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Sunday 13 May 2012

Because Of You, Mom!

Because you graduated from high school top of your class, knowing you had no chance of further education, I learned to do my best, regardless of the rewards. ~


You were the best waitress, then riveter, then telephone operator you could be and taught me to take pride in whatever work I was doing.

Because you taught yourself how to drive on a borrowed Model T Ford, and got your licence the day you turned sixteen, I learned girls are not frail, hot house flowers and can do anything boys can do. ~



Because you loved your dogs and cats, I learned to care for all God's creatures and my home wound up looking like this. ~ 


Because you spent years as a leader and trainer with the Girl Guides of Canada, I learned to cook over an open fire, fashion just about anything from lashing cord, paddle a canoe, splint a broken arm, care for a home and do good deeds.

Because you wanted to live in Northern Ontario and were willing to work nights and care for your children in the day, while Dad went to Teacher's College for a year, I lived in one of the most beautiful spots on earth. ~


I watched beaver build dams, swam, canoed and explored miles of forest.  I picked blueberries and cranberries, caught fish and studied bears.  I was free and unfettered from eleven to sixteen.  There were no social classes, no in groups and no competition over clothes.  Warm was good, cold was bad.  That was about it for style.

Because you always had room at your table for strangers and friends, I met missionaries and farmers, professional athletes and artists, professors and forest rangers and learned that everyone is interesting and knowledgeable in some way.

You read and I read; you wrote and I wrote.  If you had stayed with us a little longer, I know you would have blogged and loved it!

Because of you, I am me!


Thanks, Mom!  I miss you!








20 comments:

  1. What a beautiful post about your Mom. I am sure she was so proud of you-just are you are proud of her. Blessings...xo Diana

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    1. Thanks, Diana. Mom was always pretty generous with praise for her kids.

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  2. Beautifully heartfelt Maureen and beautifully written - you brought a tear to my eye xx

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  3. Okay Maureen, that brought tears to my eyes. How touching. It certainly sounds like you had a lovely mom. Lovely memories.

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    1. I don't know if I would call my mom 'lovely'. She raised six kids and could scare the daylight out of us without ever lifting a hand! I would call her a really good mom!

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  4. sweet post, Maureen. I'm sure she's smiling at how her girl is living a thoughtful and fulfilling life.

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    1. Awww, now you brought tears to my eyes. I hope she knows I try my best!

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  5. thanks for sharing your story of this and your Mother's life. It must have been heart breaking to experience such sorrow.

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    1. Oh, you are so right about that! It was heartbreaking to see such an intelligent, competent and social woman be reduced to a childish shell. I so appreciate your visits and kind comments!

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  6. Lucky you Maureen to have grown up in such a diverse, yet simple, environment! Ladies...not only can she make beautiful crafts, but she can also fix your water pump! How great to have had a mom who gave you such self-confidence and independance! xo wendy

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    1. Too bad we don't say these things while they are still with us!

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  7. What a precious moving tender story...thanks for sharing

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  8. Just so beautiful. Very touching. Thanks you Maureen for sharing your Mom with us.

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    1. Thanks for popping in, Linda, and for all your kind comments!

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  9. Maureen,
    I love your post. A wonderful tribute to your Mother.
    Thank you for sharing.
    Pat

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    1. One of my favourite things about blogging is the opportunity to share the things that matter to us. Another favourite is the connection to great people like you!

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  10. Beautiful post about your childhood and your wonderful mother. It makes me think of the quote about giving your children roots and wings. It sounds like she did just that. She rooted you with a reverence for this wonderful world we live in and all of the creatures who inhabit it whether animal or man. She also gave you wings to fly - to believe in yourself and reach for what ever you dream of. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. My love of the natural world does come from my mom. There were stages when I wished I was a normal girl from a subdivision (Gidgit syndrome) but I'm truly glad I had the life experiences I did.

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