When I picture my mom I usually see her as she appeared in old black and white photos, many taken at family gatherings. In some, she’s smoking a cigarette, in others shyly smiling. At a little over 5 feet and 11 inches tall, Mom was self-conscious about her height, but until she became very ill she never slumped. When her image comes to me unbidden, I see her standing straight, shoulders back.
Mom wasn’t a flashy dresser. She always looked put together, but she never wanted to attract too much attention. I always felt she was more comfortable in the background than in the spotlight, but then what does a daughter really know about her mother?
One year for her birthday Daddy brought Mom a beautifully wrapped box from a higher end department store. That in itself was a big deal. We were a Sears family. Our clothes often came packaged in “3 for $10” sets, so when Mom began unwrapping that elegant box her hands trembled.
When she peeled back the layers of tissue paper surrounding her gift, some of her enthusiasm had waned. She smiled wanly as she lifted up a bright fuchsia knit skirt and blazer. Of course I thought it was beautiful, and obviously so did Daddy, but Mom didn’t seem to share our enthusiasm.
She thanked Daddy who was beaming with pride, but later I overheard her describing the suit to a friend as gaudy. I wasn’t sure what “gaudy” meant, but by the tone of her voice I knew it wasn’t good.
Nevertheless, Mom wore that suit. At first, trepidatiously, but later with confidence. I hope I told her how gorgeous she looked. I hope she felt beautiful in her fuchsia dress.
I’m pretty sure that’s not the suit Mom was wearing in the photo above, but the time frame is about right. Weren’t we precious?
Peace, people!
Praying for Eyebrowz 
😀😀
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It’s a lovely pic and memory x
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Thank you!
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We were a Sears (and Montgomery Wards and Woolworth’s) family too! LOL — lovely family photos 🙂
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Honestly I thought everyone shopped exclusively at Sears and Montgomery Ward until I was in high school.
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Hahaha…. same here! First time I went into a Macy’s or someplace like that as a young adult…. is when I saw how the ‘other half’ lived. I’m cool with that though… it’s helped me learn the value of a dollar and a hard day’s work… and that’s okay with me! 🙂
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Same here. My best friend growing up was quite wealthy. The first time I went shopping with her and her mom I was astonished!
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I hear ya sister! People like us could’ve had fun shopping at Kmart and eating cheap hot dogs at the lunch counter! LOL Good stuff! 😉
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Damned straight!
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Beautiful memory. Your mum certainly did look put together as you say.
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oh I love that story. That was so romantic of your father. I’m sure your mom felt beautiful once she was comfortable outside her normal box. I adore old photos. https://noelliesplace.com/2019/02/13/little-boy-bobby/
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Thank you! I do think she embraced it once she got over feeling out of her element.
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