Shortly after my mom passed, I was overwhelmed with worry
that I would forget some of her many “isms”.
I diligently wrote down what I could remember in the back of the journal
she wrote for me. I know, this sounds like
an easy task, but for the last year of her life, she wasn’t quite herself, so I
had a challenge before me. Some of my
favorites include:-The way she could blow bubbles with her gum (constantly), without it every leaving her mouth!
-Her leg would shake furiously if asked to sit still in any
circumstance (dr. office, church, weddings...she was a hot mess!)
-Her nostrils would flare when she laughed uncontrollably
-I wish I could accurately describe the noise she would make
when something wasn’t quite going her way…something along the lines of, “ahrrggg!”
-How she would ask me to finish her hair in the back-it
frequently liked to gravitate westward
-The little face she would get when she accomplished a task
she took pride in (wrapping a gorgeous-looking present, finishing a scrapbook
page, examining a flawlessly ironed shirt)
-Her “you’re in trouble” face that she would flash to us in
public situations, lest we get embarrassed
by being called down
-How frustrated she would become when eye makeup wouldn’t
stay on her face. Haha!
I know that these qualities are things that only close
family and friends will understand, but they were definitely the things that
made me love her more. She was so weird, in a good way!
Last year’s Mother’s Day was a very difficult day for
me. I chose to be bitter and sulk in
self pity over the loss of such a wonderful mom. This year is different! I am choosing to
celebrate her: a mom who would selflessly give herself for the well-being of
her children and husband. Nick asked me
what I wanted for Mother’s Day…and the only answer I could think of was an ode
to my own mother. 
In conclusion, I invite you to join with me in this
celebration. This Mother’s Day, I want
more than anything to read YOUR memories of my mom. I want to share them with
my family and celebrate a life dedicated to Christ. Your memories of her can be funny,
sentimental, from the past, or more current…I don’t care! I just want to spend Sunday feeling
overwhelmed by God’s peace, by joyfully commemorating a woman I will always
look up to.
Ah, sweet Adrienne. I knew your mom more when she was sick than when she was healthy. I will always remember her smile and they way she carefully chose her speech. When she was in New Life with us, she was content to let your dad always speak. But when she did speak, we listened. Her words were carefully chosen and always wise. Rejoicing with you in celebration of your mom! -Bethany
ReplyDeleteI love, love, LOVE this post!! The memory I'm thinking of right now is the way she would harmonize with ANY music-- Jeopardy, a commercial jingle, a singing toy of Lucas'... it puts a smile on my face to think about that. I think I'll be smiling all day just thinking about my momma. Thanks Peeby!
ReplyDeleteP.S. I think you need to include a photo of YOU and mom!!
DeleteAdrienne, this is so very awesome. What an incredible way to honor your sweet little mommy! I always remember your mom's beautiful smile that was so warm and friendly. She was so genuine and it was very evident that she had a heart for Jesus even when times got very hard! What amazing faith she had :) very inspiring!!! I love you guys!
ReplyDeleteP.s.- from Brittany Harvey :)
DeleteBaby Girl,
ReplyDeleteWhat an outstanding ode to your mom! I could see and hear it all and I laughed in spite of myself but I also cried when I finished reading this because I realized a broken heart has been healed by the grace of a loving Heavenly Father. I am proud of you right now. Maintain that focus for God has so much more in store for your lives.
Daddy
you always make people cry... its rude. :) Excuse me... the assignment was to post a memory. You, of all people, have lots to share. Let's leave out any that would embarrass her beyond the grave (Longhorn Steakhouse, anyone?)
DeleteIf you take away longhorn you take away all the fun :-) and I saw no assignment for others in your blog, however I remember dittying being her favorite way to go to sleep, her ferocious protection of the underdog, the twinkle in her eyes when she had a secret, the calming effect of her presence and her willingness to defend her children even when they deserved a reprimand. She was and is my hero and I wish all her children a "Happy Mother's Day" in her absence. May her legend live forever in our lives.
