My brother was seven and I was 11 when my family first moved to Indiana. For about a week before all our stuff was delivered, we were living in a completely empty duplex with nothing but the 2 suitcases each we brought with us on the plane. We didn't have a car because my dad was at work all day and our other car hadn't arrived yet. We didn't have a TV either.
So besides being homesick and down in general, we were also extremely bored.
I don't remember whose idea it was, (I think my brother and I were kicking around a piece of cardboard at the time), but somehow we decided to have a "Fashion Show" with all our clothes combined. We took turns going upstairs and piling on as many clothes as we could in the craziest combinations we could think of. I'd put on my moms shoes and my brothers shirts with some neon socks pulled up to my knees, go downstairs, and we'd all just laugh. And then my mom or brother would take their turn, and we'd laugh again. It's a good thing we didn't have a camera, or there would have been too many blackmail pictures to count!
My mom has always been up for anything, is always full of good ideas, and has always had the best sense of humor. My brother and I have had the best childhood (and adulthood) because of it.
— Sarah Alvarez, Indianapolis, IN
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A Tribute to My Mom ... My Inspiration … My Best Friend.
Life wasn't easy growing up on a small dairy farm in rural America. Money was scarce, if not nonexistent. But we always had plenty of good food and suitable clothes — though often too utilitarian for my taste. I have fond memories of my mom toiling long hours to prepare and store the delicious bounty from her garden, sewing long into the night to make a dress for one of my special occasions, and decorating our home in the latest style on a dime.
Regrettably, while caught up in my own world, I didn't always recognize the sacrifices she had to make. But most of all, it was the strength and love of my Mom that enabled me to survive with only a few remaining scars from the mental and physical abuse of an overworked father.
Early on, my mom recognized my talents and made sure that I had opportunities that they could not afford by knowing the "right people" who could help and guide me through my youth. Whatever the situation, my mom provided me with what I needed to excel, often at her own expense. When college time arrived, my father refused to sign the necessary paperwork. However, because of my mom's desire that I have a better life than the one she had chosen for herself, she forged his signature. As the hours grew near for my college departure, I still remember hearing her crying long into the night as she finished sewing a special quilt for my college dorm.
Even today, my mom is my inspiration and my best friend. We still nurture one another's creativity. The lessons she taught me have kept me grounded with my priorities in order — eager to enjoy life even in difficult times. The strength she endowed upon me has helped me through good times and bad.
I would not be the person that I am today if not for my wonderful mom. I am so thankful for each and every day that I have her. I love her very much.
— Debra Pottinger, St. Louis, MO
Posted: 7/30/2009 6:12:25 PM
My brother was seven and I was 11 when my family first moved to Indiana. For about a week before all our stuff was delivered, we were living in a completely empty duplex with nothing but the 2 suitcases each we brought with us on the plane. We didn't have a car because my dad was at work all day and our other car hadn't arrived yet. We didn't have a TV either.
So besides being homesick and down in general, we were also extremely bored.
I don't remember whose idea it was, (I think my brother and I were kicking around a piece of cardboard at the time), but somehow we decided to have a "Fashion Show" with all our clothes combined. We took turns going upstairs and piling on as many clothes as we could in the craziest combinations we could think of. I'd put on my moms shoes and my brothers shirts with some neon socks pulled up to my knees, go downstairs, and we'd all just laugh. And then my mom or brother would take their turn, and we'd laugh again. It's a good thing we didn't have a camera, or there would have been too many blackmail pictures to count!
My mom has always been up for anything, is always full of good ideas, and has always had the best sense of humor. My brother and I have had the best childhood (and adulthood) because of it.
— Sarah Alvarez, Indianapolis, IN
Posted: 7/30/2009 6:12:25 PM
Go to page:
1
