Tuesday, July 8, 2008

A Very Brave Woman

Ralph, Helen Dee,and Veda (my sweet mother)
circa 1925

My mother was born in 1901. She was brought up in a family of eight children and they lived on a farm. She adopted me when she was 49 and she had led a whole other life by then. This picture of her was taken shortly after she and her husband and little girl arrived in Arizona. Her husband had learned he had tuberculosis and so they moved from Indiana out to the desert.


She left her whole family and off they went, not knowing anyone, but he had been told that the weather would be good for him. He died later during the first year they got there. She became a widow at 25 with a five year old child. They headed back for Indiana and the depression was kicking in with gusto. She took care of her little girl by working in a shoe polish factory. They lived in a small apartment and were at church whenever the doors were open.


Her daughter, Helen Dee, grew into a very pretty teenager, but was a sickly girl. At fifteen she was diagnosed with TB and passed away at seventeen. My mother had a deep faith and when many women would have fallen apart, she turned to the Lord and continued on. She married my daddy around 1942. He was a widower with two children and she helped raise them. They both grew up and married and in late 1950 they stated the proceedings to adopt me.


I had a sweet life until my daddy got sick in 1958 and was diagnosed with colon cancer. My mother took care of him and worked part time at a small department store . He died in 1960 and neither of us cried at the funeral. He had suffered so much that it was a relief. My mother was very emotional and I cry at commercials, but that two year battle left us drained and I suppose, cried out. My mother had taken care of two sick husbands and her daughter and she told me she never wanted to marry again. She didn't, although there were men that wanted to pursue her. She was a feisty and fun woman. I miss her and there's not a day that goes by that I don't wish I could talk to her. I know she would be crazy about my granddaughter, Avery.


My mother was strong and didn't complain. She had plenty she could have complained about,but always told me she felt blessed. I thank God she adopted me and gave me so much love. She worked hard cleaning houses after my daddy died and we had to give up our car so we always had to ride the bus or walk. She was so good about telling me stories about the old days. When she died I felt like my world went into slow motion. It was the biggest loss I had ever had. I am so thankful that I have the hope that I will see her someday on the other side. She loved the Lord and was so warm and tender. She was so patient and as I look back I see why. She had learned so much through the fire. She was such a special person and I thank God for her.

16 comments:

Ruthie said...

That is a beautiful tribute to your mom. She must have been a very special woman. Thanks for sharing her with us.
Also, glad you're getting into creativity again with your art work. We'll definately cheer you on. It helps to have blogger friends to encourage you.
Smiles.

steviewren said...

Wow, what a wonderful person your mother was. I am amazed at her strength. Only God could enable someone to go through what she did and come out so caring of others. You were blessed to have her as a mother. I see why you miss her so.

Unknown said...

Wow, your mother was an amazing woman. What a beautiful story. What an incredible thing to do to adopt you at 49. Sounds like you also feel very blessed.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

This was so touching to read NanaTrish! The women of that era were so strong, and your mother seems like a very wonderful woman. I'm sure you do miss her so much. I'm sure you can pass on this love to Avery -- it would be nice if you wrote down these familystores for her to read when she's old enough to understand it someday. It would be a wonderful gift!

Thanks for you commnets to me! I am looking forward to becoming a grand mother very very much!

Erica Hanks said...

What a wonderful story! I need to hear things like this when I think I'm having a bad day.

Barb said...

What a beautiful tribute to your mom. You have done her proud! God blessed both of you.

Hugs,
Barb

Cheryl Nichols said...

Thanks Nanatrish. My mom went through a really difficult time and I always wished I could make it better for her , but I know it made her strong. I know she trusted God and I too look am thankful for what she taught me. It's nice to hear stories of others Moms right now. It really helps me to focus on the positive.I miss her alot.I'm glad to have you for a blogging friend.
Cheryl

Technonana said...

Oh Trish, what a story!!! What a wonderful woman!!! We never know what life will bring, but praise God, He is with us, and gives us lovely friends to share life with!!
I thank God for you!!

Lavinia said...

Nanatrish, reading this brought a tear to my eye. I consciously slowed down as I read, absorbing every word and not wanting to miss a thing. I love to read fascinating life stories and this was one of them. The depression had such a profound impact on everyone who went through it. Even now, nearly a century later, those survivors stories continue to captivate.

Your mom was extraordinary. I can't believe how she adopted you at 49! I'm nowhere near 49 and the thought of taking on another child at this time of life is utterly impossible. Your mom had so much love to give, and she wasn't done with motherhood...and along came you. And It's too bad you didn't have more time with your father....

Treasure your memories, Nanatrish, and be sure to pass on those family stories to Avery....

Maggie May said...

That was a truly lovely story and I am so glad that you found happiness with your adoptive mum.
Please pick up an award over at my place!

Esther said...

What a source of inspiration you have in your mother! She sounds like a wonderful woman who weathered much with strong faith to guide her.

Technonana said...

this is my comment on your comment... Me too, Sweet Friend, me too!!

Judy said...

Wow...what an incredible story...and a wonderful tribute to the special woman who was your mother! You are right...she would have loved to know your little Avery. My mom and mother-in-law both passed away the year before my twin granddaughters were born...they would have som enjoyed them.

Vee said...

What an amazing woman your mother is. (She still "is" of course.) Half of what she endured would've laid me low. My grandmother tells me that one loses the best friend on earth when one's mother goes to Glory. I see that you'd agree. I'm so glad that you shared this story with us.

Dustye said...

Oh Trish what a wonderful read on your mom. You have such a gift with your writing and I felt that I knew her. Even though ours moms are gone I feel we were so blessed by their daily teaching, and you and I both know that we will see them again.

God Bless...

Dorothy said...

Trish.....what a lovely tribute to your mother...almost made me cry just reading it...how blessed you were to have such a beautiful mother ...one day you will see her again...I think you have a heart much like hers...Blessings...Dee Dee