It really is a BIG DEAL.

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The complex in which my Mother lives has a competition every summer for the most beautiful porch in the complex. She began planning for this event in April. She planted the seeds of the morning glories and petunias as well. Then built a trellis system on the two ends of the porch. She then suspended strings and crosslines in the front. SHe got the buggers to grow up and over the top of her porch roof and down the front.
She won the contest for "Best in show" It is a BIG DEAL.
I am so proud of her, for putting herself out there and trying something new. She worked on nurturing these plants from seed in anticipation of the contest. I have never known her to do anything halfway. That is my Mom.
I took a class in elementary school. It was after school and my parents had to pay for this crafting lessons thing. It was to make a marionette.
I was not a crafty girl, nor am I a crafty woman.
My Mother on the other hand is a motivated, non quitter.
I tried to make a marionette, really I did. The outfits had to be handmade, the eyes a pushpin, glue on embellishments. Mine was horrendous. I remember going to bed that night before the "show" thinking I would rather be sick that show up with my beastie marionette.
I got up in the morning and I had a the most beautiful marionette on the kitchen table. It was a King dressed in purple with gold shoes and a crown on its head. He wore white gloves and a gold cape. He had black hair and big grin on its chopping teeth face. His strings were all attached and working and I was THE HAPPIEST GIRL IN THE WORLD!!!!
My mom took apart the one I had made and "tweeked" it just enough to make him gorgeous and me the luckiest kid in the world.
I will never forget that day.
That shows you why winning the award for the best in show today was not just a contest, it was a REALLY BIG DEAL. New people know that MY MOM is NOT a QUITTER,
SHe might be DOWN but she is NEVER OUT. My dad may not be here but she is not sitting in her apt WAITING, she is trying to live on, and you know what, she is.
She is the most ladylike "scrapper" you will ever meet.
So when I talk about her remember this is a woman with more courage and tenacity than most. SHe is proud and patient.
I am going to be like her someday,
I hope.
Attached find the best inshow,
My angel boy sleeping.
Missi in the pool today, too beautiful for words.
Jack swimming his heart out.
Love to all tonight.

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