Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Celebrating Mother's Day, Florence Stein, Mom, Mother's Day, Mothers
For the past seventeen years, I gave my mom a framed piece of art from the TreePeople made from recycled wood to commemorate Mother’s Day, stating that trees were planted in her honor. The first time she received this gift, she called me to say, “What am I dead?” She was referring to a Jewish tradition of planting trees in Israel to honor someone who had died. I said to my mom, “What was I going to get you? Another pocketbook or scarf?” In reality, she did get it. All of the Mother’s Day framed art was proudly hung in my parent’s kitchen. When her friends would see the art, she would say both proudly and apologetically, “This is from my son…you know, the one from California,” implying the one who came from another planet.
This will be the first Mother’s Day without my mom. She passed away last June. I would like to tell you a little about her. My mom loved me very much, but she wasn’t the kind of mom that would tell you bedtime stories or give you hugs and kisses. My dad was the hugger and kisser. My mom was a teacher and had a master’s degree in education. Every day, she made sure I did my homework before I could play baseball. My mom would say, “Let me look in you eyes” and she always knew if I was telling the truth. My mom was brilliant. She was a lifetime gold bridge master. My mom was a socialite, who loved meeting new people. She loved listening to their stories and telling hers, like sneaking into Broadway shows as a girl. Her mind was like a steel trap, never forgetting a single thing.
Nobody ever pulled the wool over my mother’s eyes. She was a strange blend of warmth, congeniality and toughness. My mom and I, as well as my dad and, I had a way of communicating telepathically. Maybe that is part of the special bond that some children are fortunate enough to have with their parents. Needless to say, I miss her and my dad terribly.
My mom grew up after the Depression and knew the value of a buck. My first baseball glove and Boy Scout tent was purchased by saving her S&H Green Stamps. My mom was tough, teaching me how to negotiate the prices at the bazaars. My mom had books of coupons and triple coupons…don’t ask.
In honor of my mom and for indulging me and reading this blog, please enter this one week only coupon for 20% and say that Florence sent you. Please use code FLORENCE at checkout on http://www.shoporganicallygrown.com
By Bob Stein, co-founder of Organically Grown
1 Comment so far
Leave a comment
Organicallygrowngroup's Blog 
Your mom sounds great. Wonderful there are seventeen trees in her honor, and lots of love. (my mom had those Green stamps, too!) Jeannine (Em’s mom)
Comment by jeannineatkins May 7, 2011 @ 12:32 am