My Mom was 40 years old the day I was born. So I was raised in the "old world" ways, except for the brief glimpses of the lives of my friends.
One friend's Mom made a particular impression on me. I learned a lot of things from her. She taught me not to give away surprises, even if you are as excited as your friend, she taught me that you Never,Ever look at another person's report card without permission, and she taught me never to call her "Peggy".
She taught me that parents can have some fun too !!!!!!! I remember when I was about 10, the carnival was on the main street of our small town. The Ferris wheel went higher than the two story buildings !!!!!! This Mom and her husband got on the Ferris wheel and rocked the car until I thought they would fall !!!!!
When they got off the Ferris wheel, you could see just how deeply in love they were-----that really stuck with me-----
Some of my very "first's", were with this Mom at the controls:
We made our first pizza, under her watchful eye.
We learned not to talk loud when you are trying to keep a secret.
We learned how to starch petticoats with sugar to make them stiffer.
We learned that parents could dance and not look funny doing so.
We learned how to walk in "high heels" and keep our seams straight.
Recently, this fine lady passed away, and I wanted to write her daughter and her husband a poem, trying to let them know how much I cared.
This is that poem:
Oh, for the words with which to say
the things my heart could not convey!
but I could only cry some tears
to mix with yours, as through the years
of memories of Christmas trees
and our first pair of high-heeled shoes
and our Mom's teaching the "Golden Rule"
and being there for us to make everything right
when we'd made a mistake, or stayed out late at night.
When we lose our Mom's, at least for a while
we become kids again, and need to style
our life anew--and yearn to be
More like our Mom's, to be more free.
To share those gifts she gave to you,
To live our lives---be strong and true
to the Creed by which we were raised,
and in "All Things Should The Lord Be Praised."
Your Mom brought a lot to this world, it's true,
But the GREATEST gift she gave this world---is YOU.
For you are everything she wanted you to achieve;
Loving, caring, and kind, and I believe
an Angel to all who have the privilege to know
you, and I just wanted to tell you so.