It's a mother's hope and dream that her children become all that they can be, never tiring in the efforts taken to make that dream a reality. After children are grown and on their own, one might conclude that a mother's job is done, mission accomplished so to speak. But not so much. It just doesn't work like that. Her influences live on, finding all sorts of interesting ways to carry themselves forward.
Sometimes life deals us a fortunate hand of fate, placing other nurturers along the way as well. Much the same as a mom might be, yet different somehow. I was favored with such a person once upon a time, that person being my mother-in-law Verna.
Sometimes life deals us a fortunate hand of fate, placing other nurturers along the way as well. Much the same as a mom might be, yet different somehow. I was favored with such a person once upon a time, that person being my mother-in-law Verna.
She had set tables and cloth napkins. She canned fruits and vegetables, baked homemade bread, and even made her own noodles. Her kitchen was the hub of her home, with family sitting around the table while the brick fireplace provided warmth and a comforting glow. Her kitchen cabinets were fashioned of wood taken from the old barn, and other antique items filled the room as well. An old-time milk can was set in the corner, in which she kept brown sugar. I recall watching her loosen the top, hitting it with a wooden spoon while effortlessly carrying on conversation. I was intrigued. If I had to describe Verna using only one word, that word would be "spunky". I don't think too many people tell her what to do, as she's pretty set in her ways and has her own style of doing things. Get on board, or get out of her way! To me she was kind of like a mom, but with a twist.
We spent time out at the farm over the years, and whether you call her Verna, Mom, or Grandma, she's the one who made it a welcoming place whatever the occasion. Her family get-togethers and holidays became signature events, the kind that build traditions that live on into the next generation.
We spent time out at the farm over the years, and whether you call her Verna, Mom, or Grandma, she's the one who made it a welcoming place whatever the occasion. Her family get-togethers and holidays became signature events, the kind that build traditions that live on into the next generation.
Christmas gifts aren't opened randomly. Excited children take turns in handing out gifts to family members one by one. This not only encourages the basis of good manners, but also helps in avoiding the chaos that seems inevitable during large family gatherings, allowing the evening's festivities to proceed smoothly. No saving of ribbons and bows. Gift wrap and related items are handed over directly to Grandma, disappearing into the Christmas Eve fire. Santa doesn't wrap presents, and children are allowed to start Christmas morning as early as they'd like.
Other special occasions had their traditions as well. As simple as her famous pimento sandwiches at family reunions and as memorable as tomato aspic on Thanksgiving. As an added bonus, the prized Thanksgiving turkey skin was presented to me as a special treat. While they relished in the absurdity of my enjoyment of turkey skin, I found it endearing that she thought enough to save it for me. A win-win, as they say.
Seemingly everyday things make impressions as well. More Verna wisdom in the making. Quick meals like tomato soup and cheese toast made in a pinch become nostalgic family favorites. Hot milk toast, heavy on black pepper as the go-to remedy for a sore throat. Masking tape is okay when band-aids aren't available. Chicken and noodles on a bed of mashed potatoes is not too starchy, and is perfectly acceptable. Keith likes his Ovaltine cup warmed. Never skimp on butter. Beautiful lawns don't just happen, and do not mow themselves. A plate of deviled eggs can be considered a meal. Taking a bath doesn't require a lot of water, or water pressure for that matter. And there is no limit as to how often one can run the dishwasher. Ever.
Her children, otherwise known as the "Original Seven", and in turn their children and grandchildren have benefited from her influence, sprinkled over the years like a dusting of powdered sugar on gingerbread. And while not being born into it, I've been a recipient nonetheless, and have most likely passed a share of her wisdom along as well. When all is said and done, and no matter how you slice it, Verna's influence will find its way, continuing on in the best ways possible.
- dedicated to my mother-in-law, Verna. the spunkiest 29-year old I've had the pleasure to have known.
Seemingly everyday things make impressions as well. More Verna wisdom in the making. Quick meals like tomato soup and cheese toast made in a pinch become nostalgic family favorites. Hot milk toast, heavy on black pepper as the go-to remedy for a sore throat. Masking tape is okay when band-aids aren't available. Chicken and noodles on a bed of mashed potatoes is not too starchy, and is perfectly acceptable. Keith likes his Ovaltine cup warmed. Never skimp on butter. Beautiful lawns don't just happen, and do not mow themselves. A plate of deviled eggs can be considered a meal. Taking a bath doesn't require a lot of water, or water pressure for that matter. And there is no limit as to how often one can run the dishwasher. Ever.
Her children, otherwise known as the "Original Seven", and in turn their children and grandchildren have benefited from her influence, sprinkled over the years like a dusting of powdered sugar on gingerbread. And while not being born into it, I've been a recipient nonetheless, and have most likely passed a share of her wisdom along as well. When all is said and done, and no matter how you slice it, Verna's influence will find its way, continuing on in the best ways possible.
- dedicated to my mother-in-law, Verna. the spunkiest 29-year old I've had the pleasure to have known.
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