My mother was born on July 4th, 1922, a day that caused the earth to tilt on its axis. She chose the best day to break into existence with a loud bang.
My mother was an exemplary template for fashioning my life. She took no shit in letting her voice be heard. She was a gifted school teacher and proudly gave her life to education.
Our house was filled with animals in my youth, including guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters, rabbits, and one pigeon. Yes, a pigeon named Herbie. He was an indoor/outdoor pigeon because that's normal, right? He rode on my mother's shoulders to school and had free reign of the building. My mother's students were highly enamored with this teacher, and it caused me to be jealous from time to time. I do believe Miss Frizzle was her counterpart.
My mother also loved powerful cars that perfectly fit her lead foot. It is often said that pets take on the appearance of their owners, and cars are reflections of their drivers. During my childhood, she was a 67 Pontiac GTO, a Pontiac LeMans, nicknamed the Striped Tomato by her students. She took to the road as a Pontiac Firebird Esprit and Pontiac Fiero.
I miss her. I miss her scolding me for something dumb I said or did. I miss her scratches on my back. I miss her unending love and her zest for life. My mother was one of a kind. She deserved fireworks on her birthday as she was the essence of the boom and spark.
For those who continue to have mothers in their lives, please do not waste a single second with them. Hold them a little longer in a hug, linger on the scent of her perfume, and gratefully accept what she gives or makes for you. Go for walks, hold her hand warmly, and stop for coffee along the way. Listen to her even if she sounds crazy, and don't roll your eyes. Mothers are sensitive to this.
On her birthday, I shall remember my mother a little more. Heaven will flow heavy with red wine today, the vinter being my mom. She will surround the day's events with Swedish tableware and Dale horses. I can only imagine the fireworks display in the heavenly kingdom this evening.
Now, call, hug, or text your momma. Let her know she was and always will be your first true love. If your momma is a loving memory, say a prayer, sing her favorite song, wear her favorite scent, light a candle, fix a meal, and raise a glass in her honor.
I miss her too. She was a force, she was fierce and she was caring. Nice tribute to her. We may not always understand our Moms, but we always love them., and miss them terribly when they are gone.