My Mother An Amazing Woman
69An Amazing Woman: My Mother!
Mom Today !
Background
As most of the hub readers know, I am in the process of preparing a manuscript outlining how my mother’s family not only survived the great depression, but thrived. They joined the “Oakie” Migration. The term "Okie" is any poverty-stricken migrant from the Southwest (Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas). My mother’s family migrated from Wainright, Arkansas.
They did not find a warm reception. Many were met at the California border by people who brandished ax handles. Because they arrived impoverished and because wages were low, many lived in filth and squalor in tents and shanty towns along the irrigation ditches. Consequently, they were despised as "Okies," a term of disdain, even hate, pinned on economically degraded farm laborers no matter what state they were from. Many believed the Oakies were not normal. They were sub-human. They were dumb, lived like animals, and talked funny. Children were told to “stay away from the Oakies.”
“Okie" migrants can probably claim their greatest achievements in the area of culture. The supposedly helpless "Okies" made a positive contribution to the central valleys of California. Politically, the "Okies" imparted "plain-folk Americanism," which combines concern for the little man with a spirit of individualism and a sense of patriotism.
The Oakies contributed an evangelical and emotional version of Protestantism, especially captured in Southern Baptist or Pentecostal strains of religion. In addition, they infused the region with country music. The Oakies climbed up the economic ladder to own a plot of land in the valley. They had made their mark on the society that had treated them with contempt.
My mother’s families were involved in the Pentecostal religion. It was their social fabric. Everything revolved around the church.
My Mother Today
My mother is retired as a millionaire. She does not have to work. A typical week is as follows:
- Monday is Karaoke singing and golfing
- Tuesday is working among her flowers, karaoke and then dancing (two different places)
- Wednesday is driving 80 miles round trip to dance at Morro Bay, California
- Thursday is golf and dancing at Madonna Inn
- Friday is dancing at Madonna’s
- Saturday is working around her house, then dancing at Madonna’s
- Sunday is Karaoke in Santa Maria, California, Karaoke in Arroyo Grande
In addition, she enjoys Alaska, Mexico and the Caribbean Cruises. Most of the time she does not leave the ship. She enjoys the singing and dancing. She is always the life of the party. She truly lives as if she may die tomorrow. It is an example of being successful.
This is a contrast to her "Oakie" migration, see:
http://hubpages.com/hub/Yes-Mom-I-do-Remember
My Mother as Crew Member on 600 Mile Ocean Trip:
http://dallas93444.hubpages.com/hub/cabin-cruiser-ocean-odyssey
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onegoodwoman, My mother loves life!
You have all the reasons in the world to be proud of your mother. She worked hard and never expected anything from others. Enjoy her! Be proud of her! And your uncle looks amazingly young for 92! Take care of all your loved-ones and yourself!
How delightful to honor thy mother the way you do. You are a grand son that most mothers would love to have. You are a God send to all us mothers around the world. Some people are just happy to be alive and happy to be loving each other. Bravo, well done, love this...thumbs up my friend...darski
I love it Dal.
My uncle is 83, and planning his business projects five years out. He still climbs trees, cuts them down, and got a weight bench for his 83rd. Like your Mom, he's a millionare many times over and could have found an easy chair a long time ago. These people are the "real deal" and give so much inspiration. Thanks for this beauty of a hub!
jim
MartieCoetser, Thanks, I have strong roots! I tell them as often as I can how I appreciate them and enjoy their presence. They are an inspiration!
Darlene Sabella, Thanks! Your thoughts are appreciated. What goes around, comes around. I have learned to treat others the same as I want to be treated. I do not give to receive.. I have a great support system that enables me to support my two sons. Love sure helps in the big scheme of things.
TheManWithNoPants, Jim, we much in common. Our "roots" run deep. It is one of the many reasons we are resilient. Our family heritage and support makes the difference. Les, the man in the picture with my mother, "Glenda," still lifts weight, and dances... Thanks Jim for you comments.
Amazing and beautiful hub. This is a tribute to great mom. You must grateful to have mom like her. I am glad to know your dedication and show your love to the best woman in your life. I give my special VOTE for you. Send my warm greeting for her.