DeleteOh dear Adrienne, thank you for this wonderful tribute to your dear mother. Her laughter and her loyalty are my two favorite memories - her laughter would fill a room with joy and make hearts lighter - her loyalty as a friend was fierce and deep and I am so thankful that she was my friend. I never for a moment doubted her love for me - what a gift. I love you baby girl. Lois Ann
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful! I could picture those same sentiments you described! I LOVED to sing with your mother! She had a beautiful voice, and I loved the harmony we made together. I feel priviledged to have had the opportunity to sing with her, and look forward to the day we sing together again!
ReplyDelete(Janet Ertel)
Dear Adrienne, Once again you amaze me! You are so grown up beyond your years... what a wonderful thing to do remembering your Sweet Momma...As you are aware I am sure, I spent most of my time with her when you were not yet even thought of, one of the things i remember most, her always wanting to go shopping with me in her little out fits that were quite "unimpressive" :) Her coulottes that had little ice cream cones on them and her little shirt that was a pullover and of huge stripe, I always told her "Now Re, if you are going with me you cannot wear that, to that she would say, but they have the same colors in them" all the while she was scrambling to find something else to put on so she could go with me! (remember at the time this was going on I was around 19-20 and she was 8-9! My I miss your Mom and Love her so much...thank you for helping me to remember! I love you sweetie! Happy Mother's Day
ReplyDeleteDear Adrienne, I have loved reading what you and others have written about my beautiful sister! When I was reading the things you listed (Re-isms)I was smiling and thinking, "Yeah, I remember that, and that, and that...." I loved her laugh and her beautiful smile and the joy she had in you four kids. When she was a little girl she wanted to go with me and Mike on our dates. She was a tomboy as well. One of her favorite outfits was what Joyce described. Mom no sooner got those coulottes washed than she had them on again, along with her boy tennis shoes! I was amazed at how she grew up to be such a feminine, well dressed lady! One of my favorite times was when she flew to Texas and surprised me. She and I had such fun those few days. One day we spent shopping and stopping by the Clinique counter for a make-over. We then took our glamorous selves to lunch in the food court! I'm sure we turned many heads with our beauty but more than likely with our laughter! When I see how you and your sisters enjoy each other I truly understand. Be sure to treasure those times and make lots of memories. I've been thinking a lot about Re these days, one reason being that our choir is singing "Thou, O Lord" on Mother's Day. It seems fitting for me. I've been listening to the Springdale CD with that song on it and just know I can hear her voice now and then! Thank you, Adrienne, for sharing with us. Love you much! Aunt Janice
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog about your mother. It made me stop and think about the fun times she and I had singing in the choir when you girls were small. I loved sitting next to her and hearing her beautiful voice as she sang praise to our Lord and Savior! I remember her sweet smile and how she always asked how I was doing when we would see each other. I remember how she never complained when she was so sick, always smiled and said she was doing good. Your mom was a special lady and I loved her very much. I miss her as well. I enjoy keeping up with you and your family and I am so excited for you and Nick and your little bundle of joy you are expecting. I know you will be a great mom because you had a great example to learn from. Love you Adrienne and I wish you a very happy Mother's Day! Karen
ReplyDeleteYour writing is beautiful and always makes me cry! I love your memories...It made me happy to read them and laugh at the ones I remember experiencing! I always loved your mom's advice! She was so easy to talk to. Remember when we both had a crush on a certain boy after a trip to Bujama and your mom helped us work it out. I loved coming to your house and spending the night, and we'd be sitting in the kitchen eating her delicious food and she'd come in and chat with us. She always made me feel welcome and loved. I loved hearing her sing. She made me laugh so much. She could really tell a story! I remember the time I visited you in Cincy and we played Blokus together. She always won. :) I look forward to rejoicing in heaven with her! I love you!
