I was born from a true pioneer Spirit. A woman who came from a very a hard childhood. But despite all that told me fantastic stories about her life, and family, and made me appreciative of all the little things in life.
Stories about learning to drive at 12, her grandfather peeling oranges in a perfect spiral plucked fresh from a tree. watching Chickens laying eggs, swinging from rooftops, and almost setting her house on fire.
All of her stories used to keep me glued to the kitchen table as a kid, wanting to know more and more.
She's always promised she'd write a book, I hope someday it will come true.
She left her Texas home at 18 to join the Army, travelled to Germany, and across the states never looking back. She used to take us on trips cross country to Texas every summer to visit family. It always amazed me that she would do this as a single mom with two young girls. she never seemed afraid. Those were honestly the best memories, staying in hotels, seeing where she grew up, eating fresh tortillas, and tamales made from scatch by my aunts. Listening to her laugh and speaking spanish with her sisters and brothers.
Even though she struggled to support us as a single parent, we never really noticed that we didn't have much because she gave us so much. private music lessons, sending us to camps, taking us out to restaurants and raising us with an appreciation for the finer things in life, even though we would have been considered poor by today's standards. I never felt that way. my childhood was rich. I ran free, just like she wanted me to. We were raised in a household that celebrated culture, and the Arts. She encouraged us to read, and listen to music. Always emphasizing the importance of education even though she only had a highschool diploma.
So it's from her that I inherited a generous spirit, big heart, and the desire to be my own person, and a strong woman. I am Lucky beyond lucky to have her in my life still, and happy that my kids have her too. She may not always know it that we appreciate her, but we do.
A woman with a true Texas sized heart and wild spirit, who even though at times we don't always agree, and I want to strangle her most days, she still manages to make me laugh, or cry at the silliest of things..continuing to teach me things and making me want to be a better person.
bottom line, she always believed in me, and taught me how to believe in myself.
Love you mom, more than you know
Happy mothers day!
XOXOXO
What a beautiful tribute......
Posted by: John Elwell | May 13, 2012 at 04:54 PM
She's beautiful in looks and her heart. You were blessed. If you're from Texas, it's just natural to tell stories. I was raised with stories. Great stories. I hope she writes that book. I'd like to read it. xo
Posted by: PJ Hornberger | May 13, 2012 at 06:22 PM
beautiful!
Posted by: jenny | May 14, 2012 at 01:45 PM
I totally hope that she finds the time and energy to write...that's how true stories and deep rich family tradition is preserved. What a great tribute post to your mom.
Posted by: Judy | May 27, 2012 at 01:57 AM