The Women in my Life

Tomorrow being Mother's Day, I thought I should/would write a bit about the women in my life. Let me first start off with my mom, Martha. Mom was a quiet, behind-the-scenes type of person. She never wanted attention, but just went about doing good in her quiet manner. (She was much like her own mother in that respect.) Mom was a homemaker, wife, mom and teacher. She always taught school as long as I remember. She cried over students who couldn't or wouldn't learn, and came home exhausted after a day in the classroom. No aides, no help in a room of 55 fifth-graders would tax anyone! Mom was an adequate cook. I can't say she was fabulous in the kitchen, but obviously had her specialties. And, by looking at myself, I never went hungry. Mom loved my dad with her whole heart and he reciprocated in kind. I never heard them argue, but I suppose they did now and then. Mom loved my brother and I "to the moon and back," and never hesitated to tell us so.

Next, my late wife,Pam. What else can I say but that this gal was amazing. We had 38 wonderful years together, raised two wonderful children, and stuck together in the happy and sad times, making the best of every situations. Pam was stricter with the kids than I, and that probably was the cause of many disagreements between us. Pam was loving and kind to all and was loved by many. She took her family and faith seriously, and never wavered in her commitment to either. Pam was a hairdresser by trade and loved working with her clients. In later years, she became a social worker, working with unwed moms and their children. She was a doer. I miss her!

My daughter, HJ, is an amazing single mom. She has been a single mom since her son, E, was three. With little or no help from her ex, she raised an amazing son. HJ is a go getter and so very smart. She graduated college with a BS degree while being married, working and having E. It took her a year longer that most, but she accomplished it. She is an excellent writer, artist and just a good all-around person. She constantly is concerned about today's issues and I have seen her cry over the mistreatment of humans and animals. She taught both college and high school for many years, and I am here to tell you, after sitting in her classroom a few times, students who had her were blessed. Now, she is in the Tech Service business, second in command in a small business. This gal is amazing!

My daughter-in-law is another woman in my life that just awes me. She is smart, graduating with a BS in Psych, and holds a MS in Psych and another in Education. She is a great wife to my son, and a fantastic mom to my 4 little grands. She is kind, loving and extremely patient not only with the kids, but with  my son, who can be a bit "trying" I'm sure. (If he's a bit like his ol' man.) Amy had a rough early life, but persevered through stuff that would bring a less strong person to her knees. She says it was not so bad, but having a parent murdered and being passed from relative to relative would have made even the strongest person crumble. I can see that it has made Amy even stronger and I admire her immensely.

My sis-in-law is one wonderful person. She is the sister I never had. She takes wonderful care of my older brother, and always has been there for him. Together they raised two fine children, who have gone on to being smashing successes in their lives. Peggy is also a wonderful cook and I love going there to be able to try new things. She is a master gardener also, and their grounds look like something out of Better Homes and Gardens magazine. As they grow older and my brother's health continues to fail, Peg is there, doing all the good stuff to take care of him. He is a type 1 diabetic and has been for over 50 years, so he needs someone like Peg to cook right, watch over him and be there to help do the things he can't. She was definitely sent by God to be that person. They will celebrate 50 years of marriage next year. I know what God was thinking when He hooked them up.

Lastly, and there are more I could mention, but let me just say that my friend Curley has to be included in this post. She and I met several years ago at work. I liked her from the very first day we met. I wanted to introduce her to my wife because I knew they could be good friends. They were! Curley has a different kind of family. Her husband is a hard worker, has worked in the same factory for 44 years, loves to fish, hunt and play golf. Hates shopping, so that's where I come in. I love to shop and eat out at diners and dives. Curley does too, so we go do that and her guy doesn't really mind. He trusts us, and because we aren't doing anything untoward, we all get along fine. Phil even comes to my rescue when I have a household problem or need my trees trimmed, etc. But, I digress! Curley is an amazing person. She works hard at her job dealing daily with Senior Citizens. She goes home to Phil and her two adult sons, who still live at home at ages 24 and 27, and cooks, cleans, does laundry and all the other Mom stuff. I give her a lot of static about waiting on the sons hand and foot, but they waited a long time to have children so I think it is a Mom thing to be sorta overly protective and spoiling. Anyway, Curley has my respect and admiration!

(I wish I could include my mother-in-law in this list of amazing women, but I can't. Though she is now gone, and out of my life, the hurt and inward scars remain. She was an unkind person who treated her only child unfairly, was verbally cruel and mean to both my wife and I and was extremely jealous that we had a successful marriage and life and she didn't. Her negativity affected both my children, but they rose above it all and can now see it for what it was. I have a hard time believing that this woman made it into heaven, but I also know that God is forgiving. Now, it's up to me to just "let it go" but it's not easy.)

So Happy Mother's Day to all the sweet ladies in my life. Those who are no longer with us are missed and will never be forgotten.

Until next time,
Peace,
JE