Today, March 31, 2022, is my mother’s birthday. If she were still with us, she would be 97 years young. My mother was a strong woman. Life through many ba lemons her way, and she made lemonade.
I’m proud of my mother. When my Dad left us, she was deeply hurt. I was her confidant. I was the person she talked to because we were new to California. She had five mouths to feed besides herself.
I will always be grate to my Dad’s aunt, uncle, and cousin. They provide us with groceries. Back in the 1950s, you had to show proof you had lived in California for a year before you could receive any assistance from the Welfare Service,
Those were some lean months. My mom had only an 8th-grade education, but she was determined to work for the Post Office, get a car, a home, have a little money in the bank.
As I grew older, I had my doubts she would accomplish her goals. She prepared for the Post Office by going to the library to study the testing materials. In the meantime, she took low-paying jobs to supplement her income and provide for her family. These were jobs the County helped her get.
To make a long story short. I was an adult in my apartment when the Post Office hired my mother. My brother joined the Marines and gave my mother the old used car he had fixed up. You would have thought he gave her Cadilac; she was so proud of that car.
My mother saved her money and purchased a brand new house. When she retired, she sold her house and bought another new home. When she left here, she had money in the bank, her home was paid for, but she no longer had a car because she had lost her vision.
My mother achieved her dreams. It took years, but she never gave up. Happy birthday, Mom! Thanks for being an excellent role model for us. My mother loved her family and was committed to taking care of us and achieving her dream.
I share her story with you; if you are struggling with a goal and start to have doubts, don’t give up. If it is a dream you want bad enough, stick with it.
Until next time, stay safe, and keep the faith.
