My Momma

My Momma was born on March 6, 1933. Her proud parents named her Opal Earlene, she was one of six kids. She had three sisters and two brothers. They named her right, she was certainly a shining jewel in this world. My Momma was a strong, courageous woman, everyone that met her, loved her. She always had tons of friends, her magnetic personality just pulled people to her. She was a beautiful woman, with such stunning features. She had gorgeous skin, and a lovely head of hair that I would give anything to have. Her smile always lit up the room with joy, and she was so much fun to be around. One of the many things I loved, and admired greatly about my Momma, was the fact that she was real. She never tried to be, or act like anyone, but herself. She loved to go to yard sales, and have yard sales. Flea markets brought her much joy, as well as going to resale shops. My Momma could spot a bargain a mile away. She loved eating at the waffle house, and IHOP. At any given moment, she would look over at my lovebug, give him that wink of hers, and say: Wanna go to IHOP sweetie? Away we would go, and we would have so much fun. Momma loved life, and lived it to the fullest. After her stroke in 1998, Momma had to learn to talk correctly, and walk correctly, and she did it quickly. She had suffered 40% brain damage, the Doctors were all amazed at her progress, but not me. I knew what my Momma was capable of, and I cheered her on the entire time. After her stroke, her relationship with my two brothers, and my sister changed. Not on Mommas part, but on their part. I think they felt afraid to come around because of the brain damage, they felt Momma was too different. Did the brain damage affect my Momma? Of course it did, she could not remember alot of things, and was childlike in many ways. But, she was still my Momma, and I loved and respected her dearly. I was so proud of the way she fought to come back from her stroke. She did great, until September of 2005. She started having various health problems, bless her heart. She had been living with me and lovebug since 2003. She was constantly having to go to Doctor appointments, and emergency rooms. Finally, in March of 2006, she was in the hospital, and the Doctor told me that my Momma was dying. I asked how long did she have, he said six months or longer. He said I had to make a decision, either put her in a nursing home, the hospice unit at the hospital, or bring her home. I said, my Momma is going back home with me. I will take care of her, and that is what I did. She came home from the hospital on March 21st, one month later on April 21st 2006, I walked in her room, and she had went to heaven. I praise God for the honor, and privilege it was to take care of my dear Momma. She suffered so intensely the last part of her life, but she always smiled through the pain. My Momma taught me such beautiful lessons in courage, faith, and love. She was, and continues to be my inspiration. This year is my fourth mothers day without her, I love and miss her terribly. But, there is coming a day, very soon, when we will be reunited, and will never say goodbye again. Praise God. Happy Mothers Day Sweet Angel Momma, I love you, and forever will.