Sharing Memories 2012 (Week 5): Spoiled Little Girl

My Mother and I, c. 1961

It is my understanding that after Mom and my biological father (Daddy Charles) separated, she moved back  in with her mother. Mom told me that she and Granny often argued about me. Granny spoiled me and would not allow Mom to discipline me appropriately, which led to frustration followed by an argument. Furthermore, Granny would not agree to babysit when Mom wanted to go out. Mom was forced to take me everywhere she went, unless she could "bribe" one of her siblings or cousins to babysit me. Occasionally, Mom would convince her cousin Daisy to babysit. Besides being cousins, Mom and Daisy were also best friends. They often went out together, dragging poor little me along. I can just imagine being in the midst of young adults, at the drive-in or a date. How often was I given "bribes" to behave? How many times did I come home with a belly full of candy or a brand new nickle toy? Daisy told me of the "temper tantrums" I would have. She said that my screams were so loud and shrill that they would send shock waves through her entire body. Huh? Me? Throw temper tantrums? No, she must have me confused with someone else, LOL *insert innocent look*.   Well, okay... in all honesty, I will admit that I have been known to have sudden outbursts, when provoked that is. But alas, that was in my youthful days. I have since mellowed out quite a bit. I can only imagine what life must have been like in the household of my Mom and Granny. They were both head-strong and stubborn at times. I'm sure it was those qualities that helped them survive the struggles they endured.

I admire this photo of Mom and I. She was so young and beautiful. As she held me closely in her arms, I wonder what she was thinking. Her loving gaze upon my face tells me that she loved me very much. Did she ever regret becoming a mother so young? Did she wish she would have done things differently? If she did, she kept those thoughts hidden from me. I truly feel blessed that she was my Mother.