Something for Sunday

Today, March 8th is International Women's Day. 

It's a day to reflect on the most influential women in your life. For me, that woman would have to be my mother. 

I cannot believe that I have so few photos of her. I guess I've scrapbooked most of them. I should have thought to take pictures of them so I could refer to them again and again. So, these few will have to do.

When she was just 22, she had 4 children under 2! We were all born in January, me--1952, Ronnie--1953 and the twins (Janice & Jennifer)--1954!

Whenever I felt sorry for myself that I had a husband going to school or traveling with work when I had babies, I just thought about her and how hard she had it! 

To top it off, she was widowed at 35 with 7 children! I was the oldest---15 at the time. My youngest sister was just 2 years old. I admire my mother so much. She was a "stay-at-home-mom" and managed to continue that for 16 years after our dad died. She was committed to staying home and taking care of us. She took in typing to earn extra money. She worked through the holidays on a part-time basis at a local department store while we were in school. She did it for the extra money and the store discount she received to buy Christmas presents. She had other small part-time jobs, but for the most part, she was always home when we were.

She canned everything and made assorted jellies. The freezer was full of the fruits and vegetable the local farmers gave her to help out. She bought "day old" baked goods from the Hostess store for our lunches--I still remember she got 6 packs of Twinkies or Ding Dongs for a dollar!

She was an original "refunder." In the early '70's--I guess you would call it a movement. People saved and sent in boxtops and assorted other proofs of purchase to receive coupons for free stuff. She could go to the grocery store and get a cart full of food for the cost of the tax! She was a hard worker--always. My memories of her were either doing dishes or laundry. She was always working. 

When my youngest sister, Joyce was a senior in high school, she could no longer afford to stay home. She went to work full-time and was ultimately transferred to South Bend, IN. We were all grown then, but still couldn't believe that our mom was moving!! Joyce--the baby, graduated from high school and went with her. It was fortuitous for me as Sandy was starting college at Saint Mary's in Notre Dame, IN. It was comforting to know that her grandma would be there--"just in case!"

Here is Sandy with her great-grandma and grandma.

I think this picture was taken about a year before mom passed away at 78. Much too young! 

She was an incredible woman--very strong for the times. I'm proud she was my mom! 

Okay, this could be a Mother's Day tribute too! I love you mom!