Prasetio :)
prasetio30, Thanks! I will share with my mother all of theses comments. I spent an entire day with her today traveling 600 miles by car to my cousin's funeral. Great conversations. I am concerned about her impending cancer operation Nov 12. See, "My mother has three Melanoma Cancers" hub:
dallas you come from very strong roots and everyone is enjoying life to the fullest the way we should live it. I am so happy that you have such a loving and closeness to your mom, she has to be very proud of you my son. BRAVO to your mother and this was a lovely tribute from her LOVING son. Peace and hugs my friend.
saddlerider1 Thanks. Your comment, "...everyone is enjoying life to the fullest the way we should live it." is driven home by the stark reality of death. I just came from my third cousin's funeral. She was 59. The three cousins are all in the same family who has died within 18 months... Passages are "natural." Logically I understand, however; emotionally, I a selfish.
My road to my loving my mother stems from a conscious effort to improve on my idea and notion of love. As you know, we men build and grow from the idea and concept of loving women from our relationships with our mothers. There was a period of time, I did not want to be around my father, or my mother, when I got out of the Air Force. They had just gotten an "unheard-of" divorce - my father is a preacher in a very strict, fundamental Pentecost religion. After my second divorce, I wanted to improve and learn about myself. I went back to the basics. I forgave my father - a huge story of child abuse, beatings until I bled, ("...spare the rod, spoil the child,") burning (putting out a cigarette on the back-of-my-hand - I still have the scar) - I am not "emotionally close to my father," but the anger and bitterness is gone. Of course I still remember... My mother and I learned to communicate. It became a foundation of an outstanding mother-son love.
I am a life learner. I still am a "work-in-progress," as I know you are. Hence my "opening up" to you and others...
Your angst too shall pass. The process gives us an opportunity to learn about ourselves... My goal is to learn to be a willow tree... to give and sway with life's changes and opportunities. I had tried to be a huge tall giant redwood tree impervious to life's changes. It does not work. I have experienced being "uprooted." It is a life-changing event that provides opportunities to learn...
Beautiful hub. I was touched. I miss my mother (my 'mother's hub tribute was posted on Mothers Day). She was fun, a lover of life and a great dancer. Thanks for sharing this. :)
Denise Handlon,
I want to celebrate my mother while she is happy, and still "kicking!" I am fortunate. I am sorry about your mother...
Thanks for your comments!
Being branded as 'Okie' can be saddening. But it never shows on her face. Your mother is an exceptional being. Lucky you, dallas! And lucky me, too! I still have my mother serving our place as barangay councilor with all her heart and a senior citizen president as well!
travel_man1971
The term "Oakie" has evolved. The hatred is gone. The Oakies have assimilated and thrived. Their work ethic has served them well...
Congratulations for having the opportunity to enjoy your mother!
Fabulous tribute to a fabulous woman! (Love the vibrant photos) Yay! We can learn a lot from people who are independent - truly independent and are not waiting for someone to save them - it's not happening.
Rated up!
BkCreative,
Life is a process. We learn. Make mistakes and learn more...
Thank you for your insights. I have often thought about what it would be like to be a woman. I believe if I were I would no longer be alive. Women have to go through so much in life.
World-Traveler,
I agree. Women must be "special." An example:
If we get hit in our groin, we do everything possible to not ever be hurt like that again...
Yet childbirth is said to be a painful process. Given this, some women look forward to the selfless act of childbirth... It is hard for me to "wrap my head around this" idea and concept.
Thanks God for women... I'll take one!
Nice tribute. Your mother sounds like a remarkable woman, and luckily, a very happy one!
Thanks! We are dancing at the world famous Madonna Inn tonight in San Luis Obispo, Ca.. She always turns heads when she walks in. She is most of the time, the best dressed and always with a smile with hug greetings to everyone. Many of the same dancers are always there to greet her. She is an entertainer. She whoops and hollers just like she did years ago in the old "country church." All of us die; she lives...
She turns 82 December 21.
I'm such a fan of your mother, I can't imagine how I missed this one! I feel such kinship with her Thanks for another hub about her - and with pictures, too! wow!
