Another Good Memory: My Mom

Good memories include my mom. She departed from this earth many years ago from lung cancer after enjoying cigarettes for most of her life and even close to death. Mom smoked as long as she could. My age at the time was twenty-seven.

Mom was sick for who knows how long from celiac disease. Stomach problems and diarrhea went undiagnosed for over ten years. Her appearance was thin due to malabsorption syndrome. Doctors at the time were not looking for gluten allergies. Finally, she diagnosed herself and made her own rice bread and other gluten free foods after I had left and went to college.

Mom suffered from a venous stasis ulcer on her ankle due to poor circulation. Several surgeries left her disappointed in failed attempts to correct the problem. She lived with the ulcer for approximately thirty years. The chronic wound finally healed when she had cancer and was off of her feet. Walking was an effort.

Needless to say, her energy level was poor.

My Favorite Memory is

when Mom surprised me and took me shopping at the mall. The big mall. In the seventies the huge shopping structures were springing up in large cities. But our small town of Littlerock and for that matter, the entire Antelope Valley was not big enough to support a mall. So our adventurous shopping trip took us to the LA area, approximately an hour away.  

At the time I was in high school and great clothes were a must. I was more than ready to go. My savings were built up and ready to be spent from working at the packing shed during pear harvest.

We had such a good time. She let me shop to my heart’s content. And we had lunch in the mall. My wardrobe that year was great.

Although walking around the mall was an effort she didn’t complain. She sat while I tried on all sorts of outfits. I’m sure she was tired.

I wish there could have been more shopping trips.

Mom taught me so many wonderful things. How to sew, cook and make the best cookies, pies and peach cobbler ever. She was known for her great pie crust, and of course so am I. 🙂

Celebrate Your Mom

As Mother’s Day approaches, thoughts of my mom linger. I miss her. My hope is that you will celebrate your mother and enjoy her. We only get one mom. Have a blessed Mother’s Day.

© 2021 Nanette M. Holloway-All Rights Reserved

Other publications:

Coping Skills for Caregivers

Before You Depart: God’s Touch before Eternity