It took my sister Barbara to remind me that yesterday would have been our mother’s 95th birthday if she were alive. My son shared his birthday with her. I can’t believe I forgot. I think it was because yesterday I was missing Damon so much.
My mom passed away in 1997. She had dementia and had been in a nursing home for about 6 years.
My Mom on the left. She was one of 12 children. I think it must have been difficult for her family. They didn’t have much but they all survived.
Me, my mom and my two cousins. I remember you always called me “angel”.
Me, my mom and my sister. I always cuddled up with you in the evening.
You were a good mom. You did the best you could. You weren’t a very good cook. Thank goodness Dad was. I wish you would have been more happy. I hope you are finally happy now.
Happy Birthday Mom!! I am sure you’re up in heaven with Dad. I miss you both.
Your Daughter,
Noni
Whatever I think 
Jul 30, 2008 @ 22:29:02
You made me get a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. I’ll bet your mom is smiling down on you right now.
Thanks, Joy. I felt so guilty when I forgot it was her birthday too. But she was the forgiving type so if she is looking down she’s probably laughing.
Jul 30, 2008 @ 22:42:02
Wow! I can so see her in you and in Sarah. The resemblance is very strong. One of 12?!! Yikes. That was a big family. It’s funny how we always want our moms to be happy.
There were 15 originally but 3 died in infancy. My mom was never quite happy. There was always something missing in her life and I don’t think she ever knew what it was.
Jul 30, 2008 @ 22:53:15
She is beautiful, Joan…
And look at little you! How cute!
i’m sorry for the loss of your mom.
And i’m sorry that you were missing Damon.
Right now it is Damon I am missing the most. At least I get to talk to him. I haven’t see him in 7 months which is the longest we have ever been apart. But it is for the best that he get out into the world.
Jul 30, 2008 @ 23:11:04
What a lovely tribute to your mom.
I can see where you get your beauty from.
Happy Birthday to your mom.
Oh, thank you. My mom was very pretty even as she got older. She had the softest skin her whole life. I remember feeling how soft the skin on her cheeks was.
Jul 30, 2008 @ 23:36:55
Your mother was a very beautiful woman. I can definitely see a family resemblence, and where you got your looks from.
I am teary-eyed at the moment, this was a sweet tribute to your mom, full of love as well as honesty.
I remember when my Dad passed away a few years after my Mom. My sister and I looked at each other and she said ‘Wow, now we are orphans”. But it’s the cycle of life. We all have our turn here and I am going to take my turn and make it the best.
Jul 30, 2008 @ 23:38:14
A very beautiful tribute, Joan. Amazing pictures. Sending a truck load of hugs your way. Don’t let me catch you selling them in a yard sale. Take care, sweetie. 🙂
I don’t get many hugs Peter. I would never sell your hugs, ever. I miss my son because he was the best hugger. He’d put his arms around me and just not let go. So I will happily take that truckload of hugs and use them up one at a time when I need them. Thanks.
Jul 31, 2008 @ 02:12:09
I love those photographs Joan, you look a lot like her.
Everyone has always said that I look like her. I can remember when I was younger walking through the town I was born in and having a stranger come up to me and say “You are a LeMay aren’t you?”
Jul 31, 2008 @ 04:30:51
This is sweet Joan. I love the touch of photos! You look a lot like your mother, I think! Thanks for sharing this.
Yes, I definitely look like my mom. I’m glad you liked this post.
Jul 31, 2008 @ 06:55:38
so sweet! You have such a big heart. I absolutely love that last photo; all the pics are terrific.
That last photo shows where I spent every evening when I was young. My mother was a very loving mom and I was always cuddled up next to her.
Jul 31, 2008 @ 08:54:17
Happy Birthday Joan’s Mom! What a beautiful lady to raise such a wonderful daughter. I love the pictures. I wish you a wonderful day Joan!
Thank you Kim. I don’t know how wonderful I am but my Mom was the best mom that she could be. Hope you have a great day too!
Jul 31, 2008 @ 20:16:19
happy belated birthday to your mom! you have the same profile indeed as her, and i love that last picture with you cuddling close to her. you’re so sweet and innocent! 🙂
more {{hugs}} to you from me!!!
My mom was definitely a cuddler. I miss her a lot. Hugs to you too Sweetheart.
Jul 31, 2008 @ 21:43:28
A beautiful post, Joan. I love seeing those older photo’s.
Thanks, I even have tintypes but we don’t know who the people are in them. We know they are relatives but our parents are gone and we never asked them who they are.