My mother
passed away over a decade ago, yet I feel her presence daily. Not in that metaphysical twilight-y zone sort
of way, but more so by the many things she taught me.
 |
| Mom and me (circa 1988) |
My mother was
not a gourmet cook, a fashion icon, or a fabulous decorator. And, of course,
neither am I.
Instead she
concentrated on having a smile for everyone, every day.
She taught me
to appreciate the truly important things. A kind gesture, a thank you, a loyal
friend.
Now that she’s
gone, she’s still teaching me. Reminding me to take the time to spend with
those you love.
She taught me
that life isn’t about counting hours; instead it’s about appreciating minutes.
 |
| L-R, Mom as a bride (1945), a young mother (1946), and attending church on Sunday (1951) |
Mom grew up during the depression, and she instilled a deep sense of re-purposing materials, do-it-yourself projects, hand-me-down clothes and furniture, and appreciation for anything (or anyone, for that matter) with a patina.
I miss her more and more everyday.
I miss her more and more everyday.
If you're lucky enough to have your mother this Mother's Day, give her an extra hug, spend an extra minute, and please, above all, appreciate the time you have together.
Please continue reading
posts from Generation Fabulous and learn what their mothers taught them by
clicking on the links below.
Oh, I love the photos. I am sorry you lost your mom, but hooray for the way you carry her memory forward!
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen! It's never the same after they go. I still reach for the phone to call her. But I carry her treasures with me always!
DeleteWhat a beautiful smile your mom had! Sharing happiness and teaching gratitude - those are no small things. Your mom sounds lovely; I am glad she left you with such warm memories.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Yes, she did teach me many things, but sharing a smile with everyone, and appreciating time, are the ones I love the best.
DeleteI lost my father 5 1/2 years ago and I completely understand what you're saying about having your mother with you every day. In some ways, my father is more in my thoughts now than when he was alive. Thank you for a lovely post.
ReplyDeleteSharon, thank you so much for understanding. I'm so sorry you lost your dad. We're never the same after they leave us, but they stay with us always.
DeleteWhat wonderful pictures! I will go a hug my mom and think of you!
ReplyDeleteOh please do! I wish I had ended my post with that sentiment! If you still have your mother with...go hug her for me!
DeleteNice! Sometimes it's setting the example that's most important. Your mom set a great one.
ReplyDeleteThanks Pam, I think so too. She always had a smile on her face and could brighten anyone's day!
DeleteThe pictures say so much - thank you for sharing them with us!
ReplyDeleteDonna, you're right - they do tell a story. Some day I have to chronicle her life. It really was amazing!
DeleteThis is a really lovely post, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Angela. I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
DeleteBonnie, these are such lovely sentiments. I lost my dad 8 years ago and think of him so often. I know you miss your mom and, on Mother's Day, more than ever. These are wonderful photos - treasures!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! Still miss her everyday and it never gets easier. I have to admit, when trying to find a picture of her and I...I had slim pickings! Shame on me!
DeleteBonnie, your mom got it right. A smile, a kind gesture ... these are the things that really matter. What a lovely woman. Thank you for sharing her with us.
ReplyDeleteYes Helene, she really did emphasize the little things that really matter.
DeleteBonnie, I can tell you are a very kind soul, just like your mom. Lovely words and photos.
ReplyDeleteAwwwwww. Amy, I'm blushing! Thank you! I hope I live up to her legacy!
DeleteAmen to that. Every day I remind myself how lucky I am to have my mom.
ReplyDeleteJanie...thank you for saying that. I hope my mother knew how much I appreciated her when she was with us. Miss her so much!
DeleteBonnie, this is absolutely beautiful. I am so sorry for your loss, but it sounds as though everything your mom could hope for as a mother, came true. The fact that you not only heard what she was trying to teach you, but remember it, and try to live it, I am sure makes her smile every day.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you...
Thank you Dana! Today you made me smile too! Really needed it!
DeleteHappy to help ;)
DeleteBonnie, I hope you don't mind, but I posted this on my FB page. I thought my readers would also enjoy your beautiful memories :)
ReplyDeleteNot a problem, thank you so much for sharing!
DeleteThis is a beautiful tribute to your mom and I'm so glad I got to read this today.
ReplyDeleteThanks Joe. I miss her so much, it sometimes hurts to just talk about her. This was a hard piece to write, hence the short post. But it was heartfelt.
DeleteThanks for the reminder, Bonnie. Now I can see where you got your lively, spunky spirit.
ReplyDeleteAwww! Thanks Pat. She sure was spunky...and I hope i am too!
DeleteSo beautiful! I love the sentiment here and the photos are amazing. Happy Mother's Day to your mom.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jen! I love old black and white photos!
DeleteOh, this is wonderful: "life isn’t about counting hours; instead it’s about appreciating minutes."
ReplyDeleteThanks to both you and your mother for it :-)
Lori, life is so busy nowadays. Sometimes all we have is 15 minutes to spend with someone for coffee! We need to make every second count!
DeleteVery nice and so very true Bonnie. I remember your mom and she would be proud of you. Thanks for making me smile.
ReplyDeleteSandy thank you so much for reading and commenting. I know you feel your mom's loss just as deeply. I really had such a hard time writing this post - could barely put 5 words on paper without crying. Sending you hugs this mother's day too! XXOO
DeleteThis is a wonderful post Bonnie! A loving tribute to your mom, who sounded like she was a very wise woman and passed that down as well! Thank you for that glimps of her!
ReplyDeleteJenny, that is so sweet of you to say. I'm so glad that you enjoyed the post. Mom is missed!
DeleteAhmmm, sorry if you are getting this twice. My comment disappeared when I signed into gmail.
ReplyDeleteThis line---> "she concentrated on having a smile for everyone, every day". Those of us who have had the pleasure of meeting Bonnie in person now know where she got her personality from. She is one of the most wonderful and warmest people that I have ever met. We belong to a local blogging group and when I attended a recent get together, I gave a huge sigh of relief when I walked in and saw Bonnie. As a whole, the group is pretty amicable but I am socially awkward, and Bonnie's presence helps to put me at ease. As for the style icon, I have to disagree. First and foremost, your mom was beautiful. The last set of photos, the middle one, that outfit would be considered high fashion today. The last photo on the far right, that hat says it ALL!!!
Natasha, I cannot begin to express how appreciative I am of your comments. First, for simply stopping by and taking the time to read, and secondly, for the kind comments you left. I think I'm socially awkward too, which is probably why we are drawn to one another - I'm always relieved to see you too! The quiet ones gotta stick together!
DeleteThank you again - needless to say, you've made my day! HUGS!
Beautiful post and beautiful photos.
ReplyDelete