“I Remember Mama” | Grandma’s Stories

May 7th “I Remember Mama”

“Mother’s Day” in 1967 … was the same DATE as it is this YEAR…May 14th – – that is “Fifty years ago” – – and the week – – was a week of SORROW for the McClarren Family – – Mama died.”

How could I have thought to write… TODAY – – exactly “50 years ago” – -I had to double check the calendar – – just to be sure – -never thought that my MOTHER was in poor health – – and there were no health problems – – at least none that I could think of – – to keep on the alert side – – so as to keep an eye on what is going on?

BUT… MOTHER’s DAY is not a ‘one DAY a year’ thing – – when it comes to your MOTHER – – – remember MOTHER every day of the year – – she was there for you – – and is still there… for you.

This PHOTO of Mama is in the mid 1950’s – – sitting on one of the swing-seats – – of the “home built swing set – – that my Dad had built for us kids in the 1940’s. On the “Army Cot” in TOMMY – – and as you can see – – he has had a ‘bike accident” – – so now he must rest after having to be taken to “City Hospital” and getting his arm cleaned out – – – and a lot of shots for the pain and possible infection. Also … sitting behind TOMMY is little “EVE KAREN” – – just taking in all of this excitement with TOMMY’s situation.

This PHOTO is MOM – – TOMMY – – DENNY Jr. and our DAD, Denny, Sr. – – on the Pavilion – with one foot on the bench, leaning forward… so as to give me directions on how to take this PHOTO – – and still it is not as clear as one would want it – – but the memory is with us forever – – and this visual is just a reminder – – this was a “VISITING SUNDAY” at SAINT VINCENT’s”

Some children never receive a “VISIT” from their parents – – but my MOTHER came out to visit us every second and fourth SUNDAY of the month – – and even came out through the week – – and when I was older – – I remember saying to the girls around me – – “Sure wish that my MOTHER – -” would not” come to VISIT me today” – – And… I would continue to swing on the swings – – and would say that same thing a couple more times – – and so often… someone would be running over to me… yelling.. “Hey Mickey…your MOM is walking in the side driveway area” – – and I would just holler back – “I don’t think so?” – – But… I was watching… and sure enough – – there she was… with a bag of goodies for us – – “OH…how… “HAPPY ” – – I was then!”

This is 1939 – – that is my little brother, DENNY, Jr. in my MOM’s arms – getting as close to me – – in the rocker – – to see my baby brother, Denny – – close up – – so all of us – could be in the PHOTO together.

Back then…A MOTHER would stay in the HOSPITAL for at least three (3) weeks – – before getting to take the ‘new born’ baby home. While in the HOSPITAL – – MOTHER would receive training in the ‘new born baby’s care’ and also receive care for herself… so that she would be able to have all the strength that she would need.

“I remember – – as I was … MOTHER’s ‘little’ HELPER.”