Thinking back on my life I can honestly say my Mom WAS the best. She was just an amazing mother. For many years, she was a single mom raising three kids alone. But, she was always one hundred percent there for us. I think the title “Supermom” really was coined because of her. She balanced her career, managed our home, volunteered, sang in the church choir, and was a friend to all. My sister-in-law used to call her “Saint Alice” because of her huge heart for people, her loved ones…friends, family, co-workers.
One example of her big heart I remember happened one night when I was a teenager. My friends and I were out on a Friday night, and we found a stray kitten. My friends said, “Let’s take it to your mom, she will know what to do with it.” They were right. She did know, and that kitten became a new member of our family that night! That is the kind of caring mom I had.
But, when I was a young mother, I really began to appreciate her love for her family. As grandchildren began to arrive, she was there to help with the new births and became a very special "Nana" to my kids and the other grandchildren. She and our #2 Dad kept the kids often for us and those close to Florida and traveled to see the far out-of-town ones when they could also. Nana Alice and Tom (Grand-Dad) were fun and generous. They both worked full time jobs but gave many of their weekends to spend time with our young ones...lots of beach time, outings, and attention. Holidays and birthdays were special because they always tried to get the kids things they really wanted. Of course, Nana Alice, who really was the ultimate gift giver, took so much joy in getting all just the right thing.
But, she was really so unselfish too. She looked out for the needs of others more than herself. I recall a time when she wanted my husband and me to have a night alone without little ones. She was big on supporting our marriage by giving us breaks. So, we planned to meet half-way since we live an hour apart, and my 4 yr. old and 5 year old would go with her for the night. Well, on the way there, I realized my 4 yr. old must have a stomach bug of some kind. When we got there to meet her, he threw up. I told her she couldn't take him sick, but she insisted we needed a break, and she could handle it. She buckled them up and drove off. She cared more about giving me the night with my husband than herself. That's the kind of selflessness I am talking about.
I really saw her as a homemaker after she remarried #2 Dad. They built a house together, and she cooked a lot more. Oh, she always cooked for us kids as a single mom, but when she found "her man" the meals got much better. I totally enjoyed seeing how she loved him by serving him. They made the cutest couple, and they enjoyed life. They traveled a lot...to Gator games, the mountains, cruises, etc. They went to movies together, and they teased and laughed at one another. I knew she had found the love of her life in him.
In closing, I have many fond memories of the way Mom was...more than even possible to write down in this blog. I get glimpses of that person sometimes, but it is like a snapshot you glance at, and then it is gone. I am glad #2 Dad tries to keep these memories alive with his love...he reminds her and teases her...just like old times. But, he knows and I know the old times are gone on the road we are on. But, I take comfort that at least we can still get her to smile and laugh...and that does make it all easier...losing who she was.
But, she was really so unselfish too. She looked out for the needs of others more than herself. I recall a time when she wanted my husband and me to have a night alone without little ones. She was big on supporting our marriage by giving us breaks. So, we planned to meet half-way since we live an hour apart, and my 4 yr. old and 5 year old would go with her for the night. Well, on the way there, I realized my 4 yr. old must have a stomach bug of some kind. When we got there to meet her, he threw up. I told her she couldn't take him sick, but she insisted we needed a break, and she could handle it. She buckled them up and drove off. She cared more about giving me the night with my husband than herself. That's the kind of selflessness I am talking about.
I really saw her as a homemaker after she remarried #2 Dad. They built a house together, and she cooked a lot more. Oh, she always cooked for us kids as a single mom, but when she found "her man" the meals got much better. I totally enjoyed seeing how she loved him by serving him. They made the cutest couple, and they enjoyed life. They traveled a lot...to Gator games, the mountains, cruises, etc. They went to movies together, and they teased and laughed at one another. I knew she had found the love of her life in him.
In closing, I have many fond memories of the way Mom was...more than even possible to write down in this blog. I get glimpses of that person sometimes, but it is like a snapshot you glance at, and then it is gone. I am glad #2 Dad tries to keep these memories alive with his love...he reminds her and teases her...just like old times. But, he knows and I know the old times are gone on the road we are on. But, I take comfort that at least we can still get her to smile and laugh...and that does make it all easier...losing who she was.
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