Proud.
My Mom shares her birthday with President Lincoln – she’s always been proud of that, probably in the same way that I’m proud to have been born on Easter.
She’s proud, in general, I think, like the father and grandmother who raised her, and it’s shaped her life, I suppose.
She’s also independent. She even has a personalized plate that says, “MY WAY.”
For instance, my mom worked at Uniroyal for 25 years. She became an unwed mother in 1969 and fought successfully to keep her job during a decade when all pregnant women were expected to quit, giving up their income and seniority. Despite her independent spirit, smart management recognized my mom as the best, hardest worker they had. And although everyone else in the union worked from 8-4, my mom worked from 7-3 because it worked better for her, and management wanted what was better for their best employee.
I’m proud of that story.
Though Mom and I have experienced our share of catfights through the years, I don’t think it’s that unusual for a single mom raising her only daughter. And as time marches on, perspectives change, priorities switch, and emotions mellow. I’ve discovered that we were both born to be proud, independent, and sometimes inflexible Norwegians, but that we’ve relaxed a bit, now enjoying what is, rather than fuming about the way we want things to be.
Although I don’t believe I’m genetically predestined to acquire all my mom’s personality traits, we all know how it is with apples and trees;) And while I worried about this during the rollercoaster years, I celebrate it now.
I’m proud of how I’m like my mom.
Happy Birthday Mom!
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9:33 am
Good GRIEF!! She sure sounds like a fantastic person! I bet she has a wonderful child and out-of-this-world grandkids! (She actually worked at that job for 37-1/2 years however…)
What a nice surprise and tribute for an ol’ lady to wake up to on her 71st celebration of Abe’s birthday (he’d be 200 years old today). Hard to out-do the unexpected visit on Sunday however, HUGS always beat the heck out of any other nice surprises.
And never fear dear APPLE, of not rolling very far away from the TREE. Sometimes the shade fells good, doesn’t it?
I did it “MY WAY”, you’ve done it “YOUR WAY” – hmmm…. I think that might be “OUR WAY”!!
I.L.Y., Mommy Dearest
11:02 am
A very happy birthday to mom! And mom, yes the shade DOES feel good!
Hugs,
Holly
12:50 pm
Thanks Holly! ((((HUGs)))) back at you! I’m off to grab a “free birthday dinner” at Old Country Buffet. That’s what us OLD folks love to do.
Kelly’s Mom
12:55 pm
Oh my gosh, thank you for reminding me it was my auntie’s birthday today! And thank you Kelly for sharing such a beautiful post…
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DEAR AUNT, (A.K.A. KELLY’S MOM)!!!
8:38 pm
give it time. It will get worse. I can’t believe how my mom keeps cropping up in my face, the shape of my behind, the silly responses I make to people, etc.
8:38 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KELLY’S MOM
9:00 am
Thanks Pam! You are so right about those things that sneak in on you as time goes by. I even find MY mother’s “isms” falling into MY being – - and I wasn’t even raised by her. I even think I’m developing the dreaded “turkey neck” she thought she had…….oh no NOT the dreaded TURKEY NECK – a fate worse than saddlebags or wrinkles!