My Mother: Tough Chick at 86

Today is my mother’s 86th birthday. I am coming to grips with the reality that she is indeed just starting to be, well, the “o” word. If you repeat any of this to her, I will come and haunt you unmercifully.Mama worked hard all her life, endured tough times with my daddy, gave birth to me at  40 (I can’t imagine having a 6 year old at 46!), and raised two almost perfect children with the help of Obie Mae, who I considered my black mama.

Mama’s kidneys are beginning to fail after 46 years of high blood pressure, she’s lost a lot of weight, and I repeat myself for her frequently. Yet she still drives the Toyota, continues to carry on her daily duties, and makes it to Lisa’s to have her hair poofed at least once a week. Mama was 71 when her first grandchild was born. I think that gave her renewed zest that has sustained her these 15-plus years so far. She adores her four grandchildren; we review their goings on daily.  She comes over every morning for coffee, feeds the bird, catches up on her soap, and loves on our sweet Gizmo.  I don’t know what I’d do without my mama. She still “babysits” while we go to the farm, takes care of us when we are sick, and runs to the store for milk.  Her special niece, Kathy, and I are taking her to lunch today. I am sure she’ll enjoy a glass of wine, order something fried, then sleep the rest of the day.

Today is her day.

I love my mama.

see you

ML