My Mom

I can't believe it's been over a year since my mom died. It has been such a crazy year. Last year, when we knew that my mom didn't have much longer to live, I half expected for life to stop altogether. Weird that it didn't.

I was laying in bed the other night, and was trying to remember some things about my mom. It dawned on me that if I don't think about some of her characteristics frequently, pretty soon I'm not going to be able to remember much about her at all. So, I thought I'd write a blog post about my mom. Not so much for anyone else, but for me. My mom was a very practical, no-nonsense type of person. She didn't wear jewelry, fancy clothes, or perfume, and never spent money on things that weren't groceries or school fees for her kids. But at the same time, she was very much NOT a cheapskate. I never saw her use a coupon, and would scold me when I wanted to be a cheapskate in her presence. She was always generous with her time, money, and talent.

She never had to work because my dad was always able to provide for the family, so as her kids grew up, she began spending a lot of time learning about politics. She loved watching the news, listening to talk radio (specifically Rush Limbaugh and Dr. Laura), and reading. She was the smartest person I have ever known. She had an extensive vocabulary, but didn't necessarily use it. I would hear or read a word that I'd never heard or read before, and my mom ALWAYS knew what it meant, and how it was spelled-- even the words I had never heard her use before! I don't know how she did that. She always explained things in a way that made so much sense. It was weird that anyone could disagree with her, especially politically.

She was amazing at playing the piano. In fact, one of the things I miss most about her is hearing her sit down at her grand piano and playing Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2. She even had it memorized. She was convinced that when she played it, our dog, Petey danced to it. I can picture them in Heaven, now, with her at a pearly white grand piano, and Petey at her feet, listening (and maybe even dancing).

She was a dancer when she was young, and thought she still had "it" clear into her fifties. She would often pirouette across the kitchen floor. She was also convinced she had a wonderful operatic voice. When we would watch the Miss America pageant (which we did every year) together, and there was an opera singer, she'd always say, I can do that. Then, she'd start mimicking the singer. Telling you about it really doesn't do it justice. And of course... there was always the Star-Spangled Banner.

My mom was also quite proper. She had extremely good manners, and never wanted to outstay her welcome at any place. She was always worried that her kids would outstay their welcome at friends' houses, or other places. She also never wanted anyone fussing over her, in any way. Even though she was very proper, she could also enjoy a dirty joke, especially ones told by my grandpa or her sisters.

With nine kids, all who gave her some sort of trouble, in one way, or another at some point in life, my mom was very patient. The times I saw her the saddest was when she had to watch any of her kids struggle in any way. She wanted life to be perfect for us, and felt the sorrow that accompanied the realities of life.

My mom was also an amazing cook. She didn't cook very often, especially as she got older. But, when she did cook, it was always incredible. I wish I had watched more carefully because now, I find myself craving certain things she used to make. Or, maybe, I just crave her presence.

As I look at the time, I realize I need to go get ready for church, because I know that my mom would much rather me be at church and living the principles of the gospel than spending my time doing anything else, especially saying nice things about her.

I wish she was here so I could wish her a Happy Mother's Day.