Happy Mother's Day!!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!! to all the moms. I heard on the news this morning that everyone has a mom. It was meant jokingly, but it caused me to think about all the moms and what they do for us. 

My mom passed a few years ago. People who know me know my sense of humor. That comes from Mom.  From early on she played along with my jokes, even when she knew what was coming. She could laugh over the silliest things, and laugh in times of trouble. Once, there was a tornado warning and we could see the storm from our front yard. I was a tall skinny teenager at the time- all arms and legs.It was at dinner time and Mom had us kids under the dining room table. While we were waiting, Mom started laughing hysterically. What was she thinking? She said, "Jerry, we are going to be all right but I don't know about your legs because they won't go under the table!" Seriously? That's what she was thinking! But it sure broke the tension and all was well in a matter of minutes.

Mom also taught us about values. She taught us boys to respect women, and made sure all four kids were always dressed nicely. She made sure we got up and went to school every day, and I'm sure she got super tired of trying to wake me every morning. ( Confession, I am still not a morning person. ) On Sundays it was, "The car leaves for church at 9:30 and you better be in it!"

Dad always worked two jobs so he was gone a lot. I am amazed now at how Mom ran the household while working full time herself. We ate a big meal every night except for Fridays after she went to the grocery store. Then she would pick up fast food, which we loved! She took me grocery shopping once. ONCE. She said we spent too much because I kept putting things in the cart that I liked.

I'm sure everyone has fond memories of their mom. And if you still have them, give them a hug not just today but every day. One regret I have is that Mom never liked having her picture taken, and I respected that. Now I wish I could have persuaded her to give in. Pictures create great memories and recall emotions, and I believe that is why photography is such a part of me.  But she is always in my heart. 

One of my nephews once asked me if I tried to be like dad. I said I think I am more like mom. He said, "Oh, so you're a mama's boy!" And I proudly said, "YES! I have no problem with that!"

I hope you have an outstanding Mom's Day. And thanks for learning about a great lady I am proud to call Mom.