the characters in those shows.
Sorry I got here so late. It has been crazy lately. From both sides of the family, especially my father’s, I got the trait of doing things ourselves. My husband is the same way. If we can do it, why hire someone else to do it. This has worked for many years, but age has caught up with us, and it is becoming a bit harder to operate that way. We have a daughter and son plus a son-in-law and grandsons who live close by, so we do call on them to help out some times, but try not to do it too often. Our oldest daughter is a “hire someone to do it” type of person. I just don’t like paying someone to do something I know we can, or at least could, do just fine ourselves. The other side of that is it is hard to find someone who does as good a job as my husband and son could do. We have had issues with almost everything we have hired done. Aside from knowing the work is done the way we want, there is the satisfaction of doing it ourselves.
I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
My Mother taught me how to survive. I was poor but we did not dwell on it. We just made the best of whatever we had. I wasted nothing food wise. I find ways to fix it. One day we were going to have potato soup for Christmas dinner. Was fine with us but was all food we had in house. There wasn’t food stamps then. My first Sunday School teacher turned our name into church. Christmas Eve we were brought boxes of food and gifts. Gifts were basically clothes but we were used to used clothes. We never got new clothes. I have walked through some lean times in ,46 years of marriage.