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Happy Birthday, Mom


My mother on her wedding day, March 1947
 
I always know what day of the week it is, but I don't always note the date. So it was probably sometime late in the morning when I realized yesterday was October 11. It would have been just another day in October, except October 11 is my mother's birthday. Born, just after the start of World War I in 1914, she would have been 103 this year. 
 
My mother died in the winter of 1990, so there haven't been birthday celebrations in a long time. Sometimes it seems that my mother has been gone for decades -- and she has -- and the pain of her passing has quieted and is dormant. But on other days, like today, the pangs of missing her are vibrant and very much present. My feelings tonight are a mix of sadness and gratitude. Sad not to have had more years with my mother and grateful for the good times and legacy that I was given.
 
Thanks, Mom, for home baked cakes and teaching me how to bake. Thanks, for infinite trips to the library and museums and winter afternoons at the Y in Hartford for swimming lessons. Thanks for a million memories. You were the best!
 
 


14 comments

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

The 11th is my youngest granddaughter, Klaire's birthday.

I'm so glad you have happy memories of your mother, and that you honor her memory.

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

A beautiful bride. And sweet to read about your memories with your dear mom on her birthday.

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

Our mothers are never gone from our heart. She was a beautiful bride.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

Those we love are always near as we keep them in our hearts forever. Nice memories of days with your Mom.

Chatty Crone said...

That was very sweet remembering your mom - we sure do miss them don't we?

Curtains in My Tree said...


How sweet and sad at the same time. Yes I miss my Mother also and feel ashmane of what a re bilious teen anger I was in 1960's
My Mother taught me a lot also.
Love your Mother's wedding day picture

Paula said...

I don't think we ever get over losing our moms. Yours was a beauty!

Susie said...

Carol, Your mother is truly a beautiful bride. I think we all long for our mothers at times. Some days are just a deeper longing. One more hug mommy, please. When my mother passed, a friend at work told me a little girl died along with my mother...but sometimes I am still that little girl. Blessings and hugs, xoxo, Susie

Mevely317 said...

Your mother was a beautiful bride! How intriguing, her expression ... the angle of this image.

Ours is a sad sorority; thank you for expressing my own feelings.

TARYTERRE said...

mothers are always in our hearts. this was a lovely tribute to yours.

Joy Nissen said...

My mother's birthday is today, and it sounds like we have a lot of commonalities! My mom has been gone since 1992 a very young 60 year old and I miss her sorely this year more than others for some reason! Hugs to you my dear friend, our mothers are amazing people and dear to our hearts!! <3

Pam said...

Carol, your mother was a very pretty bride and I can imagine how much you miss her. I enjoyed reading your nice tribute to her. Take care

From the Kitchen said...

A lovely photograph and sweet memories of your mother. My mother loved celebrating her birthday (although she never actually told anyone her age) and she is especially on my mind on March 7 each year.

Best,
Bonnie

Melinda said...

Beautiful picture.
Missing Moms is a tough thing.
I miss mine daily.

Nice remembrance.

M : )