mothers matter

[gurdonark]

My parents called us the first thing this morning. They were full of news and reports from home. The old party barge that looks like a green pillbox on pontoons is back in the river. My sister's stepdaughter graduated from a high school class at the country school at which my sister teaches--there were 13 graduating seniors this year. School consolidation will probably eliminate that school district next year. School consolidation already eliminated my high school years ago, leaving me a kind of man without a country. The Corps of Engineers is soon bringing its large boat, to take people on a dining cruise. An Arkansas political cartoon used to lampoon the local Corps, portraying it as a huge personified mechanical crane wearing a hat which says "Keep Busy!". I prefer the Corp keeps busy on dinner cruises instead of digging up darter habitat.

My father's class is coming up on its forty fifth reunion. My baby sister will turn 39 in August. My mother told me of books read,about that Miss Julia who does cantankerous things.

My mother suffered serious health setbacks both last year and this year, which make me realize how much she means to me. In our family, she is the binding glue, the stability, and the pragmatic voice of comfort. The front hallway of my parents' house this year contains hundreds of cards from well-wishers. Each card says words to the effect that "I know you're strong, and hang in there". I know my mother is strong, too, and I am glad of her strength. So much in life demands so very much strength, and so much calm determination.

Childhood is such a tough time for so many folks. It almost feels boastful to write what a happy childhood I had. But I had a great mom, and that makes a huge difference.

Comments

childhood happiness

[bluegreen17]

i dont think it's boastful to say one had a happy childhood and be grateful to your parents for that,but it sometimes feels that way because of so many folks that had bad or even horrible childhoods. i'm sad that there seems to be so many.

i am very grateful to my parents. my childhood was good,though not always happy,but that was and unfortunately still is my temperament. (i'm hoping that's not the end of the story,though!) my parents made possible many happy times in my life.

i pondered today that i am also grateful to my parents for giving me my sisters.

Re: childhood happiness

[gurdonark.livejournal.com]

So many, and yet I think it's important for those who had a good run to appreciate what we had.

Some of us really do.

[nutmeggie.livejournal.com]

Because we just do. But also, it lets us know that there is hope for our own children.

BTW, you can make parental-type comments in my journal anytime you want. ;)

Oh, I read that wrong. I thought you meant it's important for people who didn't. Ah, never mind.

Re: childhood happiness

[kelquestor.livejournal.com]

Yes, and it's that appreciation of siblings (which I share) that makes me wonder if I should have a second child for the benefit of my first.

Re: childhood happiness

[bluegreen17]

it's a big decision. i do know only children who are quite happy to be so. i think for me it's my sense of community...the only long-lasting ties i have. don't know if that's my 'fault' or not that i don't have nonrelational ongoing connections...nevertheless.

there are also siblings who don't like each other.

i think it is wonderful that you are giving the thought in regards to your child,though. is that him/her in your user picture? sweet.

[nancyjane.livejournal.com]

moms are precious and unique to the kids who love them, sounds like you love yours very much. i love mine too. i hope your mom's health has or is showing improvement. obviously i dunno the details and that's ok but in the very least my wish for you is that she's enjoying her years, and that you're getting to share that with her.

[holyoutlaw.livejournal.com]

My mom was the conduit for us all, also, and since then it take special effort for us to keep in touch.

This was a sweet post.