Wow where do I start??
My Mom was born in 1919 in Buffalo, NY. Her Mom was from Germany and her Dad was from Italy. Mom and I were close when I was young and then as I got older we got farther apart till I was in my 30s when my Dad died. She moved to CA to be near me after that. It was then that we spent more time together and she was there to help me with my kids, as I was a single parent trying to work and have a social life at the same time. Mom was really funny and would always bring a smile to my face when I was sad. I remember when I lost my job she was there with a hug and a shoulder for me to lean on. She helped me through trying times when finances were short and when sad times were all around me. I remember best our shopping times together and how we would laugh and go to lunch discussing our new treasures we had just bought.
Mom came from a family of 6 children. She was the 3rd oldest and always was a bit independent of the rest. I guess that is where I get my independent nature like the same as my daughter has inherited from me. Anyways, Mom was closest to her youngest sister, my Aunt Lorraine, and also my Dads sister n' law, my favorite, Aunt Mary and Uncle Harry. I can still remember them playing cards in their kitchen while I sat in the parlor [living room] watching the Wizard of Oz, funny how those memories are as clear as yesterday and still today I watch the WOOZ every year with that childhood happy memory dancing in my head. And also having my Aunt Lorraine over to have those family barbees in our back yard.
So... back to Mom, she met my Dad and married him when she was 18 and then Dad went to war, WWII, and left Mom behind with my sister. Mom worked in the factory's building plane parts as most army wives did while waiting for their hubbies to return. She visited my Dad when he was in the states, but he had changed a little and I remember her telling me he came home a different man. Well who wouldn't ?? With all that tragedy that had taken place its a wonder anyone came back sane.
My Mom was born in 1919 in Buffalo, NY. Her Mom was from Germany and her Dad was from Italy. Mom and I were close when I was young and then as I got older we got farther apart till I was in my 30s when my Dad died. She moved to CA to be near me after that. It was then that we spent more time together and she was there to help me with my kids, as I was a single parent trying to work and have a social life at the same time. Mom was really funny and would always bring a smile to my face when I was sad. I remember when I lost my job she was there with a hug and a shoulder for me to lean on. She helped me through trying times when finances were short and when sad times were all around me. I remember best our shopping times together and how we would laugh and go to lunch discussing our new treasures we had just bought.
Mom came from a family of 6 children. She was the 3rd oldest and always was a bit independent of the rest. I guess that is where I get my independent nature like the same as my daughter has inherited from me. Anyways, Mom was closest to her youngest sister, my Aunt Lorraine, and also my Dads sister n' law, my favorite, Aunt Mary and Uncle Harry. I can still remember them playing cards in their kitchen while I sat in the parlor [living room] watching the Wizard of Oz, funny how those memories are as clear as yesterday and still today I watch the WOOZ every year with that childhood happy memory dancing in my head. And also having my Aunt Lorraine over to have those family barbees in our back yard.So... back to Mom, she met my Dad and married him when she was 18 and then Dad went to war, WWII, and left Mom behind with my sister. Mom worked in the factory's building plane parts as most army wives did while waiting for their hubbies to return. She visited my Dad when he was in the states, but he had changed a little and I remember her telling me he came home a different man. Well who wouldn't ?? With all that tragedy that had taken place its a wonder anyone came back sane.
When I was growing up I was basically an only child as Gail, my sister, got married when I was 7 so Mom and Dad and I did a lot together. Every Friday night was fish Fry night and we would go to the local corner Saloon that served fish fry and have our dinner, me I would always have my favorite "hot fudge sundaes" [still a favorite of mine] and Mom was always okay with that.
On weekends Mom and I would shop and she always would get me a little extra something; I really liked that!. She was also a seamstress and made a lot of my clothes. I tended to be a bit different from others as I was not much of a follower and had my own style. Mom taught me how to crochet when I was around 9 and then to sew when I was a teen. I also remember how she had thrown me a surprise birthday party in our cellar with all my friends for my 10th birthday. The party was a big success and I really was surprised. The cellar was a place where she had set up a little place with a TV, couch, and table for me to play with my dolls and friends.
Her and Dad were always having friends and family over for yard parties and gatherings. And I remember the holidays going with Mom from house to house visiting all my Aunts and close friends of hers. She liked people and loved lots of friends. Gee I guess that's another trait I inherited from her?
Her and Dad were always having friends and family over for yard parties and gatherings. And I remember the holidays going with Mom from house to house visiting all my Aunts and close friends of hers. She liked people and loved lots of friends. Gee I guess that's another trait I inherited from her?
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| My mom as a little girl |
One time when we went on a sailing trip to Catalina Island with my kids and a friend, we ran into a horrific storm. I will never forget what a trooper my mom was telling my daughter[who was about 8] and my son [who was sea sick and about 11] that there was nothing to be a afraid of, while all along we were really scared to death. She never showed her panic and helped me so much with her strength. I admired her for that, as I would of thought she would of gotten hysterical, but she didn't, she was strong for her grand-kids and for me. That really made me respect her and see a side I had never known before.
I remember when I had an operation and was really ill, she came over and I had all these visitors in my room and she marched right in and said, "What do we have here? Everyone out.. now!" and she turned out everyone, and took care of me, and made me feel better just being there. She came over every day and cooked for me, cleaned my house, and just sat crocheting and watching TV, while I would sleep. She waited on me hand and foot and that was a real treasure. I needed her then, just as I always will need her strength today and every day of my life.
When she became ill, I felt sorry that our usual conversations were no more, but I still had my treasured memories and still talked to her as if she was not ill. It was a hard time, but it was a time I needed to give back to her some of the strength and care for all the years she gave me.
I lost Mom in 2002 and I miss her today and will everyday of my life, but the memories I have will carry me on and put a smile on my face when I am sad. I know that she see's me now and stays watching over me. It warms my heart to know this. Thank you Mom... I love you and always will! God Bless....
