Momma's Earbob

Momma's ear-bob has been sitting on my desk for a while now.  I like to pick it up and hold it and feel it.  It makes me feel close to Momma.  After I took the picture and posted it on Facebook I started trying to remember when I got it and brought it to the office.  It finally dawned on me - I found in the midst of the debris of Marlin's burned apartment.  I remember now - I picked up up out of the ashes of one of Marlin's boxes.  I showed it to Marlin and we wept.  I dropped it down into my pocket and then somehow I got it cleaned up and it ended up in my office on my desk.  So now, I pick it up from time to time - sometimes I press it against my cheek - cherishing the memories of my sweet Momma.  This week as we marked off the fifth month of her passing - I still can't wrap my mind and my heart around it all.  So I just hold the memories close and know that one of these days I will see her again.

On The Road Again - Can you guess?

Fort Lauderdale

Momma always made sure I got a hug from her before I left on any trip.  Sometimes she would cook for me the night before but if that didn't work out she would come by the house of the office for a hug. Short trips, long trips - she always wanted her hug.  It was a wonderful tradition we shared. I missed that hug this morning and I surely miss her now.

Daddy misses her hugs too - he says it is one of the hardest things - missing her hugs, her sweet touch - her simple presence in their house - in their world.  I miss her too Daddy.

Peace to all who stop by and read.

Momma loved to travel

In my adult years I was so blessed to be able to travel with my Mom & Dad from time to time.  One trip I have been remembering lately is our trip to Washington, DC in 2007.  We were going to the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Assembly in DC to work with Samaritan Ministry (an HIV/AIDS ministry.  We decided to drive up to Washington by way of the Outer Banks of NC.  It was a wonderful trip and I have wonderful memories and a few photos.

Momma waving from the comfort of her car.

We spent the first night in Wilmington, NC, had breakfast with an old family friend and then made a bee line to catch the ferry to Ocracoke.  Below is a picture of my Momma enjoying the ferry ride from the backseat of her Maxima.  We spent one night on Ocracoke at The Pony Inn (I think).  As an adult I paid my own way so I got to have my own room at the hotels and I know that made the trip more enjoyable for us all....but we loved the time we spent.

Ocracoke Lighthouse

We took our time driving - stopping along the way - taking pictures, looking at the wild ponies, eating seafood - whatever we wanted to do.  It was so relaxing and wonderful.  We stopped by all the lighthouses too - I guess my favorite is the Hatteras Lighthouse with its wonderful history and the great story of how it was moved.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

I have such great memories from that trip.

I love you Momma and I miss you so much!

Bodie Island, Outer Banks, NC

Faithful loving wife - 63 years, 251 days

Wednesday, August 14, 1946 

...was my parents wedding day.  They got married on a Wednesday because that was the only day his parents, my grandparents (Mam-ma and Nan) could be there.  (They ran Hargrove's Grocery in West End and they were closed on Wednesdays - back in the day).

Mr. and Mrs. Billy M. Hargrove, August 14, 1946
(This picture is their entire wedding album.)

They got married at Haddock Baptist Church sometime late to mid afternoon - Dad can't remember exactly what time. (I wish I had talked to Momma more about that day - always thought we had plenty of time).  Momma got ready in the room upstairs over the choir loft.  Daddy says she was the most beautiful bride and his heart was filled with love as he saw her step out onto the landing and then down the staircase and into his life for the next 63 plus years. (Daddy's aunt Emmy(sp) said she was the most beautiful bride she had ever seen too.)

Tom was an 18 year old serving in Vietnam when they celebrated anniversary number 25.  Naturally, it fell to me, the eldest daughter to do something.  Our dear family friends, Jean Page and Mickey Starling came to my rescue and helped me plan a sweet little reception at our home on Fairmont Ave. in Greenville, South Carolina.

Jean Page, Mickey Starling & Me - all ready for anniversary 25.

And then came our celebration of their 50 years together.  We had a sweet little drop-in at their home.  I am sad that I can't remember the details of that day.  I know we must have had many drop by but the only thing I remember of that day is what you see in the picture below.

50th Anniversary Celebration, 1996

Tomorrow would have been their 64 wedding anniversary.  We, our family, will be gathering at the Red Lobster in Macon - to celebrate, to mourn, to carry each other through.

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Momma loved Red Lobster.  I have many fond memories of our family gatherings there.  I remember once when Mom & Dad were return from one of their many trips she called me, "Honey, we are going to stop in Macon on the way home and eat at Red Lobster, do you want to join us?"  I told her I would there as quick as I could.

We celebrated Momma's 80th birthday at the Red Lobster and had a wonderful time.

Momma's 80th birthday at Red Lobster, December 29, 2007

Momma's voice...

So here is how my work day would go.....

I almost always get to the office before anyone else and have my coffee and get right to work.  Dad would usually arrive around 8:30.  After I said good morning to my Daddy I would say, "is Momma up yet?" and if Momma was up I would call her right away.  Sometimes we talked for a long time, sometimes we did not feel much like talking or we were really busy.  But we always had time for an I love you.

I miss hearing Momma's voice.  Sometimes, when I know Daddy isn't home I'll call to get the answering machine just so I can hear her sweet voice, "You have reached the Hargrove residence...."

I sure do miss her.