Much is said on this day about the supreme sacrifice that a mother makes to raise her children. But it is a point that, when considered by a self-oriented single twenty-something, is really quite remarkable. My mother has had children in her house demanding her attention and care for 28 years. That's a long time to have one job.
But I look at my siblings, and see that she did a bang-up job. She probably had no idea I would be such a jerk, or that Tom would be an exhibitionist, or that Ellen would break that antique chair, or that Charlotte would pick fights on the soccer field. But it didn't matter; she was going to raise us up right, in spite of our deviant tendencies.
And on this day, I remember this and am glad. Happy mother's day, mom.
Posted by aokie at May 9, 2004 11:33 PMI saw this wonderful lady yesterday, in the office here at Northside High School. I'm never really sure if she remembers me, so I don't venture beyond a whispered "hi." But I'm always struck by her presence in this setting, so seemingly out of place in a school that has been almost home to her for the past 13 years. So different from the usual parental occupants of those office chairs (airmen in uniform, "ghetto" moms in their late twenties and early thirties, Southern gals with tanning-bed tans and overmuch silver jewelry), she was simply clad in her dress and kerchief, humble and peaceful and comfortable in her skin. She is an individual, and she lent her precious quartet of individuals to this institution.
When May 29 sees the end of the Okie era here at NHS, not a little of the luster of this place will be lost. As long as there are teachers who remember them, the House that Becky Built will live in Northside lore as the finest group of siblings ever to hallow its halls, a proof for the skeptics that homeschooling isn't all bad, a testament for all to the power of a brilliant and committed mama.
Posted by: Leah at May 11, 2004 09:28 AMor was it 14? I can't count.
Posted by: L at May 11, 2004 04:16 PMthanks for your words, leah. you're perhaps a bit too kind to the 4 of us (except for charlotte; she was prom queen).
seems like i owed you an email but to be honest i lost it a while ago and can't remember exactly. in any case, sorry about that.
i started in 1991, so that's 13 years. back then, 9th grade was middle school.
Posted by: abe at May 11, 2004 06:43 PMYou didn't owe me anything. I was silly and needed space to get over myself.
I rediscovered your blog this week, and have had some much-needed laugh-out-loud moments. I especially enjoyed Mary, the wicked cats, and Steve "Ken-Doll" Green. At least you don't have Carman in your store of shameful memories (Alas, I....I've blocked it out).
Congrats to little sis. It was surreal to see her coronation to resounding cries of "O-kie! O-kie!
O-kie!" Lt. Col. Shee would've been proud.
Just in case any of your regular readers suspected flattery, just tell 'em how many awards Sis got today. BTW, your family was the subject of lunch table discussion today. Mayo, Murchison, and Campbell chatted about how Ellen and Tom each had chosen spouses just like their folks "They ARE Okies," they said. Ms. Combs, who doesn't hear well anymore, simply asked "Tom's married?" and repeated "I love Tom" several times....like a mantra. okie okie okie
So, yeah. I wasn't exaggerating.
Posted by: Leah at May 19, 2004 03:15 PM