Ahha yes I could see that. Chalk it up to historical fiction. I could rename this one ‘The Tradescantia Zebrina’ but I won’t. Apparently the new informal name is ‘The Wandering Dude’ — also inappropriate reference for my mom.
I can see that your mom wanted to make sure that your childhood was a positive experience. Caring parents are like that, even those who have experienced trauma.
Your mom had an interesting history. Unfortunately, like many of the older generation who may have encountered some type of abuse or trauma, it was difficult to talk about the past. We tried to ask my dad's oldest sister about relatives, and she replied, "What do you want to know about them? They're dead". End of discussion. BTW, I see the resemblance with your grandad
lol 'they're dead,' can't argue with that. We all dead soon enough, so i get some comfort in a broader perspective before you were and where your kids are going. For my mom, I wonder if her suppressing the trauma helped me have a happy childhood?
This is a wonderful recounting of what must have been a very hard life.
Wow, another powerful, wonderful post. I'm sorry for your loss, your mom sounds like an incredible human being in so many ways
Thanks Patrick! Yeah, she was a ... LOT! But by unpacking her past a little, I get a glimpse into her behaviors that puzzle me now, made me mad then.
So interesting...and hard and sad and joyful.
Apparently now it's out of favor to call this plant the Wandering Jew...
Ahha yes I could see that. Chalk it up to historical fiction. I could rename this one ‘The Tradescantia Zebrina’ but I won’t. Apparently the new informal name is ‘The Wandering Dude’ — also inappropriate reference for my mom.
I really enjoyed this one. You did your mom right here, Andrew! I can feel her story, not just see it.
I love that she kept that sense of adventure and kind of remained 13, but I also get why that happened. Good stuff.
I can see that your mom wanted to make sure that your childhood was a positive experience. Caring parents are like that, even those who have experienced trauma.
Your mom had an interesting history. Unfortunately, like many of the older generation who may have encountered some type of abuse or trauma, it was difficult to talk about the past. We tried to ask my dad's oldest sister about relatives, and she replied, "What do you want to know about them? They're dead". End of discussion. BTW, I see the resemblance with your grandad
lol 'they're dead,' can't argue with that. We all dead soon enough, so i get some comfort in a broader perspective before you were and where your kids are going. For my mom, I wonder if her suppressing the trauma helped me have a happy childhood?