Sunday, March 29, 2009

Mother's Milestone

My mother has reached a milestone today as she celebrates her 85th birthday. Marion Lucille Reynolds was born March 29, 1924, in Camden, Arkansas, the third child of Robert Nason and Mary Belle Belin Reynolds. She married my father, Thomas Benton Walker, on March 26, 1944, just three days shy of her 20th birthday. They were married for 62 years and raised three children.

I can't imagine having a better mother if I had picked her myself. For most of my growing up, she was a stay-at-home mom, and when she did start to work, it was in my grandfather's construction company office that was in his basement just next door.

Not that she could have gone anywhere if she wanted to. If she wanted the car, she had to take Daddy to work, and after I turned 16, I would sometimes take him to work so I could drive the car to school. So she was stuck at home or at work in the "office," unless, that is, she was at circle meeting or playing Bridge.

I don't remember Mother nagging me much while I was growing up. If she did, it was to tell me to hold my shoulders up or I would "look just like Aunt Hedy." And she would sometimes remind me not to spoil my supper.

Mother shares my passion for the Arkansas Razorbacks. In fact, I think she probably yells louder than I do. I know she gets more nervous than I do before and during games. Growing up, I can remember lying awake on a Saturday night while Mother and Daddy were listening to the Razorback football game in the living room. I would be very quiet so I could hear the game through my bedroom wall, and I could finally go to sleep after the Hogs won.

Mother still roots for the Razorbacks, and she still plays Bridge. She also started following the Atlanta Braves a few years back when most of their games were on WTBS. She's still a Braves fan, but she doesn't get to see as many games on TV as she once did, so she's learned to check the score on the computer. And whenever something goes haywire on the computer, I can count on getting a call, particularly when one of her grandchildren has been around and signed her out of her Yahoo homepage.

So Happy Birthday, Mother. Wish I could be there to celebrate with you.

13 comments:

susan said...

What a wonderful tribute to your mom. You are both blessed to have each other. Wish her a Happy Birthday!

The Stylish House said...

I loved reading about your Mother, you have been blessed! Cathy

Marjorie (Molly) Smith said...

Happy Birthday to a beautiful Lady.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Kathy, this is such a lovely testament to your mother. What a pretty lady she was and is. I'm sending birthday wishes her way. I'm looking forward to pictures of Paris (although I'm going to be sooooo jealous). laurie

Sarah Frost said...

I know they are having a big celebration in Camden today! What a great piece about your mother and the legacy that lives on with her family. We are so fortunate to have mothers like this. Hope you are having a fabulous trip! Sarah

momma said...

what a great testimony to honor your mother on her birthday!

i hope you are having a great time in Paris.

Robin said...

That is such a great letter to your mother! I hope she has a wonderful birthday!!

{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}

Robin :o)

Domestic Designer said...

What a lovely tribute to your mom! Tell her I said Happy Birthday!

Keetha Broyles said...

Happy Birthday KBeau Mama!!!!

Bo said...

Your mom looks wonderful for 85! She sounds like a wonderful mom & I wish her many, many more healthy & happy years! ;-) Bo

xinex said...

What a beautiful tribute to your lovely mom, Kathy. She truly is beautiful! Happy birthday to her!...Christine

Wes Walker said...

I can't imagine a better grandmother! Always quick to offer breakfast, lunch or dinner and the best card player I know. Thanks for writing Kbeau.

Soosie said...

Kathy, thanks for posting such a wonderful tribute to Marion, Mema Walker. I have the privilege of having her as a mother-in-law..I will never know how I got so blessed to have such a sweetheart for a M-I-L..she is such a trooper..walks everyday, wears a size 8(I can't say that), great cook, Hawg lover, DWTS's and AmIdol
fan,(Go Kris Allen) and just a kind and generous person..and she was a class Beauty at Henderson College..but you can tell that, can't you ? Love you, Mema..Susie(best fudge cake-maker also)