On the Eve of my Mother’s 89th Birthday

I could list 89 stories about my mom; I could list 89 things that she has taught me and probably 89 of her wonders, too. Instead, I will write something here that I want my grandchildren to know about my mom:

My mother wakes up at 7 a.m. daily, gets ready, makes her bed, and never lingers or stays in her PJs until ten. She is disciplined. 

My mother bakes nearly every morning; cookies, pies, and cream puffs are a few of her trademarks. She makes her pie crust and has homemade cookies on hand for anyone who comes to visit.

She is family-oriented and an exceptional matriarch.

She has a quick wit, remembers details, and is a creative force. She can turn nothing into something and create beauty with a snap of her fingers. She wraps gifts so beautifully that you do not want to open them, and people bring their gifts to her for her to wrap. Her garden is her haven; she only wears dresses and sits outside in the sun every day without sunglasses or sunscreen. She usually takes a ten-minute nap while sitting in a chair outside. She loves to play games, make up games, and cheat at cards, but she won’t admit it. She loves children, and children love her. My mom eats candy every day. She has a sense of humor and never misses a beat. She loves to dance and set up for parties. She gets things done; she doesn’t procrastinate. A little bouquet she picks from her garden always sits on her windowsill. She has a cup of black coffee, half a banana, and candy in the morning.

My mom’s rosary was made by her Godchild Alain out of olive pits, and she prays it once a day, but honestly, I think she says it more than once; it is her mediation. She goes to church a couple of times a week, yet she isn’t a holy roller or ultra-conservative and doesn’t recite the bible. She lives her faith lovingly. My mom is a character. She makes people laugh and keeps them busy with honey-dos. My mom taught us to dance. She loved to jitterbug to “In the Mood.” Her home was decorated for each of the holidays and or seasons. Halloween, she had a drop-by dinner for whoever wanted to come. She never used paper plates or cups when I was growing up and rarely does now. She remembers where things are and what has to be done; she is a motorized bunny.

My mom showed us how to be a good person by her example. 

Soon, I will go home after my next French la Vie group, and she will undoubtedly have a list of things for me to do. We will play cards, eat grilled cheese sandwiches, and watch Gunsmoke on TV. My mom has company throughout the week, mostly family; she is loved and loves right back.

xxx

Gabriel and Olivia, you were loved before you were born.

Happy Birthday, Eve, Mom.



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