The Heritage of a Grateful Heart

I Think My Mom is Amazing

I had a lovely phone chat with Mom.

At first it was hard for her to retrieve words,

then she warmed up.

You know, how she memory-talks,

meandering through what comes to mind?

Well I just wrote down some of her musings

and enjoyed a "walk" through her reflections.

It was familiar territory . . . the story of her being a cook at the logging camp

as a young adult,

the summary of a good life.

All sweet, because she is ever the

gracious appreciative lady.

Here are some of her thoughts today:

I had a good life. . . .I married a good man . . .

He had his own way but he's a good man . . . I wouldn't want anyone else!

How long have we lived here?

(LD: 69 years, Mom.)

I've always been proud of you girls. . . . . I know you weren't perfect but I am proud of all of you.

I picked up some of the things we've written down.

What a great life we've had.

I'm here alone so much of the time . . . .I don't grieve over it . . . .

I'm in my own home and l love it . . .

I really do.

It keeps wearing out and we keep putting it back together.

I have been blessed and I know it!

I'm sitting here looking at my cupboards . . . they are still nice. . . .

the new linoleum in there . . . I'm so pleased with that. . . .

the floor is so nice now

I'm just happy

I really am

(LD: You're an amazing woman, Mom.)

I have an amazing life.

Myself and Joe were born to goodly parents.

That was our background.

They were good people.

We never did get rich.

We didn't need it.

I am not depressed . . . .I can be happy with what I have.

I had a good family . . . . a big one.

I give credit to my mom & my dad, too.

They worked hard, growing vegetables . . .we didn't starve.

I was thinking about when I was cooking way out there at that camp . . .

What would have happened . . .

if I had changed my ways? . . . .those worldly men

I just took care of them when they ate . . . . and didn't flirt.

When they knew what kind of girl I was . . . .they weren't so anxious to find a girl.

I tried to be careful . . .

There were all kinds of men there . . .

I was thinking about that the other day.

A young man came in and wanted something - - -soap or something.

I didn't have my door locked and he just walked in.

I had to go in the back to the storage area

to get him what he asked for.

Then he wouldn't leave.

He wanted me to sit down.

I just stood there

with the storage key in my hand

We chatted a little bit

Then I said----Why don't you leave?

Pretty soon I got him away.

He was a man of the world . . . . and he was there for a purpose.

After that, I made sure I locked my door.

I figured if I had to run . . . . I could run!

Anyway, I survived.

I learned how to take care of myself.

There were a few of the boys you could trust . . . there were some you didn't dare trust.

I guess I'd call it a good experience because I behaved myself.

I wouldn't want MY girls to go there . . . .No way!