Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

The newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness throughout the world.

Special Treat – Mother Figure Indeed

Mothers Day Submissions Continued

May 15, 2006

We are happy to have Carol Dee Meeks on board as writer # 324 for Storytime Tapestry.  Please welcome her in the usual warm and loving Storytime Tapestry style. 

Mother Figure Indeed
Carol D. Meeks



     Fresh from the death of my mom and a newlywed as well, I was naive
concerning the changes and path where life was taking me.  My first-grade
sister moved in with us the day after our honeymoon, but my husband agreed
to help give her a home.  He indeed, was a rare breed.

     She was the youngest of six children, five of which were grown and two
were married.  During the years my mom was sick, we took turns nurturing and
spoiling her.  We felt sorry for her.  We wanted to protect her.  I was as
bad as my brothers, but when she moved in with me and my husband, nurturing
and spoiling became a nightmare.  It was difficult to discipline her, for
she didn't understand my change of attitude.  Her temper tantrums and ploys
of sympathy were no longer cute and I couldn't feel sorry for her anymore. 
This stress, mourning the loss of my mom, and adjusting to marriage brought
struggles and complications foreign to me.  I was no longer the tender
person I thought I was.  It was hard.

     My husband shared the same birth month as my mother.  They were so much
alike, it brought me pain, but I grew to appreciate his resemblance to her
and her ways.  He took over the mothers' role.  It was amazing to watch her
respond to him and our life became bearable.  He knew when to nurture and
when to be firm.  Life mellowed and laughter entered our home.

     "Where did the old moon go?"  She asked one sunny afternoon.

     "What do you mean?"  Pat asked running his hand through his hair.

     "Where did the old moon go?"

     "I don't understand your question."

     She took him by the hand and led him to the kitchen calendar.  "See,
right here, it says...a new moon.  Now where did the old moon go?"

     We had a science lesson from the science teacher and coach.  He
explained how the moon circles the earth.  He explained Santa Claus and how
he really was a myth, but a fun myth.  He explained her absent dad in ways
she could understand:  he was still mourning from the loss of his wife of
thirty years and working hard to make money to come get her soon so they
could live together again.  I shutter to think where either one of us would
be without the compassion of this wonderful man.  He truly was like our
mother, friend, brother-in-law, and spouse all rolled into one being.

     Her bright blue eyes would turn bluer and she was happy.  My spouse
mothered her in the same manner Mother would have, had she still been alive.
  Even now, when she has a problem or need, Pat is who she calls.  Indeed,
he was and is a rare breed.

(c) 2006 Carol Dee Meeks
c_pmeeks@hotmail.com

http://home.midsouth.rr.com/kmhomepage/homePage.html