Saturday, May 9, 2009

Happy Mother's Day!


Happy Mother's Day to all! We all had a mother, good, bad or indifferent. I have a lovely mother. Her name is Jan.
Let me tell you about my mother. She and my father married when she was 14 and he was 17 and no she wasn't pregnant. She didn't have me until she was 21.
At the age of 30, yes, 30 she had a massive stroke. Then 6 months later another stroke. They did an angiogram and found out that she had a rare benign tumor on her heart valve. She became the 3rd person in Waco, TX to have open heart surgery to remove the tumor.
But the stroke had done major damage. At that time they didn't have the clot busting drugs they do now. Or the physical therapy techniques. So everything mom lost, was lost for good.
Included was her eyesight in her left eye, the entire right side of her body was paralyzed and most importantly her speech was gone.
She is now 69. She has lived this way for 39 years. At first she could walk with a cane, then a walker. She has fallen so many times she has pretty much broken most of her bones. Her spine is a crumbling mass of tiny fractures.
So now she is in a wheelchair. When she stands to transfer into the bathroom or into her chair or bed, she is completely bent over, like she is reaching to pick up something.
But let me tell you something the stroke did not take. HER SMILE. She smiles all the time. Everyone that sees her can't help but smile. Strangers in the places we go just warm up to her.
She is pretty much confined to home, but Saturday is beauty shop day and we better not miss beauty shop day or all he-- breaks loose. Lord help us if it is raining or icy. The next week will be miserable if she misses beauty shop day. They treat her like she is a celebrity there. They make coffee just for her and even after she is done getting her hair done, they wait for her to finish her coffee.
Today my sister, her daughter and my sister's boyfriend joined us for lunch. This is a picture of my sister & her daughter & Mom & me.
Tell me the truth. Didn't her smile make you smile too?

16 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh, bless your Mother's heart! Literally!!! What a life she has led!

Happy Mother's Day to you, too!

Thank you so much for the sweet comment you left on my blog post today about the tatted baby booties! :)

Anonymous said...

I cried reading your blog, your mother is such an inspiration. I did smile seeing her smile :)

Happy Mothers day to you as well!

Cindy F. said...

Happy Mother's Day to you, your sister and your beautiful mother!
yes...her smile did make me smile too:)
(((HUGS)))

nutmegg said...

Happy Mother's Day to you too, your mother has the brightest smile, I miss my mums smile no I just miss her she died on Mother's Day a few years ago and I miss her so much.

GoldenAngelsWorks said...

what a wonderful tribute to your mom....

Happy Mothers day to you and yours.

Emily in NC said...

Your mother is very resilient to keep such a positive attitude through it all. May she be blessed with many more years. Happy Mothers' day to you and her.

Leslie said...

Happy Mother's Day to you and your mom. What a beautiful lady! How lucky to are to have her still. What a blessing

Rene la Frog said...

What a strong woman you Mom must be. I had two Mom's in my life that I miss so much. First my own Mom who gave me the gift of life and them my MIL who gave me my precious Husband.

Lou's addictions said...

Your mum has a wonderful smile, hope you have a wonderful mothers day.

Gabi said...

Your story gave me tears in my eyes. Your mother is a lovely lady...blessed with wonderful daughters

Cynimin said...

Reading this just makes me cry and miss my Mom even more! She is 300 miles away but we talk all the time. How fortunate you are to have everyone in one area.

Kathy said...

What a beautiful posting to a beautiful woman. A very special lady of strength and love. Your words and her smile moved me.
Thank you. I know you had a wonderful Mother's Day.
PS your daughter is as beautiful as her grandmother. And mother. it must be a family trait. Beautiful hearts and radiant smiles.

Meari said...

Your Mom is darling... what a great pic!

Sharon said...

Welcome back Donna! What a great family picture and I admit I had to grin too! That smile was contagious!

CindyMae said...

Your mother has gone through a lot hasn't she? It sounds like you have all been through alot. Beuatiful smile indeed!

Karan said...

Your mother is one amazing lady & an inspiration, Bless her. :0)