My mom had a long, eventful and at times, tragic life. Her youngest sibling, Albert, died in infancy. Her mother died when she was 7 or 8 and she was sent to live with Aunts and Uncles. She was seperated at times from her younger sister, Norma because of this. Her dad died when she was 13. This picture was taken on the front steps of her grandparents home when she was 3.
After graduating High School, she moved to Chicago to go to Business College. She became a secretary, eventually a school secretary at the elementary school in my hometown. She worked for many years there. She also was heavily involved in the PTA, even serving on the Illinois State PTA Board. She also knew how to have a good time, loved a good joke and laugh.
Mom gave up her career to have my brother and I. She was a stay at home mom for quite a few years after we were born. My first day of school she walked me back up to the elementary school where she had worked for so many years and made sure I was okay before she left. I still remember the crisp, cool morning as she took my hand and we walked down the street. This is us as we left for my big adventure.
Mom was always there for us as we grew up. She went back to work, sometimes working at night so she could be there when we got home from school & to cook our dinner. After my brother and I grew older, she opened her own antique business and became a well known and respected authority on primitive antiques. Many people would travel many hours from Chicago to buy from her shop.
Even while she worked, she was always there for us, even when we didn't want her there. She gave good advice when we didn't want to listen. Mom let us learn the hard way if that's what we wanted to do.
I miss her alot. But I know she is with me every day. My mom was also very spiritual, possessing a gift of foresight and very strong intuition. Her faith led her to overcome many obstacles in life.
Happy Birthday Mom!
:J
