The Women Who Raised Me

In honor of Mother’s Day I would like to honor some very important women in my life, The Women Who Raised Me!

My Mom, Mary Anne

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First and foremost, my mom. My mom was a perfect mother for my brother and I. She was also loving and caring for all of our friends. She was sweet, kind to all and so beautiful. When meeting my mom, many thought she was my sister, she was only 16 years older than me and definitely didn’t look old enough to be my mom. 🙂 You would often find her and my dad playing with all of us kids on the trampoline or riding bikes, playing tag or hide and seek. My friends loved coming to play at my house, cause my parents made it a fun place to hang out.

My mom passed away in September 2019, this is my first Mother’s Day without my mother. It is a strange feeling to not have her here, I miss her!

My Grandma Mary

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My grandma Mary, my mom’s mother, was one of the sweetest women that I will ever know! I don’t remember my grandma complaining about anything, and she had plenty to complain about I am sure. She ALWAYS had a smile on her face, and most likely you would find her in the kitchen cleaning or cooking something delicious while singing or whistling a tune. One of my favorites, “Mairzy Doats and Dozy Doats”.
My Grandma taught me so many things, cooking, canning, fishing and gardening, but most of all she showed me that she loved me!

Oh, mairzy doats and dozy doats and little lambsy divey
A kiddle divey, too. Wouldn't you?
Oh, mairzy doats and dozy doats and little lambsy divey

A kiddle divey, too. Wouldn't you?
If the words sound queer and funny to your ear,
A little bit jumbled and jivey.
Say, "Mares eat oats and does eat oats

and little lambs eat ivy."
Oh, mairzy doats and dozy doats and little lambsy divey
A kiddle divey, too. Wouldn't you?
Oh, mairzy doats and dozy doats and little lambsy divey

A kiddle divey, too. Wouldn't you?

My Grandma Bonnie

My dad’s mother, the one that I think of as my spicy, feisty grandma! My grandma Bonnie was a badass! She didn’t take crap off of anyone. She spoke her mind and I looked up to her for that. I remember one time when I staying the night at her house, and someone was rattling the door knob. Standing right in front of her kitchen door, I heard my grandma cock her shotgun and say, “you better get away from my door, or I will shoot you”! I heard footsteps run away. I will never forget that night, I felt so protected by my 4’11” grandma with a gun! 🙂

My Auntie Donna

My aunt Donna is the most wonderful auntie that I could have ever wished for. I stayed at her house with my cousins so much of my childhood. Aunt Donna’s house was always a fun time. With four cousins to play with, and all of their neighborhood friends, there was always plenty to do. Swimming, horseback riding, playing pool in the garage and hide and seek under the street lamps.
Uncle Roger was a big man, he pretended that he didn’t like kids, he growled at me every time I looked in his direction. When I walked past him sitting in his recliner, I gave the widest berth that the living room would allow. Aunt Donna would just laugh and say “Roger, quit picking on her, Babette, he won’t get you, I won’t let him”!

Writing this has brought back many great memories, and a few tears, good tears. I love the women that raised me. I am grateful for the time I got with my mom and my grandmas, and the time that I continue to get with my Aunt Donna!
Today, I am most grateful to these women for teaching me to be a mother to my 5 children and a mamaw to my 5 grandchildren. YES, I did say 5, I just got a new grand daughter 2 1/2 weeks ago! I am SO blessed!

Who are you most grateful for on this Mother’s Day?

Hei Hei,
Babette