Today is Daddy’s birthday. I am wondering if birthdays are celebrated in Heaven. If so – and I’m inclined to think they are – then Mama, Daddy, my sisters Dot and Gerry, Bill – my husband of 39 years and his parents Frank and Bobbie, my maternal and paternal grandparents and all the host of family and friends who’ve gone before are celebrating this sweet and gentle man’s life. Time has eased the deep pain of losing each of my parents, but I miss them still. I miss my sisters. I miss hearing their voices and their sweet counsel whenever I shared a problem …
Happy Birthday, Mama…
Mama was born on the 4th of July. Every year, the family gathered for a picnic and cookout with all the trimmings in her honor. In later years, it was held at my oldest sister Dot’s house because she had a swimming pool. Memphis is hot in the summertime and the kids loved the pool. Dot would bake a large chocolate sheet cake with a hint of cinnamon and a delicious chocolate icing. Sometimes, she’d decorate the top. It was so very good. My mouth waters just remembering. With the cake, there would be homemade vanilla ice cream, usually my …
Legacy…
Today is my Daddy’s birthday and I’m missing him. He was born on February 17, 1905…the youngest of seven children. His father and grandfather before him were farmers in the rich farmland of the Mississippi Delta. With a legacy bestowed by their Scottish immigrant ancestors, they had strong work ethics, Christian values and believed in the strength of family. I never heard my Daddy raise his voice in anger or utter a curse word in my entire life. He was a strong but gentle man. As the father of four daughters, he was mellow and laid-back – I supposed he …
Happy birthday, my sweet boy…
I was there when you arrived HOME from Ethiopia after a long two day journey with your Mom and Dad. You must have been tired, but you didn’t cry. You carefully looked us all over – your new family – from the safety of Mommy’s arms. Those dark eyes danced and then you smiled, revealing dimples that stole my heart. Two years later and I am indeed your Grandmommy! Happy Birthday, my sweet boy! For my grandson’s third birthday, I chose the Hallmark Curious George recordable book and the Curious George plush character that talks when you press the toe …
Fifty-five years and a lock of hair…
A box came down from the attic today that I knew held some treasures. There were letters from my older son and my daughter when they were away at college. There were letters I had written to my parents after we moved to Kentucky. There was a card to my older son at college written by my third grade son telling his older brother that he “didn’t like being an only child” and that he missed him. The tears were falling, of course, as I continued to sort through these priceless treasures… Then I spotted the envelope written in Mama’s hand. On the front it read “Dianne McGregor. Lock of hair from …