Monday, January 18, 2016

A Special Doll - A Special Day

I was single when the next doll was released through a "right to purchase" opportunity in a W Club lottery.  I was just getting over a very bad divorce  and had purchased my first home by myself, so I was quite short on cash.  I remember telling Mama about the doll and saying how I hated missing the opportunity to enter the lottery; she told me to enter and she would pay for the doll as my house warming gift.

Mama was the most selfless person I've ever known.  Being the mother of four children ages newborn to 6 years old was hard enough, but when we started school she began babysitting three children from our neighborhood to help pay for our school clothes, supplies, etc.

I remember when my father had an affair and Mama went to work in a factory so she could be more independent and take care of those four little children.  She worked in that factory until all her children and grand children were grown.  I don't remember ever wanting for a thing.  She would work 2nd shift, get home at 11:30, check everyone's homework, and be up at 6:00 the next morning to get us all ready for school.  I don't recall ever hearing her complain one time.

As an adult, I would fuss at my Mama because she would take her dinner money and donate it any time a hat was passed around for someone in need.   She said the money was put to better use; she could grab a sandwich when she got home.

When I was in college, my best friend was gay.  He was like a brother to me.  He contracted AIDS as an adult and lived a few brief years before succumbing to the disease.  When my mother passed, we were going through old bank receipts and I found where she had sent him a check every month until we lost him.  I found notes from him to my mother, telling her how much she meant to him.  No one in the family knew any of this was going on.  She never told us.  ("Doing something good for someone is reward enough!")

Today would have been my mother's 74th birthday.   "Happy Birthday, Mama!"   She died of cancer in 2010.  I miss her every single day of my life.  My mother believed she came into this world with nothing and planned to leave it the same way.  What she did leave was a role model that I've aspired to but failed miserably at many times.

By coincidence, this week's Flickr theme doll is Jordan.  I won the opportunity to purchase her, and Mama gave her to me for a housewarming present.  She is one of the most important dolls in my collection.






12 comments:

Phyllis said...

What a touching rememberance of your mother! I can see why this doll means so much to you! I was 15 when my mother passed away (also from cancer), but I still miss her and hold my memories of her close to my heart. Thank you for sharing this heartfelt post. Your mother was a very giving person (I love what she did for your friend) and we can all learn something from her!

Anonymous said...

I have enjoyed your blog for years but today it was the most special of all. I hope you do not mind but I had to share this story in the W Club and on Facebook. It was a heartwarming story that was meant to be shared. Thank YOU for sharing it with us and I expect to NEVER see this Jordan on your sold list. Your mother sounds like a wonderful person who made this world better.

Galacticatt said...

What a sweet story of your mom! *HUGS* She was an awesome person.

Georgia Girl said...

Lovely story Robin. Your Mom sounds like a beautiful person inside and out. Thanks for sharing it!

Jon Copeland said...

There are dolls that we all have in our collections for no other reason than we simply like them. Then there are dolls like your beautiful Jordan. These are the dolls that mean the most. Thank you for sharing your story with us. So beautifully written.

simsgrl said...

Mothers are treasures. always sacrificing for their children. Thanks for sharing your story. I know your mom is resting peacefully.

Dollz4Moi said...

What a touching story and your mother was an angel. I still have the stuffed dog my mother gave me on my 16th birthday. It is the one thing I will never get rid of. It reminds me of such a happy time with my mother. You received a special doll from your special doll

Anonymous said...

Thank you.

Terri Gold said...

Beautiful story. Thank you for sharing it.

Anonymous said...

Mothers are the real angels on earth. Thank you for sharing your story.

Shasha said...

Thank you for sharing your story about your beautiful mother... This reminds all of us that the very thing that make a person truly happy is by giving without expecting any in return. Thank you again, your story is very humbling.

Chris said...

Your mother was a wonderful woman. Thank you for sharing.