My favorite part of the weekend was on the last evening. My mom, myself, my sister-in-law Kim and my 12-year old niece Nora all ended up sprawled across my bed and my mother started talking about her childhood, and her mother in particular. They weren't all happy stories--my mother grew up very poor and endured many hardships in her early life. Still, it made me sad and a little panicked to think that when she is gone, these stories--this family history--will go with her.
My mom's grade school picture, from the local newspaper. This was a very rural area. Grades 1-8 and there are only 27 kids. My mom is the first picture, second row. Some of her stepbrothers (there were twelve kids in her family all together) are in the picture as well: their names handwritten beside their photos.
My mother in high school:
My mom and me when I was very little. I love this picture:
My mom and dad now:
I was also glad that Nora got to hear them. Got to learn a little more about her Grandma, whom she only sees a few times a year. Perhaps some of those stories will resonate with her, as they do with me, and live on for another generation or two.
Sharon
3 comments:
What lovely parents you have! I know how important it is to talk to your mom about the past, and you surely could come up with a beautiful journal for recording it. ;) My own mom is battling Alzheimer's so I really cherish the times we've enjoyed chatting in the past. Love all your creations!
Take care,
Martha
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. I would love for my mom to write some of these stories down--maybe I SHOULD give her a journal--nudge her a little bit.
I'm sorry to hear about your mother. That must be difficult for you and her both. I am thinking good thoughts for both of you.
Sharon
Sharon, don't be panicked about those stories being lost. They won't be. You have them to tell now. What a great time the four of you must have had.
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