Thursday, June 14, 2012

A Tribute

Today is a special day.  It's my mom's birthday.  Not just any birthday though - today my mom celebrates her 80th birthday.  Quite a milestone.  I am so lucky to have her as my mother.

My mom, Marlene, was born on June 14, 1932; she was the youngest of 10 children born to Hungarian immigrants who came to the United States just after the turn of the century searching for a better life in America.




She had older brothers and sisters that doted on her; my grandmother, my mom's sisters and one sister-in-law and some neighborhood ladies all turned out for this photo when my mom made her First Communion.


My mom attended Catholic grade school; the school was just three blocks from where she lives (as a child and still today!)  In those days, the only teachers in the school were Benedictine nuns.  Those nuns took a liking to my mom, they taught her how to play the piano and how to play the cello, and when she got older, they also taught her how to play the organ. Most importantly, they taught her how to tat! Those of you that follow this blog have seen pictures of my mom's beautiful tatting.  (My mom is front and center in this photo!)


My mom also attended a nearby Catholic high school.  After high school she became a secretary and worked for the State of Minnesota.  Rumor has it she was quite the party girl with lots of friends.  There were Saturday night card parties and afterwards they would roll up the carpet in the dining room and dance until the wee hours of the morning.  And if the party was on a Saturday night, then on Sunday morning the whole group started off their day by going to mass!


In 1961 my mom met my dad and they got married followed by five kids in five years (can you imagine what that must have been like?)  I am the oldest and the only girl.


On December 27, 1970, my dad suddenly and unexpectedly passed away.  My mom was widowed with five children under the age of 10.  As tragic as this was, we were the luckiest five children in the world.  My mom never remarried.  She dedicated her life to the five of us ensuring that we lived the most normal life possible.  We always had good food on the table and clean, new clothes to wear.  We all attended Catholic grade school and high school.  There were music lessons and girl scout meetings for me; my brothers played hockey and baseball.  At Christmas there were many gifts under the tree.  I know that this couldn't have been easy, but somehow she managed to do it all.

Once my youngest brother started high school, my mom went back to work full-time, this time working for the Federal Government; she was a computer trainer for the Soil Conservation Service (you never want to use the word "dirt" around my mom!)  My mom enjoyed traveling around the state of Minnesota and surrounding states to train in the field offices.


I don't remember what year she retired from the Federal Government, but you can see that they had a grand party to celebrate (I'm going to guess that it was about 1996?)


Since retiring she has continued to play the organ at several area churches - she plays for Sunday mass, at funerals, and at school masses.


She has fully enjoyed her retirement -- loves to go to baseball and hockey games (prefers local high school and college teams over the pros); she's a fabulous cook (think apple strudel, dumplings, etc.), she continues to tat, and she loves to travel. (If you revisit my archives from last July you can read a full report on the trip my mom and I took to Austria and Hungary.)





Her world continues to revolve around her children and grandchildren (seven total!)


So mom, on this your 80th birthday, I want to thank you for your love and your support and for everything you have ever done for me.  I wouldn't be the person I am today had it not been for you.  Have a wonderful birthday.  I love you.



My mom will be celebrating her birthday exactly as she wants to -- she'll be attending the high school boys baseball tournament games.  We will be having a big party to celebrate her birthday on Sunday!

24 comments:

Cole said...

What a lovely birthday post for your mom!

Mrs. DillyDally said...

What a touching tribute to your mother! She obviously is an exceptional woman...what a blessing to you and your brothers!

Angie Burrett said...

Your Mum is a much loved treasure in your family - I hope she enjoys her Her Special Birthday! Wouldn't your dad be proud of her.

Katrina said...

What a lovely tribute to your. Mom. She sounds like an amazing woman :-) . Happy, happy birthday to her!!!!

Vickie said...

What a beautiful post Cathy. I enjoyed reading every bit of it. Happy birthday to your mom. :) http://astitchersstory.blogspot.com/

Margaret said...

Happy birthday to your mom! Such a wonderful tribute to her! It's so nice to learn about your family and about her and all her hard work and dedication to your family. What a special person she is. After following your trip to Austria and Hungary, it's especially nice to get the full picture now. Love all the pics too. I hope she has a special day on her birthday. My mom would have been the same age had she lived.

Shirlee said...

What a beautiful birthday tribute to your mom! I really enjoyed reading about her! She has had (& continues to have) a very interesting life. I loved seeing all the photos ... especially the old ones & the one where it looks like she's demonstrating tatting : ) You obviously have a wonderful relationship with her & for that you are truly blessed! Tell her that a fellow tatter says "Happy Birthday!"

Kathy A. said...

What a wonderful tribute to your mother Cathy. Happy Birthday MOM!

pj said...

Cathy, what a very nice tribute to your mom! So glad you can enjoy her and share things with her that you both love! Cherish the time! Hope you are doing well. pjstitcher

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday wishes being sent to your Mom! What terrific pictures you shared with us of your Mom!

Robin in Virginia

Laurie in Iowa said...

Your Mom sounds like an amazing woman. Happy Birthday to your sweet mom.

Mama Joan said...

You are blessed to have such a great mom. Wish her a VERY Happy Birthday!!

Mindi said...

What a lovely tribute to your mom! The pictures of her growing up are wonderful, and it sounds like she's always had a very full and enjoyable life. Here's hoping she has a special day today, and many more to come.

Anonymous said...

Hi Cathy:
What a lovely tribute to a wonderful mother. After reading your post, I feel even more blessed to know that I'm a vey lucky person to have received one or your moms tatted pieces. Reading about her life brings much more meaning to the piece. How awesome! Margaret K in IowA

Katrina said...

Happy, happy birthday to your mom. She sounds like an amazing woman :-).

Sue said...

what a beautiful lady your mother is, Happy Birthday to her....x

Siobhán said...

Happy birthday to your mother! She sounds like an amazing woman.

tangerinedream73 said...

That was lovely Cathy. I am the lucky owner of some of your mother's tatting and i especially like to hang the gorgeous ornaments on my tree every year. I hope that you all have a wonderful time on Sunday.

Amy Miller

Bekca said...

What a truly heartfelt post Cathy, it was a joy to read. I hope you mother has a wonderful birthday. Best wishes to her and yourself.

WendyJo said...

A very loving birthday tribute to your mom Cathy. Wishing her a happy 80th birthday!!

WendyJo said...

A very loving birthday tribute to your mom Cathy. Wishing her a happy 80th birthday!!

valerie said...

Happy belated birthday to your mom. She sounds amazing to have raised all you kids solo. Hope she had a fantastic day!

Lois said...

What a lovely post about your mum Cathy! Happy belated birthday to her.

Lynn said...

I so much enjoyed reading your wonderful tribute to your mom. She sounds like an amazing lady! I hope she enjoyed a lovely birthday!