Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Happy Birthday Mom

Today would have been my mother’s 94th birthday.  She passed away four years ago, a few days before her 90th.

She was mentor and role model to her daughters and grand-daughters.  She taught us to cook and sew and that there was nothing we couldn’t do.  She had learned early to be a skilled seamstress and later learned building and cabinet making skills.  She could fix most anything and could identify most plants.  I could never figure where she got all of her knowledge.  She would say “there is always a book”, and she read a lot.

pat msw She graduated high school during the depression and had no opportunity to go to college.  That changed in her early forties.  She entered a community college and then went on to earn her bachelors degree from UCLA.  After taking a year off she entered UCLA’s school of Social Welfare and earned her MSW at age 50.  She worked 12 years as a clinical social worker at LA County Department of Health.

 

Happy Birthday Mom, we miss you!

13 comments:

fredamans said...

Happy birthday. R.I.P.

Diane AZ said...

She was an extraordinary mom, grandma and great-grandma. She had many talents and a fascinating career, yet always found time for family.

Lindy said...

What an amazing woman and a fine role model for all!

I'm glad you have her angel. =)

Paulie said...

Well, I will change my birthday poem for your Mom to this:

You had many happy returns to the day of thy birth.
Much sunshine and gladness was given.
God in His mercy prepared you on earth
For a beautiful birthday in heaven!

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

What a role model for you.

Anonymous said...

Much respect upon this entry of yours. What a role model, i'd like to say, for us all.

As love does negate all distance and time, assume her to be close to you every day. Please have you all a wonderful Wednesday.

Nina said...

A Mother's Love
While raising children
she did her part
A Mother's Love
comes from the heart

Changing diapers
and cooking too
A Mother's Love
shines through and through

Keeping us safe
teaching right from wrong
A Mother's Love
is oh so strong

As teenagers
we tested her will
A Mother's Love
guided us still

The college years
brought her new trials
A Mother's Love
kept hopeful smiles

Finding love
a new life did begin
A Mother's Love
welcomed them in

Starting a family
gave new appreciation
A Mother's Love
such steadfast dedication

Busy lives
yet never far apart
A Mother's Love
always dear to our heart

Age advances
we come back and embrace
A Mother's Love
wrinkled, yet full of grace

Elderly frail
mother changes her style
A Mother's Love
come sit for a while

Twilight's near
as we hold hands
A Mother's Love
our heart commands

At her last breath
Peace and Comfort come
A Mother's Love
we gain strength from

Feathered wings
surround us with love
A Mother's Love
now comes from above

Grief is short
when we remember when
A Mother's Love
is free to live again

Find comfort
in God's Love and Light
A Mother's Love
still hugs you every night

Written with Love and Light,
by Nina P

Linda Reeder said...

Wow! She sounds like an amazing lady, someone truly missed.

Love the heron header!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

A lovely tribute Martha to a lovely lady!

Joanne Olivieri said...

What a wonderful tribute to your Mom and thank you for sharing her with us.

Ebie said...

A very loving and inspiring post. Your mom is a great lady!

happily retired gal said...

Lovely way to remember your mom ... a special woman ;-)
Hugs and blessings,
Sacred Ruminations

Barb said...

We were both blessed to have great role models for Mothers, Martha. Not a day goes by that I don't think of mine, sometimes wondering what advise she'd give to me. Lovely remembrance.