I like your picture! You are a real "cutie" whose smile reflects your inner "goodness" and happiness... a rare state-of-mind...
Thank you, Dallas!
Welcome..! Have been busy co-editing my book and will get more active soon. Coupled with knee surgery, I have been pre-occupied...
Yikes - hope you're all better from the surgery - but the book must really keep you busy!
Nellieanna,
Swelling has gone done! It has provided opportunities to stay focused on the book!
Your thoughtful and "blunt" helpful comments really asisted the creative process. Book is 1,000% more readable thanks to a great editor... It has possibilities! Stay tuned...
Dallas, I love this hub! This is a great tribute to your Mother. I love Okies, and know of a great many people from that section of the country, and have lived in NE Texas and have family from the NW part of Arkansas. Got to know Oklahoma more when my husbands parents lived there for a time, great people there too!
I love that your mother went through so much and still turns out to be so happy and successful! Good for her and her life sounds like a joy. How great to live like you could die tomorrow, just enjoying everything. Good for her, and thank you for sharing.
oceansnsunsets,
Life is about living - enjoying what is. It is a process my mother enjoys. She going dancing tonight! Thanks for your comments!
You said it well.Mothers are wonderful.Nice pictures.
Apostle Jack,
Thanks!
To be able to respect, love and honor your mother is a foundation to love others.
Wonderful story about your mother...we can all only hope to have such wonderful kids that honor us so wonderfully. She must be very proud and you very lucky to have her. Voted up, awesome and beautiful!
MyMastiffPuppies,
The good news, my mother and her family were/are resilient. They are the "stuff" I am proud to have as a template for my life. They thrived in adversity.
Thanks for the ratings! Appreciated.
Dallas93444~~ While I want to read more of your work, I wanted to start with your HUB on Mom~~ as I love spunky women and yours surely fits the bill... thank you for sharing this!
Thank you as well for some of your insightful comments~~ how wonderful that you have been able to forgive/ move on from human weaknesses that our parents may have had/ and you then get to enjoy this adult relationship rife with beautiful memories... Voted UP & AWESOME...!
marcoujor,
Thanks!
My mother is from the "origional stock" of pioneer women... Fierce, independent, passionate about life... with a work ethic...
Life is what we do today... while we make plans.
Great comments.
Dallas
So, dallas how are things now? Hope your Mom is still well and vibrant. I have a very similar Mom (83) that loves to hang out with us and sing, dance...just have fun. People just love her. I would be lost with out her for sure. We talk just about every day and she is truly someone that continues to impact my life. I have loved reading your hubs about your Mom and would love an update.
Sandi,
Mom is great! When I grow up, I want to be like her! We are lucky to have moms so vibrant and full of life. Thanks for your comments!
Your mother definitely looks as though she enjoys life and would be the life of any party. Your aunt getting married at age 88...good for her! You have some excellent genetics in your family. Nice tribute to your energetic and fun loving mother!
Peggy W,
My mom as noted is an amazing women. She just had cataract surgery and went dancing that night!
Thanks for your comments!
She certainly loves dancing from what you say. That is what is probably keeping her young and in good health. My husband had cataract surgeries on both eyes and loves the results. Everything is so much brighter and more colorful than what he had been seeing. Am sure you mom feels the same.
Peggy W,
We are lucky.. My grandmother, her mother was 94. She was a true pioneer. Mom is much the same. You should read about our 600 mile ocean ride up the Californioa coast into the Sacramento Delta. At first the ocean swells were really rough. The boat would come out of the water and the prop would race. When it crashed down into to the trough, it felt like the boat was being dropped 10 feet onto concrete. Things flew around crashing about.
Mom stayed below decks. When we stopped to refuel, she made a remake that she thought the boat was breaking up...
Can you imagine being inside a boat 5 miles off-shore and never panicking, yelling, just leaving your head between your knees and puking your guts out while your son is being thrown about puking his guts out...!
I wrote a series of Hubs describing this.
I am impressed! She believes in me and trusts me...
Thanks again for your comments!
onegoodwoman Level 4 Commenter 19 months ago
Oh cool, she's hoopin! It looks like a weighted hoop too!
that's how she stays slim .