81 years ago today.........
September 1st, 1931 - the day my Mother was born.
I started off today by posting a quick note on Facebook announcing that it was my Momma's 81st birthday. My thoughts turned to earlier days. I'm not one of those people who has a whole lot of childhood memories. I grew up with three older siblings. They all remember so much more about growing up in the Scruggs family than I do.
Even so, I searched my memory banks this morning in an effort to rustle up the earliest possible piece of history with my mom. Smiling, I recalled a moment when my Mom & Dad were getting ready to go out dancing. Oh man....could my parents dance!
So, there it was. A vision of my mom in a charcoal grey party dress with a bright orange sash....and something glittery. (It was the 60's, after all!) I wasn't too sure what that glittery thing was. Oh, and a tall pair of heels, too. My mom was beautiful in my vision. A lovely 'up-do', sparkly jewelry, bright red lipstick and a great big smile. I'm sure she and my father were heading out for a special, magical evening of dancing and fine dining.
My family celebrated Mom's birthday today with a very nice lunch. Luckily, all of us were able to make it to the party this year. On the way over to the restaurant, I shared my memory with my Mother. She absolutely could not believe that I remembered her dress.....one of her favorites.
Later, after the party, Mom had a surprise for me.
Now, you've just got to admit that my Mom looks pretty darn GREAT for 81 years!
The dress doesn't look too bad either! We figured out that the party dress must be from 1965 or 1966. Mom would have been 34 or 35 at that time.
I would have been 4 or 5, at the most.
As much as she couldn't believe that I remembered the dress.....I couldn't believe that Mom still has it in her closet!
How ironic that today of all days, this special memory surfaced and then I was actually able to see it, touch it and hold it for a few moments. It feels like I received the gift today!
Happy Birthday, Mary Jane Scruggs!
-daughter
-sister
-niece
-cousin
-aunt
-student
-teacher
-wife
-Mom
-Grandmom (Gramsie)
-singer
-pianist
-nurse
-director of nurses
-ballroom dancer
-volunteer
-friend
These are the roles that I can list for the 81 years of my Mom's life. Some of them were in her past. Some are present day.
Who knows what the future holds?
For today, let's celebrate the beginning of a new year and the promise it holds for all of us.
"Good kids come from good Mothers! You have always been the most amazing Mom. I am so grateful to share this special day with you!" ~unknown
Comments(2)