My mom is one tough cookie.

She survived childhood polio and a car accident that left her with a crushed skull. Both of which prepared her well to raise 5 children, including identical twin boys (unexpected until she delivered the first one; it’s a great story for another post). She even has all of her wisdom teeth.
She was raised in Atlanta, Georgia, with her three brothers (including identical twin boys, see a pattern) and my Mommo and Gramps. She learned to spell a r-e-a-l-l-y long first name and an even longer German last name. She used to beg her teachers to let her bring in papers with her name pre-written.
Here’s a picture from her wedding day on August 29, 1964.

Almost 56 years later, she has 5 children

and 17 (+1 pending) grandchildren.

Her sense of style has evolved.

But her hair still looks like a big brown football helmet.

Her ability to talk on the phone is legendary.

But she still has no idea how to work a television.

Mom has come to take care of me when all seven of my children were born (and she will have a plane ticket ready for October) She loves to clean my refrigerator and knows how to cook for an army. Her freezer always has a chicken tetrazzini stashed away for a family dinner. And a few Girl Scout Thin Mints (which is beyond my ability to control).

Happy Mother’s Day to my dear, dear mother!

I have forgiven you for this haircut. But not for the Little Orphan Annie perm.
Kathleen, what a wonderful tribute to mom! Thanks so much. I really enjoyed all of your refillable glasses! Love, dad
Sent from my iPhone
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Your father took the words right out of my month…”what a wonderful tribute to (your) Mom!” I really enjoyed all the family photos. Her wedding photo with her mother sent chills down my spine. I have
a 1966 photo that looks very similar.
Happy Mother’s Day to you; you’re a wonderful example to us all.
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Your mom sounds like a wonderful person, just like you! Now I’m wondering what her name is.
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What a wonderful tribute to you mom……I ALWAYS love your stories, and coupled with your wit, they are the best. PS…..I had an orphan Annie perm too……
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