Mom

This Mother's Day, as well as all Mother's Days since July 3, 1995, reminds me that I had the very best mother any human could desire. She was always and ever my best friend. Mom was the only person in my life who loved me unconditionally. When I went to her for advice, she would tell me what she thought. Otherwise, she didn't offer advice, didn't interfere in my life, allowed me to make my own mistakes -- in short, let me be me.

My mother lived a life full of financial strife, but always believed our "ship would come in". She was loved by everyone who took the time to know her. As she aged, she became more outspoken and expressed her anger -- something I didn't see growing up. Mom was a stay-at-home Mom most of the time, although she went to work during the Korean War in a munitions plant. When I was in junior high school, she worked as a seamstress for a pants manufacturer. Later, after my father lost his eyesight and could no longer work, Mom went to work full-time in retail middle management and loved her job. She was there until her final illness at age 75.

There is never a day goes by that I don't miss her and wish she was still here with us. I wish I had enough words to express the love I had and have for her. My only regret is that I wasn't with her when she died.

Portrait of my eldest grandson

First of all, my last post talked about my youngest grandson's injuries. The doctor assured my daughter and son-in-law that the bump on Braiden's collar bone is a bruise and not fracture. Thank the Lord.

Secondly, I am inserting a portrait which I did of my eldest grandson when he graduated from high school This month, he graduates from college!! A very fine young man, even if I am prejudiced.

My Grandchildren

Little League Mishap

My youngest daughter called me last night to say they had just returned home from the emergency room. Apparently, my youngest grandson, Braiden, was accidently struck in the face by a bat being swung by a Little League player. Braiden was at the game because his brother, Cain, was playing. My daughter told me Braiden lost an upper front tooth and broke two lower front teeth. This morning, Braiden insisted he wanted to call and tell me about his accident. My daughter then spoke with me and said they were going to take him to the doctor, as a large lump has appeared on one shoulder blade. I am waiting to hear about that, and pray everything is fine. It hurts me when a child is hurts.

Fishing Not

I wanted to fish today at Northmoreland Park, but the weather was rather cool and rainy. There weren't very many people there, not even walkers. I took some photos, but that was all. There were two geese, with their babies, who hissed at me when I walked by them. I thought one of them was going to chase me. You haven't lived until a goose chases you! When I was growing up, a neighboring farm had geese. Everytime we walked past that farm, those darn geese would hiss and come after us. My brother, Bill, and I would run as fast as we could to get away. I, of course, always ran the fastest -- at least until Bill reached his full height of 6ft 6 in. His long legs covered more ground than did mine.

My niece, Lisa, in Georgia, emailed me to say that she now understands why she is 'confused'. She read an earlier post about my grandfather being a policeman in New Kensington and his battling the Mafia. As her mother is Italian and from New Kensington, with some old family Mafia ties, Lisa said it is no wonder she is conflicted!!

Kiski River with Blue Boat Painting

This is an oil painting I did last year of the Kiski River, just below the Vandergrift Bridge.

Northmoreland Park Lake

Here is an oil painting I did last summer of the place I usually fish. When I am fishing, this is the view across the lake. Hope you enjoy!