by Barbara Pierce

Created on: May 10, 2009

My mother was a single parent, and she still is. She was the father we never had. My mother raised us on government assistance, and she has done very well. She raised three boys to men, and I'm the only girl. It wasn't always easy sometimes it was hell. She was always trying to keep my oldest brother out of jail. My mother is almost eighty years old. She has forgotten more than we'll ever know. Sometimes when I call her on weekends she confuses me with her sister. I say, " This is your daughter", and she responds by saying, " Oh, I'm sorry dear... how are you doing? "

My mother had a minor heart attack in 2007. She was released on Thanksgiving Eve. She came home and prepared the turkey, collard greens, potato salad, cornbread stuffing, sweet potato pies, several cakes served with cranberry sauce, and apple cider. The feast was on with all the family. My mother was as happy as she could be. She had her family all around her enjoying food, and It was hard to believe she was just released from the hospital the day before.

My mother wasn't a bad mom. I feel she's a better grandma. The reason I say that is because I'm jealous. These brats get away with murder. Although my mom doesn't have a lot, she always manage to buy presents for Christmas, and lend money for bills. I believe she fights for her life because she feels these brats couldn't live without her. She needs to let them stand on their own two feet, and live out the rest of her life in peace.

When I think of my mother, and all our families struggles, I think of myself. My mother's faults made me stronger. I hope that I live as long as she has, and I hope I'm as sound mind as she is most of the time. I know that I am not one of her favorite children, although I'm her oldest. I know my mother misses me every day , being that I'm a thousand miles away. I am in Georgia, and she's in New Jersey. I can tell that she misses me by the tone of her voice when I call. When I say , "Good-bye mom". She says, " I love you baby ". My heart beats fast, and sometimes I cry, because I pray that I'll see her one more time before she says good bye.

I thank God she's still here, although I know her time is coming near, but tomorrow is not promised for any of us. Each day is a blessing, and she's still here on this day we call Mother's Day 2009. I feel that everyday should be Mother's Day, and everyday is a blessing.

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