Painting by Walter Jack Savage Inspires Memories and Thoughts of My Mother - Born in July...

 

Image of a Woman

She could be any woman, and yet

I see her clearly

Her arms surrounding me

holding me close

She sits there waiting for me

having finished her work day

waiting for a ride home...

I watch from above

as I spend time with a friend

chatting about this or that

until 5:00 on the dot comes

Often, when I get in the car

She starts talking, even in the midst of a sentence,

she'd been thinking about what she wanted to say

I beg--give me five minutes of quiet

Having been on the phone all day 

She immediately stops, not needing to say, Sorry

There will be time to talk about things 

Perhaps while we go someplace to eat

It doesn't matter where for me

She'll probably choose KYC again

And maybe we can get a watermelon, for desert

I normally do what my Mom wants...

She's worked all her life to provide for her children

Now each of us are working, she lives with me.

And it is a good relationship of love

Mom took on four children serving as both parents

when my father was killed before I was born

Mom, it seemed, worked all the time

Social security was not sufficient

to provide all basic needs.

She did practical nursing, housekeeping, 

and washed and ironed clothes for others

Now, I live, beyond the years that she had

Her life was filled with hard work and pain

Yet, she raised four children in God's ways

and showed us His Love as well as Hers

I still remember when I found her...

She'd ask that I be sure to put new slippers 

on her feet--I knew just where I'd find them

Then gently lifted her old, tired feet

and slid them on for the last of comfort

For tomorrow, she'll have no pain

and a brand new body... 

She'll be waiting at the Gate

Perhaps she'll bring my Dad, I never met

Two siblings are already there

Two sons-in-law as well

She's already surrounded, but 

she always loved to be near family

And I know she's waiting for all of us

To live with her forever...

Til then, The Image of a Woman

keeps me close to her each day

One sleeping peacefully, the one I love best...

I Love You Mom!

I Chose this video because I remember Mom always wanted somebody to play the piano and sing, especially when the family gathered at Thanksgiving... or at each other's homes...and a piano was there...

This is a favorite for many of us...

Hi Everybody,

When I saw Jack's beautiful painting yesterday, I asked if it was of his mother...and obviously I thought of my own mother...for I thought of the image he presented, to be one of those where she is already with You, Lord, in Heaven...

Jack answered that it was of all women...And, so, I wanted to share it with you all, dear friends. I don't profess to be a poet, but once in a while, I am inspired to respond to pictures or events...the words seem to come, just thoughts or memories... 

Jack, thanks so much for allowing me to share your work here at Book Readers Heaven. It complements the many times I've shared  my thoughts on your books... You are indeed blessed with all of your artistic gifts!

If interested, click over for another small post about my early years...and...Mom!

God Bless,

Glenda

Review: Mommy Best:13 Inspirational Lessons

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Mothers' Love

Mommy Best:
13 Inspiration Lessons



Derek and Dylan's Mom Never Learned In School!

By Donna Scrima-Black





As I began to work on this review, the thought came to mind that the title of the book was just a bit much...but it is so reflective of the author, don't you think?! No, you may not know her or ever meet her, but you do know one thing...this woman is happy and excited about being a mother!

On the other hand, I've often said that God knew what He was doing in not having me become a mother...

And there you have it...each woman, especially in these days of dual-career marriages (a phrase that started back in the 80's I believe) has a decision that only she can make...do I attend college and have a career, do I get married and become a mother, or do I do both. Many in the 80's believed that it was quite possible to have a successful career as well as taking care of home and children. And Donna Scrima-Black was one of those women--at first...

The truth is, it is extremely hard, if not impossible to be Mommy Best and also have a fulfilling, demanding career. "It took time for me to finally learn, despite all my career aspirations and the time I invested in achieving them, taking care of my son, was of Greatest Value to me..." (p. 15)

Of course, one of the major problems in becoming a full-time Mother is the financial stability of family--is it possible for the new mother not to return to her career immediately after birth of her child? For Derek's parents, there was a greater consideration. Derek had received a head surgery during the birthing activity, so this created an even greater burden on the parents' decision.

What is key to this book, although it shares a truly personal inside story of one family's life, Mommy Best has been created in a self-help format. Scrima-Black does not attempt to force her decisions onto other mothers. As all good writers do, she highlights the issue clearly--"there's no right or wrong way if you genuinely care for your child. It's critical to follow your heart in making the decision!" [to go back to work]. (p.16)

After an issue has been highlighted, then Donna shares her own story and thoughts. Main thoughts are spotlighted and then at the end of the chapter, there is space for the reader to jot down notes/reflections on what she has read.

One of the spotlighted items was one that hit home--an important one for women who have been in a top-level career but decide to stay home with the children. "You need to recognize that others...may have a difficult time..." (p. 24) Some women are concerned that it will be a problem to other women. Some women are single and have no comparison of the new relationship a mother now has... When I was in a leadership role, with mothers working under me...frankly I couldn't understand how they could "do it all!" I was performing at my best and expected my employees to do the same--how could they also take care of children and a home?

The other purpose of the book is to help women to consider writing/journaling their own "memoirs" as a new mother. This is a wonderful idea for many and the book does an excellent job in assisting women in how to bring thoughts into focus and shared in a logical, coordinated fashion.

Now, let me tell you that this book was first reviewed by Kevin (Dad), Derek (Son 12) and Dylan (Son almost 11). Since they have had direct experience of how Donna Scrima-Black has performed as Mommy Best, I'll let their high recommendations speak for that part. I believe as a self-help book for both life choices and memoir writing, this is an excellent, fun and easy book that will lead readers through the paces and importance of decisions related to becoming and being a mother! Kudos to this family for sharing so openly!

Book Received Via
Facebook Reviewers Roundup


G. A. Bixler

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