Something a bit different this week for R5F. Today would have been my mom’s birthday, so I thought I’d share five random thoughts about her.
1.) Mom was born April 17, 1910, the third oldest of 12 children in a poor, but loving, hard-working family. This is the only photo I’ve ever seen of her as a child. The girl in the middle in the dark dress was my Mom’s oldest sister, and my mom is to her right. This photo was taken prior to the births of the two youngest children. (My poor, poor grandmother….)
2.) My parents were married in 1929, she was 19, he was 30. A few years later, my two sisters were born 15 months apart. Then 15 years later, the family was surprised to learn that I was on the way.
3.) I recall Mom always struggling with her weight. So I was surprised (and pleased) to find this undated photo of her in a swimsuit. (Motor Man says, judging by the cars, it was probably in the 1930’s.) Mom’s on the left, and those are two of her sisters with her.
4.) My dad died when I was an infant, and Mom never remarried. When I became a teenager and had opportunities to go out with friends or on dates, she could have made me feel guilty for leaving her alone. But she never did. She would say: “I’ve lived my life, it’s time for you to live yours. Go whenever you have the chance.” What a gift that was that she gave me.
5.) May 5 will be the 20th anniversary of Mom’s death. We were blessed to have her in our lives until she was 85. Rarely a day goes by that I don’t recall one of her sayings or something she taught me or wish that I could ask her something.
Happy Birthday, Mom.
~These Days Of Mine~
these days of mine 
Great old photos………..Happy Birthday to your Mom – I know even though our Moms are long gone from our lives, we still celebrate those special moments with them – they are always with us so why not celebrate. I’m sure your Mom is very happy at how your life has turned out – that’s the BEST gift you could give to her.
Pam
Beautiful post dedicated to your Mom. I think of my Mom every day several times a day. I can’t look at a cherry pie without getting a big smile thinking about her. I think we are very lucky to have pictures, and of course, our memories!
What a lovely tribute to your mother, Dianne. “I’ve lived my life, it’s time for you to live yours. Go whenever you have the chance.” This sounds like my mother.
Beautiful tribute to Grandma! Thank you!
We were so lucky to have her for so long. I know you miss her as much as I do although it’s been almost 20 years since she left us.
And your Mom would be so proud of you and the woman you have become. Such a great tribute to your her.
The girl to the right of your sister looks like you at that age. Beautiful memories of her, your dad, sisters and aunts.
What treasured photos and the love you have for her shines through in everything you write about her. Love lives on .. and it radiates from this post, MJ
A beautiful tribute – your Mom gave you wings to fly – and she would be so proud of the lovely lady you have become!!
20 years, really? I can’t hardly believe it. She was/is a wonderful lady. My Mom allowed me the same life – one of the best gifts they could have given us.
It’s a wonderful tribute to your loving relationship that twenty years later, you write such touching memories of her. Makes me want to go drive over and hug my mother right now.
Love having the memories and love we have had in our lives. We have been honored and blessed with wonderful family.
Such a loving tribute to your mom. She obviously was a wonderful, devoted mother. The old photos are such a treasured gift, aren’t they? My mom has been gone for 16 years and I treasure my memories of her and still miss her every day.
Such a lovely tribute to a wonderful mom. She would be so proud of you today. June certainly favors her.
Seems like just yesterday she and Miss Sarah Hunnicutt were sharing stories with me about their youth. Miss them.
You are fortunate to have had such a loving mother.
A beautiful birthday tribute…
I’ve seen some of these photos, but a couple are new to me !
a special woman. 🙂
A lovely tribute to your Mother, Dianna. The second picture of her with her whole family, you favor her so much.
Such special memories!
So special, Dianna! My mother was born April 12, l914, but she has been gone for almost 28 years. And you’re right, there’s hardly a day that goes by when I’d like to show her something or ask a question. This was a great topic for your random five day.
Your Mom must have been a truly wonderful person. I can tell by your memories. 🙂
A lovely post about a lovely woman. #5 is so true, not a day goes by without a “mom memory.”
Oh, Dianna, this made me cry. It hasn’t been that long since I lost my mother. Although all of the pictures are priceless, that one of you with her, looking up at her, incredible. A treasure and a gift forever.