There’s a Birthday party today in heaven for my mother…she shaped me into who I am and why I do what I do, you’ll soon read below. In many ways, I truly AM my mother at heart…but in many other ways, I am certainly NOT. All I know is I’m so grateful that God blessed me with her, even if it was only for 24 years.
I Only Wish There Were More Photos
She left us way before I could get more recent snapshots and photos, unfortunately…and because she didn’t allow many photos to be taken of herself when I was growing up, I’m left with way more older photos of her. However, I love the nostalgia of these gems, before she became a mom…I like to think she felt her most beautiful then, before she even became a mother. Funny, how now that I’m much older, I understand that (do I EVER!), but as a child, I never knew why she would shy away from the camera. As women, especially as our seasons change, and our roles in life shift, we begin to have all sorts of new thoughts and feelings…don’t I realize THAT now!
She was always beautiful to me, but I was just a little girl…and by the time she was gone, I was barely discovering what being a woman really meant myself. You can see her photos more closely in my Instagram post below…as I look at them now, it’s like I understand her more, yet there are so many questions I have, too. Oh, how I wish I could talk to her about what she was feeling back in her younger days…all these photos were taken in the mid-to-late 40’s…
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My mother also had a servant’s heart. She LOVED helping people. Always extending a lending hand and being kind, I know I get that quality from both her and my daddy. She was rather shy, though…I definitely got more of my father’s personality…I’m outgoing as he was…but I also find that I’m getting more like my mom these days, enjoying more time at home with my husband, rather than being on the go and around crowds. As I stay home, I reflect on how my other would do this same thing and I now understand more where she was coming from…with age, comes wisdom.
Feel free to stick around while I talk to her a moment…you’ll learn a little more if you do…
Oh, mama…I think of you each & every day, and have since the day you left us, far too soon, almost 37 years ago, at the age of just 63. As I near 62 myself, I realize just how soon that was. A simple glance in the mirror at my hair…I see yours…or a saying will pop out of my mouth…I hear you saying it. Heck, even your love for elastic-waist pants…I totally get it now, I REALLY do!
Yes, you’re always with me, always will be…especially each time I move to music. You and daddy loved watching me practice and perform…both my dancing & my baton twirling. I know you still are watching, too, even as I slow down a little. You can see me. I remember that with each step I take and every spin of my hoop. I’m learning what you already knew way back when…something like, ”There will come a day, Gerianne, when you can’t do this…so keep it up for as long as you can.” Don’t worry, mama…I will.
I’m so very grateful to you for raising me surrounded with a love of music, dance and twirling…it’s such a blessing that has enriched my life in so many ways…you knew that it would, too, didn’t you you? I know with every fiber in my being that you whispered to God “Let her find a hoop! I bet she’d love that!” Mama…you were SO right! That “God Wink” was one of the better ones, although there have been so many others full of joy that I know you have witnessed over the years., and probably had a hand in, too.
Lots of love to you, mama…and Happy Birthday up there…
If you made it this far, THANK YOU!
It’s is my mission to write more about all the “God Winks” I mentioned, right here on this blog. I do have a few already in place, like HERE and HERE. So, please comment and subscribe to this blog…you’ll get updates whenever I post…and as always, I invite you to like/follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest…
I share lots of Over 50 lifestyle tips to stay healthy & moving safely, the fun way, on my social media platforms…and now, you know MORE of WHY I do it. Through hooping, I honor my parents, keeping them alive in my heart, and in my spirit. It’s just how I was raised as a child. In fact, that’s when the joy really started for me…during childhood.
Thankfully, the hoop allows me to revisit all that, each time I pick it up…it’s a blessing I never take for granted…and something I will continue to do so I can help more of you…I’m here when you’re ready.
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Such a touching story of a daughters love for her mama threw the little bits of memory they had together. Enjoy this day beautiful day!
Thank you so much for reading and commenting…I really appreciate it!
Your mama gave you such wonderful gifts. I love how you thank her for them on her birthday!
Awwww, so sweet of you to say, Stacey!! I think it’s the best gift I can give her, just keep on remembering and saying thank you to her. Thank YOU for reading and commenting!