Friday, March 1, 2013

Our 'Mom'


Today, I'd like to pen a few lines about this amazing woman!

She came into our lives when we were very young.  She married our dad knowing he had twin daughters, and she always accepted them (us) as her own.  We all know raising step-children can be a tough assignment, but she never wavered.

As my sister and I grew up, we spent the school year with our mother and other family, and the summers with dad and 'mom'.  We didn't always understand what was going on, but we knew we were safe and secure no matter where we were.

Mom was a mere 16 years older than us, but she loved and ruled with a wisdom beyond her years. She married our dad when she was 19 years old.  She had 3 children of her own.  Check back to the last post, and you can see all of us together.

I don't think she ever showed favoritism to 'her' kids over us....well, maybe for the baby...David!

We all had her heart.  She loved us unconditionally.

She had to work to help support our family, so she worked a night shift so she could be home with us during the day.  I don't ever remember going to a baby sitter or a day care.  She was there when we needed her.

I don't think she ever had any 'higher' education, but she graduated from High School, and then the 'school of hard knocks'.

She sewed our clothes, crocheted blankets, washed clothes, even with a wringer washer.  (I remember getting my fingers caught more than once.)  She'd hang the clothes outside, or inside on those folding hangers we all used to have.  She ironed, and even taught us to iron, too.

She had a great sense of humor and honor.  She worked for JC Penney for many years.  She was the bookkeeper. Her books always balanced.  If she was a penny off, she'd stay at work until she found it.  She handled the home finances the same way.

Mom was a great influence on our lives.  During our teen years, we lived there, and she put up with all the teen angst times two!

I remember our home filled with games and laughter.  

We miss her terribly.  She was taken way too young due to breast cancer.

Arlein Adams
March 1, 1927 - May 10, 1992

8 comments:

The Conservative Lady said...

What a lovely tribute to your Mom. She sounds like a wonderful woman.

Linda said...

She was a wonderful woman! I've missed you, Miss Lady!

Penny said...

Such a sweet tribute. I have a second mom, too. She's been my stepmom for 37 years. After she lost her oldest in a car accident, we became very close and after she lost her youngest son she has become one if my best friends. I love her, too. :)
BTW I became a stepmom at 18, had my own at 19. Three kids at 19 is not easy. Lol

Linda said...

Thanks, Penny. I'm sure you do love your step-mom. All those awful 'step-mom' stories are not always true!

Just think, you enjoyed your kids when you were young, and now your grands!

Tesa said...

Lovely! Wish I had been able to meet her!

Linda said...

You would have loved her, Tesa, and I know, she would have loved you. She would really have loved all of the wonderful children!

Mrs. White said...

I loved reading about your "mom." What a great example she is to so many of us. This is a testimony of what motherhood should continue to be in this day and age.

Blessings
Mrs. White
The Legacy of Home

Linda said...

Thanks for stopping by, Mrs. White, and thanks for leaving a comment. Come again!