Mom & me enjoying a Killian's Irish Red at Waxy O'Shea's Irish Pub, Branson MO
“When your mother asks, ‘Do you want a piece of advice?’ it’s a mere formality. It doesn’t matter if you answer yes or no. You’re going to get it anyway.” — Erma Bombeck
So, as I often do, I called my Mom last night. She’s recovering from a fairly serious fall and is healing at home. In her words though, “I’m fine. I’ve got my books, hockey, my newspapers, your brother, sister-in-law and sister are in and out of here doing things for me all the time. It’s all good and I have nothing to complain about!” It was snowing and blowing and -30 C where she lives.
Before I could comment on the cold (and how thankful I am that she has the good sense not to go out in it) she reminded me of the chicken coop on the farm. For a moment I wasn’t sure where this was going .. then I remembered that the building that became our chicken coop was the homestead …. a one room sod house cut into a hill by my great-Grandparents when they immigrated from Minnesota to Saskatchewan. Mom’s comment? “Before any of us whine or complain we ought to just imagine what those people endured trying to make a living on the prairies, in that harsh wind and bitter cold – all while living in a one room sod house!”
And, as usual, she’s right. We have nothing to complain about. We’re warm, well-fed and we have pretty much everything we need.
And, as always, I say “Thanks Mom.”
What Motherly advice rings true with you?
That reminds me of the photos my Grandmother sent me of her grandparent’s home: a one-room sod house on the South Dakota prairie land. They were standing in front of it, staring into the camera unsmiling. I think even during that time they still had something to be thankful for. I wonder what?
CM’s Wife I don’t recall ever having seen a smile in any of those old photos but I think it was a reflection of the times. Gaiety was for the foolish. I like to think they were thankful for the opportunity; my Great-Grandparents got in on the $1/acre land rush .. something inconceivable in their native Sweden. My Great-Grandfather chose the homestead for it’s protective rolling hills (wind) and proximity to the South Saskatchewan river, excellent for cattle and a natural fenceline that is still used today. Regardless .. whenever I look back at those photos I immediately cease any of my own internal whining and give thanks for those prairie gals .. they were something else! Thanks for commenting 🙂