I grew up in one of the most beautiful parts of Upstate New York. I enjoyed the changing of the seasons, but it seemed winter was always the longest and coldest of them all. I loved winter! Winter would bring the unexpected surprise of a snow day, a day where life as I knew it would stop, and the things we would normally do got placed on the back burner. We had some major snowstorms which were not measured in inches, but in feet. We would literally have to be bulldozed out in order to get in and out of the house. The drifts would sometimes be as high as the rooftop! Those storms would come in with a fury, and then leave in its place a calm, white, blanket of snow which sparkled from the reflection of the bright sun against it.
It was exhilarating as a child to get bundled up to go play in those massive drifts of snow. My mother would often bundle up herself and come out to play with us. She taught us how to make snow angels, build large snowmen and snow forts for the inevitable snowball fight.
After a morning of playing in the snow, she would take us inside, help us get unbundled and make us lunch. This is where I learned the fine culinary art of making fried potatoes. Potatoes, vegetable oil, salt, ketchup and a cast iron frying pan came together to create a carb lover’s dream – before I even knew what a carb was! Mom would take the potatoes and slice them thinly like potato chips and place them in the hot frying pan until they were light brown and crispy. She would then take them out, place them on a paper towel and lightly salt them. Dipped in ketchup or not, they were simply delicious. What made them even more delicious was the love they were made with.
Although I didn’t realize it at the time, sometimes those potatoes were all she had to make lunch with. I never knew it, and never felt deprived because I didn’t have anything else, because I loved Mom’s potatoes. Although the potatoes were great, it was more about watching her in the kitchen, listening to her sing while she made us lunch or shared her much beloved “Dollyisms” (which I call my mom’s wisdom) for the day. An example of a Dollyism would be, “If you don’t go to the bathroom before you get your snow suit on, you’ll turn it into a wet suit.” My mom has always had the ability to make me laugh. She can find humor in anything. The place where she finds her humor is the same place where Jesus Glitter comes from. It is looking for God’s best in every situation, whether it is good, bad, happy or sad.
I know that life isn’t fair for anyone, but my mom has withstood some horrific things in both her childhood and her adult life. Yet, she keeps smiling. She has taught me the greatest treasures in life aren’t things, never to say “I love you” to something which can never love you back, and to not take myself so seriously that I can’t enjoy life. She’s taught me it is okay to be different, and to never be afraid to stand for what I believe in.
She has also taught me:
- Don’t take crap from people who only think they know your story.
- Never let a person feel friendless.
- Even when you can’t afford to give a person a dime, you can give them your time.
- Take care of the little things and God will take care of the big things.
- Don’t allow anyone to steal your dream.
- Sing at the top of your lungs even when people can hear you.
As my mom gets older, the things I might not have appreciated as a kid, I value so much more. Memories of our loved ones are what we hold close in our hearts both now and when they are gone. I dread the day God calls my Mom home, although she always tells me she won’t be very far from me. She is right. The lessons I’ve learned as a little girl and now understand as a grown woman have molded and shaped me into who I am today. Without her, there would be no JesusGlitter.
Thanks Mom, for always being my sparkle, putting joy in my heart and demonstrating God’s love to me.
I have a day of rest and I am going back and re-reading your blog. this is one of my faves. First because it is a beautiful picture of God’s love and provision through your mom. Second, when you write about upstate NY it is like a mini-vacay for me. Snow days were the best. I love you and your blog brings me such peace and joy.
Hi, Sue!
Oh my sister, I love and miss you dearly. I think of you so often and it seems I butt-dial you a lot. I think it is God’s way of saying we need to talk. Thank you for always encouraging me! I am so thankful they bless and encourage you!
I am a Christian and I completely understand where you and your grandma are coming from. Take care of the little things and God will take care of the big things is something I live by. I don’t believe in sitting down and hoping God will do everything. I need to make an effort with the hope that the good Lord will see me through.
I grew up in Upstate NY too! And my brother and I liked to make potato fries exactly like this. 😉
Lovely tribute to your mother, you have a nice blog. 🙂
Hannah~ Weren’t they the best! I can almost smell them now 🙂 Thanks for stopping by! I grew up in Waverly, NY
Thank You for your encouragement about the blog. It has been a work in process. We just updated everything a couple of weeks ago 🙂
Such a beautiful tribute. ♥
Thanks Toni! We only get one momma and God tells us we are to honor them. I want her to know how much she is loved!
I love this post! I grew up with a single mom and we have a very close relationship. I love hearing about other mother daughter relationships!
Brittany~ That is wonderful! My daughter and I are very close too. I was a single mom with her for a period of time and I appreciate her on so many levels. I know I am fortunate to have such a special relationship with my mom and my daughter 🙂
Love the potato frying….and not realizing that possibly that’s all that was available. Your adult understanding that because you loved what you did have, there was no feeling of being deprived.
Hi DoraMae~ It is so true I never felt deprived because what I might have lacked in other places there was always plenty of love to go around. :-)Thanks for your comment. I appreciate it so much!
I love Dolly and love you, too, Sista!!! Thanks for sharing your heart with us!!
Hi Sistah~ It is amazing the journey God has placed us on and we are still together! I love you too and thank you for all of your encouragement!
Beautifully written! My prayer would be that anyone who has such a loving Mom would take the time to recognize it now while they still have the opportunity.
Thank You Tammy~ I have decided I want those who have been so special in my life to know the impact they have on a daily basis. My mommma is one of those people. I realize not every daughter has a relationship like ours and I cherish every moment I am with her. I pray that prayer with you. Don’t regret anything…..