I recently found this letter tucked away among other old papers and thought I should share it with you all. My mom, Anne, has been gone from us for 17 years now, and it still seems like yesterday. In a week, that tiny baby she got to hold for a few minutes, my oldest and her namesake, will be heading off to college!
As I read this I was struck by the warm memories and the love she felt for her own mother, Elsie Rice. I believe she wrote this as a tribute to her mother on her 77th birthday.
May 8, 1990Dear Mother,
I want to write about some of my good memories through these many years--the number of years will go unmentioned, okay?
My earliest memory, and I've spent some time thinking on this one, is probably moving to Virginia and settling into that big house in the cold. Barbara's birth is another early one. I remember feeling such surprise that such a thing could happen to us. Didn't Ella Adkins come and fix breakfast that morning? I also remember some discussion about a name for the new little girl...maybe you can fill in the gaps here.
The funniest memory I have was on Barbara's birthday just a few years ago. I know you remember how hilarious we all thought you were arriving at that crazy costume party in black tights and your bright-colored swimsuit, wearing a headband, jewelry, and a mouth full of gum! And were there sunglasses, too? Others had funny outfits, but yours was a real shocker!!! George Hobbs, and all the rest of us, laughed until we were nearly sick! I'll never forget it!
I fondly remember our wedding and how you worked to make a nice party for us and a beautiful cake--all in a shiny clean house! Best of all, I remember the loving things you said after the wedding and before I lefts as a married woman--no, I can't say I remember the things you said; the well-loved feeling is what I remember.
My favorite memories are of our happy childhood working and playing together. There was always work to do, carrying in wood and water, helping with supper, and always the bedroom needed cleaning; maybe the most fun was working in tobacco, almost the worst thing in the world!
I also have a memory that just keeps coming back from the period when I worked and lived in Richmond and rode the Greyhound to Gill's Store on weekends. One Saturday afternoon, Gladys Miles was on teh bus and recognized me because I looked so much like her friend, Elsie. She talked to me a long time about how special you were and what a high goal I would if i could only "grow up to be like my mother". That may have been the first time I knew how appreciated you were by other women. It was a good feeling!
And there are lots of other memories. Altogether, they make up a wonderful life so far. I love you very much and appreciate all the little things you've done over the years to bring me along--mostly, though, I thank you for all the big things: listening to my troubles and praying for me (us), helping bring up my children, and loving me no matter what. You're the best!My love,
I hope you all enjoy reading this. Just a side note too this - Barbara's birthday is this Friday! Maybe we should have another crazy costume party for her?!