ReplyDeleteAdrienne, I have really enjoyed reading all of the memories and stories about my sweet baby sister. We remember when we were first married she would come over and spend the night and of course she always had to sleep right between us. We didn't mind at all. When Chris was born she always wanted to be his little mommy and Teresa's little helper. I used to always try and go and see her everytime she was singing somewhere with the GBS choir. I also remember trying to sing a duet with her when dad was pastoring at Monticello, Ky. We sang "Thanks for Loving Me", I'm sure the people enjoyed hearing her voice more than mine. I loved to hear her sing. We love you and wish you a Happy Mother's Day and are looking forward to seeing little "Curious" baby George. Uncle Jerry and Aunt Teresa.
ReplyDeletegood mornin!!! I am thinkin of the times before our kids were born......we would get on our leotards, our leg warmers, (yes, we wore those in public!) go to Elaine Powers, do our aerobic class, laugh at ourselves, we did that week after week, it was a blast, she was a blast!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe thing I most remember about your mom was the little talks she would have with me on Wednesdays at church.
ReplyDeletePLEASE post who you are when you write a memory! I am so curious who wrote some of these. :)
ReplyDeleteAdrienne...I've loved reading these memories as well. What a sweet blessing...I know you will treasure them! I just LOVE the King family (I tear up just thinking about y'all!) and dearly loved your mamma! She was a special friend...we had fun while crafting or shopping together, and well, just visiting over some coffee or dinner. I cherished the times we had because we could share anything and knew we would be safe in sharing. There was such a sweet peace about her and she always met me with a smile. I treasure the godly wisdom she shared and the prayers she prayed. And I, as everyone as else, remember her beautiful voice. What a gift that she used to glorify God! I know I am a better person because of her being a part of my life! Wishing you a wonderful "Mamma-to-be" Day! You had a wonderful example...and it's obvious you're following in her footsteps! Thanks for sharing these memories and allowing us to express our love as well! Miss your mamma so much! Love you! Patty Totten
ReplyDeleteAdrienne, I am glad that its not too late, I hope that you don't mind, but your Uncle Danny thought we should share one more little quip about your Momma! When we were newly weds ( Uncle Dan & I) we took a trip with Your Papaw, Meemaw and your Momma. I believe we had been married only 3 months! We decided to go out west to Arkansas and see the Passion Play. We were in Buick Le Sabre...(a rather large boat looking automobile)...Notty was up front with Mom and Dad..Dan andI were in the back. LONG JOURNEY, here is the reason why! YOUR MOM!!!!! She was 9. Dad turned on the air conditioner as we started on our trip, talk about hot, it was in June and we were burning up in the back seat with the air on, it was blazing! In those days there was not any vents in the back with air coming out. So the story begins...Our sweet precious Notty started to grumble..."Daddy I am cold", "Daddy I am getting a head ache"..."Oh Daddy"...I think you are getting the picture, to make this lonnng story short She got her wish, the air went off! I don't remember any windows being opened because Memaws hair would be mussed!!! I am getting "Hot" just recalling this ordeal..but wait the story doesn't end quite yet, we not only went to Arkansas, we went on through Eureka Springs and a few other places out WEST and all of a sudden it was decided that it just would not be a trip if we didn't go on to Gatlinburg, TN! Yes, you heard me - back the other way...many states away in the "Other Direction"! As, you are aware, we did all survive, and we also never learned our lesson, because on another adventure we headed out to Miami Beach to the Nazarene Convention...story is about the same but while I am remembering I must embark on one more thought... We were on that trip and actually following a tornado (no her name was not Renotta) lol, You will not believe this but, the same things happened and NO Air Conditioning in the car! We even stopped at STUCKYS to get her an aspirin, and some blueberry ice cream at Howard Johnsons! When we arrived at the hotel...the tornado had messed up that area od Miami and the hotel we were heading too (you guessed it)had NO Air Conditioning!
ReplyDeleteOne more experience I would not take a dime to repeat, and will remember my whole life as being a blast now thats it all said and done with! :) I hope that you are enjoying this,,,I can hear you laughing now!!!