10 May Hug Your Mom Today!

Have you hugged your mom today? or perhaps plan to this Sunday! Let’s not forget Mother’s Day and what our moms mean to us. My mom has always been there for me, and she means the world. I remember  so many things growing up, going to  Disneyworld as our yearly vacation when my Grandpa was alive, remembering me collecting signatures from Donald and Goofy and mom keeping the autograph book. I remember making double chocolate dip cookies in the kitchen together, taking me to girl scouts and hearing about “Primitive Camping”, listening to me and my best friend sing, “Summer Nights” from Grease, and practicing for the Talent Show in the 5th grade as my best friend Mara and I created choreographed a dance to Barry Manilow’s “Copacabana”.

Mom supported me in school plays even when I played a tree, when I really wanted to play Mary in the Nativity scene. ( It was my height even then, who else would play a tree?” When I played in the HMS Pinefore and was in the chorus, when I wanted to play “Buttercup”, mom was there. ( I still remember the songs! “I am the Captain of the Pinefore, and a right good captain too!)

Mom was there to take me to lessons. I tried ballet and could touch my toes to my head. Maybe “Grace” wasn’t my middle name, but  I do  have fun memories of me performing in a blue and silver tutu!  Mom supported my creativity. and took me to swim lessons, tap, and guitar. Several things panned out, when I later received my life guarding certification and became a  good swimmer My mom still talks about what a great swimmer I am:- Guitar also panned out, as I began playing in the school trio in Catholic School at church, and later went to Duquesne University in Pittsburgh to study jazz guitar. My mom and dad were both supportive when I went from Exercise Science to wanting to study journalism and then last decided to major in Music. Mom has a natural talent for piano, and Dad feels that is where my musicianship came from!

Mom had a lot on her plate. I have 2 other brothers, one sister. I am the oldest. So let’s just say we kept her busy! We all live in different places now, which is fine with mom, as she has places to visit, people and things to see. We are in DC, NY and Charlotte, NC. When I later taught music in the school and also went for my Masters in Elementary Ed, my mom was on the other end of the phone listening to me complain about school politics, or lending her ear whilst I discussed my next 3rd grade music lesson plan or  how difficult it was being a substitute teacher. ( Lets just say toilet paper is meant to remain in the bathroom!) We shared alot of common ground here as my mother taught the visually impaired as well as other grades as an itinerant teacher.

I remember mom and her hairstyles. There have been many. I recall looking at pics of my mom’s shag with blond highlights when I was little. When I was a baby, of course the boufant was in! I loved it! Then there was the era of the perm. Lots of little tiny tight curls. Who didn’t love perms? Just the smell was enough for me to anticipate the next appointment with excitement! The next hairstyle was the Twiggy Cut, a really short cut with little maintenance. Some ladies can pull this off. I believe my mom was ready for a change. After that the hair grew longer and had gone through various color changes, my mom looks lovely au natural. Gone to an all white hue.       So many memories,

all I can say is Mom I Love you.

**Dedicated to my Mom Irene, You’re the best! or in Ukrainian : ty krashchyy

ти кращий

( of course YOU too Dad!!)
Have a wonderful day!

jess xo