This week at school I was standing in the lunch line with my kids and one kid said, "Mrs. Bailey, Did your mom die?" I was a little shocked, because I don't talk to my students or parents about what happened to my mom. I said, "Who told you that?" Another kid said, "My mom told me that." In my head I was thinking, "okay?." So they proceded to ask a 100 questions like little kids do. "Did she go to the hospital? How did she die? Did she get hurt?" I just said, "She got really sick." They took that answer and went on with getting there lunch. I was like "Whew!" glad that was a good enough answer for them. But just as I answered the wondering kids, I noticed another student behind them. I immediately felt awful for the answer I had just given. The student who was listening in on the whole conversation has a parent who is very very sick. My heart breaks for this child who makes cards for their parent when we have free writing time in class. This child is so young and needs their parent for all the things that life will bring as the child grows. When you pray, please say a prayer for this child and their family. It really makes me thankful for the 21 years I did get with my mom and all the memories we had together.
I thought I would share a memory of my mom. Every year my mom and I would go with the girls of my family to the Kenny Chesney concert. My mom loved Kenny Chesney! We always had so much fun. The year my mom died the concert was at the beginning of June right after my 21st birthday. For my birthday my mom took me shopping for some new clothes. I wanted a new outfit to wear to the concert. Anothing memory of my mom is that we found any excuse to go shopping; we loved to shop! I still can remember that day. I picked out an outfit and then we met my brother for my birthday dinner. Even though the outfit no longer fits, it is still hanging in my closet and probably will forever. I keep this picture on my night stand; it is my mom and I before we went to the concert that year. When I look at the picture I think about the 21 year old girl who had no idea her life would change in just 2 weeks. I am so thankful for all the memories I had with my mom and everything I learned from her.
10 comments:
It's a good thing we can't see into the future. I'm glad you feel comfortable sharing memories of your mom. It feels good to talk about them and share them with people who may not have known them or may not feel comfortable bringing them up around you. Keep sharing!
That is a great picture of both of you!
What a sweet memory...I'm sure you do treasure that picture. I know you regret that your mom didn't get to know Kade, but she's looking down on you guys from heaven all the time! I can't imagine how hard it must be for you because I still have my mom. But, as I've told Jana, I'm going to need you girls when I do lose her. Thanks for sharing!
Awww! That brought back memories of her taking me shopping for the perfect outfit for my senior picture. We went to three different malls to find this black jumpsuit with bright colored polkadots and orange ballet slippers. She even charged the shoes for me because she said I had to have them. The eighties clothes were rediculous. After the pictures came out we all laughed at them and I ended up not buying any. I'm glad you shared that. We miss her and we love you very much.
Heather there is not one single day that goes by that I dont think of your mom. She was the best person with the biggest heart and a great sister. She could always make me smile and laugh at her silly jokes. When I look at you and Bradley I see so much of her there. I miss her so much!
Love, Patsy
Heather, I so loved working with your mom for the one year I got to know her. She made even the most being meetings such fun and always brightened my day. I think of her often.
Thank you for sharing these sweet memories. I will say a prayer for your student.
oops...make that BORING meetings. sorry.
Hey Heather, isnt it amazing how small the world is and how word gets around. I found out about your mother from the lady that cuts my hair(Pam)and i was so shocked to hear about it. I have memories of her as well as others. She would always have breakfast made for you and Bradley when I came over and she took us to school. I can remember you always talking about how yall went shopping. I know you were really close to your mom and she is watching over you and the rest of the family. We were the best of friends(you and I) and i dont know what grew us apart but i regret not being there for you when you needed someone the most. I still have letters that you wrote me in middle or high school(cant remember) Anyways just know that im here for you even though we did grow apart and thanks for sharing your memories.
I'm so glad you share memories of your mom with us! She was such a wonderful person and a blessing to everyone who knew her.
There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about my beautiful sister, Wanda. There wasn't anyone that didn't like her. She always had a smile and had a shy giggle when someone was talking to her. The latest memories are so special to me. We walked so many miles together training for the 60 mile walk and talked and really got to know each other so well. Then she talked me into dancing lessons and we had such a good time learning all of the new country dances. We laughed at each other so much during those classes. She was living her life to the fullest and having such a good time.
When Wanda was in the 3rd grade she played an angel in a school play and everyone said she was the sweetest angel. I believe that we all have the sweetest angel watching over us now. I will miss her always.
Sharon
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