Mom

I have come to Boston to see my parents and help take care of my mother for the week. Mom has been sick for many months and continues to decline. As I sat in the hospital room today, I thought about what my mother has given me. She taught me to play the piano. (My mother was a wonderful piano teacher who continues to be loved by all of her students). She and my father taught me to love all kinds of music. I learned to accept everyone, no matter how different and to embrace the difference. Mom taught me to be kind and mind my manners. Mom taught me the love of sewing.

I come from several generations of seamstresses, witnessed by the many quilts we have acquired throughout the generations. My grandmother was an incredible artist who made the finest of suits. My mother made all of our Easter dresses and prom dresses. Going shopping for school clothes meant we went to Hancock's. I loved it. Although most of my clothes were homemade, we were the best dressed girls at school.

My mother bought me my first sewing machine when I was 20 years old and newly married. My former husband was at Officer Training School for the Air Force so I went home for three months. Mom purchased a used Singer and told me that if we made all kinds of garments over the three months, I would learn all the basics. She was right. We picked out patterns and fabric, and within three months, I had a new wardrobe. More importantly, I had found my passion.

That was 30 years ago. At age 50, as I care for my mother, I look at her hands and think about the many beautiful garments she made for us. The beautiful music she played. My Mom is an artist and I am so grateful to be her daughter. Thank you for the many gifts you have given me.