There has been lots of talk this week about Mom’s old stationwagons. When we kids were young she always drove a stationwagon and used it to haul around a bunch of kids. Mom defied the laws of physics when it came to packing kids into the stationwagon. I have heard stories of her pulling into the Patterson Heights Baptist Church and seventeen kids getting out and going into Vacation Bible School. Personally, I always thought Mom should have gotten a job in the circus packing clowns into a car.
On the day of my mother’s death a friend of my sister’s called and told sis that “If they have stationwagon’s in Heaven, your mom is driving one around picking up kids to take to Vacation Bible School.”
I remember those old stationwagons well. Only one of them was ever bought new. Dad always bought one that had been wrecked and then totaled out by the insurance company and rebuilt it. The light beige one that was actually bought new was bought without an airconditioner. That was back in the days when an air conditioner was considered a luxury, and my folk didn’t believe in luxuries. That made for a memorable childhood trip across the desert on the way to California.
Yesterday Dad and I stood beside Mom’s grave and I asked him what was his most precious memory from the 64 years that he was married to Mom. He spoke about her teaching him to read and write after they were married.
I love my folk’s stories and I will dearly miss Mom’s blend of humor, incongruity, and sentimental reflection.
I am seriously considering starting a twelve step program for all those out there like me who need help. I no longer over indulge and I have stopped hiding a stash for “when I need it.” There are no visible signs of my malady and when others look at me they have no idea that I am what I am and that I struggle as I do. Nevertheless, it is true — I am an office supplies geek.
My earliest memories include pencils, pens, tack, paperclips, notepads and staplers. And, my recollection of my very first day of school at Alexander Elementary School in Commerce, Oklahoma is dominated my a Big Chief writing pad, oversized pencil, and my 64 count Crayola Crayons — the big box. I remember the first time that I realized that ruled paper could be purchased in some color other than white. I had a big crush on Trixi, but when I saw that Janet had paper that was green and pink and purple and yellow… it was just too much for my fickle heart. Janet’s paper was my new love.
If only I had been born a little later — electronic pencil sharpeners, calculators, and oh my, what I could have done with a label maker (in addition to labeling my pencil sharpeners, pencils, crayons, etc.). Be still my foolish heart.
You know … this is National Organization Month . . .
I had better start that twelve step program right away.
