My Momma

My mom’s name was Helen. She wasn’t well-known upon this earth. Her name was never in lights. She didn’t win a Nobel Peace Prize. She didn’t author a book. But she did write on the hearts of those who knew her. Her message was of love and kindness.

Today Mom would have been 84 years old. She passed away 9 1/2 years ago. And I miss her still. 

When we kids were growing up, December 19th was a special day. Not only was it Mom’s birthday but this was the day we’d get our Christmas tree. We’d bundle up and head out to Christmas tree lots that had precut trees. Of course, the trees were netted so you couldn’t really see their shape. We’d take the tree home and remove the netting. Dad would tell us to let it sit overnight in the warm living room in order for the branches to relax before decorating.

As you know, this year my Thanksgiving, Christmas, and holiday baking day were squished into the last two days of November. It was a lot of fun. But now I’m feeling a little nostalgic as I think of Christmases past. 

When my kids were young, it was nothing to spend an hour and a half looking for a tree to cut. We usually ended up taking home the tree at the front of the lot, closest to the car, that we admired when we first got there. 

So today I found a tree farm to visit. It was the only one in the area that stated “Open 1-6, Sunday – Friday” on their website. It was a beautiful, sunny day for a drive, so I the drove the 40 minutes to get there. No one was around but I got out and walked through the many trees anyway. Some trees were painted with bright colors. I felt like I was in a Hallmark movie. It would have been pretty to see them covered in snow. 

I started heading back to the car when a truck pulled up to greet me. I told the older gentleman that I really didn’t need a tree but that his trees were beautiful. I explained that it was my mom’s birthday and that we would always buy a tree her special day. He kindly asked me about my mom.  Then I told him about searching for the perfect tree with my kids, but now they are all grown up and in different places. He was very kind and listened as I spoke. He was compassionate as I wiped my leaking eyes. I told him his farm was the only one online that was still open so that’s why I chose his farm to visit. He said that they actually closed last Sunday. I thanked him for not calling the police on me and we laughed. I wished him a Merry Christmas and headed home. 

I needed this special time to remember the beautiful memories. It was rewarding. I might make this a new annual tradition. 

My momma was a beautiful woman and a loving mother. I will always cherish December 19th. 

Happy Birthday, Momma. 

You are “always in my heart”. ♥️

Andi