Not your usual mother's day post

In 1972 my mother awoke to what would be her last Mother's Day. I would like to say that I made that day special for her. Unfortunately I don't remember anything about that day or any other day in the time my mother's life overlapped with mine. However, given that I was only five, I think the odds were low that I helped give her the day she deserved. I have no real memories of my mother on vague feelings and a few mental snapshots.

Based on those feelings and things my sister Sharon (actually half-sister) has said, it seems that my relationship was very close -- the words worship and shadow were used to describe it. I know that if you spread the snapshots of me out chronologically, you can tell exactly which ones were taken before her death and which after. The sparkle and the smile suddenly disappear.

I would like to think that we would have remained close but I have no way of knowing if that would have been true. For many years the guiding question in my life was, "Would my mother be proud/pleased with the things I have done and who I have become?" I am told I am much like my mother in personality, mannerisms, and many aspects of appearance.

These are the things I know about my mother though they don't add up to much: ( Read more... )

Her name was Cora Mae.

I wish I would have had the chance to know her because all evidence suggests that she was one amazing woman. I know my sister Sharon is and I imagine that much of who she is reflects who my mother was. If there really is something after life on this planet, I hope her rewards are rich.

Project 365 for yesterday (25) and today (26)

Yesterday: ( squirrel seen on my short walk )

Today before a very long walk: ( Lake Michigan Waves and Chicago Skyline )