Sunday, February 14, 2010

Remembering "Ma"

Hattie Mae Hainesworth Marshall
August 3, 1924-February 15, 1977

My mother passed away 33 years ago today.

My father called her "puny" because of her graceful bone structure. She moved like a cat.
She was the eldest daughter of 10 children and bore the responsibility of caring for younger and older siblings, even after they were adults.
She loved children.
To know her was to know the truth (at least as she interpreted it).
She did not mince words.
Most of the time she was right.
She admonished stupidity and laziness.
"Use your common sense [your intuition]."
She picked cotton in the fields of NC and often talked about "taking the lead row." She set the pace for the rest of the workers.
Her transition upset the balance of life in our family for many, many years.
There is not a day that goes by that we do not speak of her--remember her.
She was the matriarch.
Her beauty could stop a train.

2 comments:

Lekan Babalola said...

Very nice writing to somebody you love. You can feel the warmth in the writing. Happy Valentine Day.
Best wishes
Lekan

Laughter Returns said...

Her BEAUTY has stopped me for a moment in my day to enjoy. She really is beautiful!I can see her grace in your sisters, daughters and granddaugthters. I see her in your paintings, in your Southern accent, in your garden. Thank you for sharing her and allow her to continue to care for and love us all through you.