My mom is always saying, “How did I get to be 97?” She finds it amazing, but no one in the family is surprised. Mom’s mother was 95 when she passed, there was an aunt who lived to 104, and mom’s sister is an artist and still painting at age 95. Not only is it in the genes, but the women in our family tend to be strong and independent, a trait that can lead to longevity according to some experts.
I thought I knew most everything about my mom until she recently told me a story I had never heard. During World War II, she was the neighborhood “lights out” Civil Defense volunteer. If anyone has seen the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” with Jimmy Stewart, there is a scene where he walks around his neighborhood and makes sure everyone has all their lights in the house turned off because of the wartime. Mom said she enjoyed helping in war efforts, but did find it a little scary walking around in the dark of night alone. She said she could sometimes hear footsteps, but could not see anyone. Sort of like a scary Hitchcock movie. This all took place on the South Side of Chicago where she grew up. But that’s my mom.
Today, she is not as mobile, but still an avid reader. I’ve never known anyone who could read books as fast as my mom. She loves books that take place in England, Ireland, or Scotland. I learned to cook from my mom, and she says that is one thing she misses very much. Mom’s favorite meal is soup, and how she wishes she could stand in the kitchen, chopping vegetables and making a big pot of soup for the family. She also has a big sweet tooth and would love to make a batch of cookies. It’s just too hard for her to stand and do these things now.
Our family has been so lucky to have mom for a role model in every way. She has not always had an easy life along the way, but that’s all part of life itself, and she always came out stronger through every challenge. You are much-loved mom, and we celebrate you today.
I love you, Mom.
Love from your only daughter,
Debbie
My very favorite photo of my mom. Isn’t she breath-taking?
Happy birthday to your mom! What a wonderful life she has had and so lucky for all of you to have experienced so much of her 97 years ! And what a beautiful picture–can sure see you and both your daughters in her picture.
Thanks, Barb. We are so lucky to have her. Everyone says Kristina looks just like her. I agree!
Happy birthday to your mom! Kudos to her and many more birthdays.
Thank you, Arlene! We hope she breaks the 104th birthday of her aunt!
Have a great year, Mrs Kidd!
Thank you, Cliff! So sweet of you.
Happy birthday! You raised the best daughter <3
Lisa, big hug and love to you.
Happy Blessed Birthday to your sweet mom. What a lovely, inspiring woman, just like her daughter and granddaughters. Hope her day is extra special.
Thank you, Kim! I wish you could meet her. We are both blessed with amazing mothers.
Your mom sounds like an amazing person! What a gift she is to you, your daughters and grandaughter . . . and other family members as well, of course. I hope she is blessed with meaningful connections and a very happy birthday!
Thank you, Denise! Mom is indeed a gift.
Happy Birthday love to a special woman! Debbie’s mother, Pat, was a second mother to me growing up. Being Inseperable from her only daughter, I spent many hours in their home and with their family. I still remember the special meals and snacks that came from the kitchen. My memories of those days are so precious. I was fortunate to have exceptional examples of love, strength, and loyalty from this lovely woman.
Happy 97th! God bless you. Love to you always! ❤️
Thank you, Linda. I love that we have such good memories. Mom will love reading this. She asks about you often.