Monday, October 12, 2009

Remembering Mom,

Today I'm participating in a mass blogging! WOW! Women On Writing has gathered a group of blogging buddies to write about family relationships. Why family relationships? We're celebrating the release of Therese Walsh's debut novel today. The Last Will of Moira Leahy, (Random House, October 13, 2009) is about a mysterious journey that helps a woman learn more about herself and her twin, whom she lost when they were teenagers. Visit The Muffin (http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/blog.html) to read what Therese has to say about family relationships and view the list of all my blogging buddies. And make sure you visit Therese's website (http://www.theresewalsh.com) to find out more about the author.

My mother was born in 1912 and grew up in the Great Depression the fifth child in a house of nine. I envy her growing up with brothers and sisters to fight with, to play with, to grow. Her childhood was so different. She never learned to ride a bike because it was unladylike to sit astride. She couldn't go fishing or ride on the boats with her brothers but mom learned to roller skate.

I'd like to think of my mom as the first roller derby queen. Her brothers rode the bikes towing her with a rope whipping her around. How that was lady like I don't know, but she loved to tell the stories. Her wild rides resulted in a broken arm not once but twice in the same place.

Her skills on wheeled shoes she transferred to me. I can remember her holding my arms leading me around telling me to push with the right, shift your weight, push with the left.

My mom was not only a parent, but a best friend. I miss her terribly. She was the one who turned me on to romance. Now, I guess I can call her a mentor as well. I love you, Mom. Thanks for all you gave up and for all you pushed me to achieve. I hope to do you proud.

6 comments:

Jodi Webb said...

It's funny the odd things we learn about our parents' childhoods!

Nancy said...

I totally agree. Some of the best come from modern things, like having to teach how to put on panty hose. My mother couldn't finger that out and I couldn't laugh. Thanks for leaving a comment.

Nancy
www.nancyoberry.com

LoraMarie said...

My mom was also born in 1912...on April 14, 1912 to be exact...the day of the Titanic tragedy. Growing up in the same era but my mom lived a very difficult life and because she was a survivor, I became a survivor. I miss her dearly as well. Thank you for sharing this lovely story.

Nancy said...

Lora Marie,
Thank you for reading. Moms are special people. I'm glad it was a great memory for you. Please come back any time.

yours,
Nancy O

Kayla said...

Great interview!

Kayla said...

Opps! Forgot my email:

kaylajohnson3969(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

Little fun about Soap

  I know we are trying to work our way out of a pandemic, and about to go stir crazy, but let's have a laugh at what we've had to ...