Having turned 83 in April, I share these words of Jack Nicol, who passed 31 December 2020: “It’s a big job keeping up with a young heart and mind”. (H&N Feb. 2021)
’Tis May. Let’s remember Mother’s Day. “Moms make life half as hard, and twice as good.” (A necklace)
One gift from my mother was laughter. From my birth to first grade she kept an annual diary (just discovered) of my young life. No words of first tooth or first steps. She shared comical moments.
Fear not. I have scrapbooks of unending items, cards from baby shower, etc. etc. No wonder I’m into archiving!
I laughed SO heartily as I perused her excellent penmanship. I shared some of her trials and tribulations during April family celebrations: two dinners and three cakes. (Love that math.)
Seems early on I fell off of, or out of beds. My first fall at about four months, a bachelor uncle was living with us. He was to watch me. Claimed he heard a thud, & rationalized a dropped shoe. Really? Mom wore sz-5. How much thud can such make?!?
Not in diary, but definitely my memory, just prior to 2nd grade. A high school neighbor girl was pushing me on my best pal’s backyard swing. Suddenly I went flying to the ground. I was rushed to the ER. Fortunately no concussion or broken bones.
For my family, the written witness of my early falls, was pure testimony to any wackiness I’ve ever or will demonstrate. We all laughed uproariously! (I’m certain such will continue.)
Another written witness was the tale of 2 1/2 -3 year old having to pee, AND unable to refrain from using her father’s hat. Mom did not clarify if it was his winter hat, or his summer Panama. (Both useful in Detroit weather patterns.)
Reading the diary I rationalized that the Panama, set upside down, might seem to a child, “my size, suiting my need”! (I have yet to share this with grandsons.) But, I’m still snickering. Thanks Mom!
*****
Let’s offer THANKS to Sustainable Klamath and the Mills Neighborhood Association for Earth Day Activities. Chief Seattle stated:
“MAN DOES NOT WEAVE THE WEB OF LIFE,
HE IS MERELY A STRAND IN IT.
WHATEVER HE DOES TO THE WEB,
HE DOES TO HIMSELF”.
Then there was Eleanor Roosevelt. In her day some Right leaders blasted her actions as, ‘unworthy of an American mother’. As a mother Eleanor bore six children, losing one in infancy. (She and I share loss of a child.)
In reality her entire life is national and global heritage. Author Tonya Bolden wrote, “Except for her clothes, nothing about ER has gone out of date. She fought battles still being fought, and our world is still not at peace”. (My hope: The world’s young folks!)
Post-Chief Seattle, and prior to UUA Principle 7, Eleanor stated,
“HATE AND FORCE CANNOT BE IN JUST A PART
OF THE WORLD WITHOUT HAVING AN EFFECT
ON THE REST OF IT”.
Whatever your age, this from Eleanor:
“KEEP YOUR GREATEST GIFT—CURIOSITY—ALIVE”
SHARE YOUR STORIES
FOR MOTHERS and MOTHERS-OF-HEART
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY
–Barbara H. Turk, Archivist