Remembering Mama

I've been thinking about my mother lately and how much I miss her, still. I wish she were here to talk to. It doesn't matter how old you get, sometimes you just need a mother. I was blessed to have her for 44 years, but I wish she could have stayed a little longer. Long enough to be a great-grandmother, for example. She would be tickled by the babies that have been born since she passed away. I wish she could have stayed long enough to enjoy her retirement years. But it wasn't to be. God gave her the rest she needed and took her home at age 62.

I was listening to a "paid advertisement" on television while reading a book. They were playing the old country songs from the 60's, 70's and 80's. My mother was a fan of country music and I grew up listening to Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty, Charlie Rich, and all of the popular artists at that time. Hearing those songs brings back so many memories.

Music always made my mother happy. She loved "The Sound of Music" and never tired of watching it. She would sing "Edelweis" when she though no one was listening, just as she would hum the little German songs from her childhood. Mama was shy, just as I am. When "GI Blues" is playing, I can remember Mama singing along with Elvis, " Muss ich denn, muss ich denn, Zum Stadtele hinaus Stadtele hinaus, Und du, mein schatz, bleibst hier?" Can't you see I love you, please don't break my heart in two... (Wooden Heart lyrics)

Like my mother, I sing along with the songs, if no one is listening.

Blessings,
Anita

Strawberry Fields

In my last post I wrote about living in South Florida many years ago when I was newly married. There were so many wonderful memories...such as

Sunsets over the beach....soft, balmy breezes on a summer evening....the Everglades...cool Coconut Grove....Strawberry milkshakes straight from the strawberry fields....real Florida oranges......Shrimp fresh off the boat.....a drive along the coast, anytime....a dip into the pool after a hot, humid day....Latino music...the diverse culture....the relaxed atmosphere...driving along the Florida Keys....hot, hot, hot Miami!....the children of the migrant workers that used to come into my store....picture postcard memories.