My mum was a collector of buttons. She loved roses and magnolias and preferred raw vegetables much more than cooked ones. She was a dedicated family woman, a loving mother to her two daughters and a frequent helper at our school. She was quiet and gentle but fearless when something upset her. One day, she saw the local priest walk out of the pub across the road from our school. Oh boy! Stand back.
My mother, Jean St Claire - 1919 - 1993
My mother made me the sort of woman she was but I didn't know that until after she died 26 years ago. I wish I had thanked her for unashamedly being who she was - a working class woman who took a whole lot of nothing and turned it into a glittering prize. I think of her every day but today is her special day. Today would have been her 100th birthday. Happy birthday mum. We love you and miss you every day.
What a lovely remembrance of your mother!
ReplyDeleteOh, what a sweet photo. Is the first one of you, or of your mom as a girl? It certainly looks just like you, very wise even as a child.
ReplyDeleteIt’s my mother, Jean.
DeleteWhat a sweet tribute to your mom.
ReplyDeleteLovely to read these memories about your Mum, Rhonda. You look so much like her. I especially love the line that she was ...” a working class woman who took a whole lot of nothing and turned it into a glittering prize”. Brilliant writing that paints such a wonderful picture of who she was, and what that meant to you. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on her 100th birthday. xo
ReplyDeleteThanks Anita. ♥️
DeleteSuch a sweet story. My Mother passed at 96, she would have been 100 a few weeks ago. That generation had a strength of purpose that I hard to find these days. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi Rhonda, Thankyou for sharing these lovely memories of your Mum. I think of and miss my Mum everyday too, I was in my mid twenties when we lost her, about the same age as my daughter is now. She was too young to die and I was too young to lose her. Fi
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you lost her when you were so young, Fi. xx
DeleteWhat a special tribute to your mother! I'm sure she would be so proud of her girls!
ReplyDeleteLovely memories Rhonda, heartfelt and true. Happy Birthday Jean.
ReplyDeleteShe sounds like a wonderful woman Rhonda, I think she would be proud of how you have passed on her hard working, simple living legacy and helped make it relevant to the next generation.
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A lovely photograph of your mother Jean as a child. I have a photograph of my grandmother as a young woman with exactly the same haircut and enigmatic smile. Made me look twice. Happy Birthday Jean.
ReplyDeleteWe share the same name - Jean, A Gardening Granny.
Such a lovely tribute to your mother Rhonda. My mum shared similar traits to yours by the sounds of it - she was calm and compassionate, very loving and the glue that held us all together. She was not one to argue, but could certainly hold her ground if the need arose. Thank you for sharing such lovely thoughts. Margaret
ReplyDeleteHappy Heavenly Birthday to your mom! So glad that your mom taught you and you became like her! You are a blessing to so many!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful tribute. We never forget our mums 😢
ReplyDeleteThis brought a tear to my eye Rhonda. Most days I think of things that my Mum said or did. I wish I had understood how wise she was when she was still alive.
ReplyDeleteMy Mom had the same haircut! I miss her too.xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely introduction to your sweet Mum. You and she look so much alike!
ReplyDeleteOh wow - you really look like her. My mother had me quite late in life for her generation. She would have been 98 this year and Dad 108! Isn't it incredible to think how much the world has changed in that time. I wish I had appreciated my parents more when they were alive and known more about their earlier years.
ReplyDeleteA lovely tribute to your mother. I think we always regret not appreciating our mothers (and fathers)when they were alive. However, now that I am a mother of two grown daughters, my greatest joy is knowing they are strong, independent women who can take care of themselves and are not afraid to venture forth. Maybe, in a way, that is thanks enough.
ReplyDeleteYou have her eyes and smile Rhonda. I really like old sepia photos as they seem gentler. A beautiful tribute.
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking on this and actually Rhonda I feel you have thanked her hundred fold by being the person you are. Your mother would know that.
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely photos of your mom. Aren't mom's wonderful? I hope my children think that way of me. My mom's birthday was Feb. 18 -- she would have been 96. We lost her in 1996.
ReplyDeleteRhonda, your Mom lives on through you - both in your memories and appreciation of her, and in the way you have lived your life. Thanks for sharing her with us in this beautiful way. I especially love the story about the priest coming out of the bar; makes me wish I had been there! Beth in MN
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written Rhonda, and your Mum sounds very much like mine was, a working class woman leaving very strong values with me, and her bottle jar:) I think of her every day as well, and I feel for you now. Another wonderful thing abut Mothers is they always forgive their children. Pauline x
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely commentary. She is indeed beautiful.
ReplyDeleteShell
Such a sweet testimony...my mom would have been 101 this year...passed in ‘96. Miss her everyday.💞
ReplyDeleteI just discovered your blog. This entry really hit home. My mother, also born in 1919, would have been 100 on March 2. She passed on almost 5 years ago. And I see so much of her in me now with my quilting, gardening, and enjoying a simple lifestyle. I will always miss her and my dad. That generation was truly great.
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