She's Special! My Mother!

My mother Lucille Dickens Straughn is one of the most inspirational persons in my life! Most babies when they are born the umbilical cord is cut. But I actually honestly believe mine never was! That's the kind of bond my Mother and I have. She was born in Sanford, North Carolina to a Tobacco Farmer and one of 7 children. Five boys and 1 sister. She lived in the country on sprawling green pastures and timberland. My mother lost her mother at very young age of 6. Her mother died of pneumonia and shortly after delivering her last son. So my Mother had to grow up fast and she became the Mother to her siblings. As a young woman in the photo above with my sister Pati she absolutely looks like a movie star! She met and married my father Richard Straughn in Feb. 1950. Oh, yeah back in those days people married fast! Daddy was in the service at Fort Bragg, N.C. he was a Louisiana man. After dating a short 1 month, Yes I said 1 month. They started there family off quickly also. Pati was born in Nov. 1950 and Mary Jane was born in Dec. of 1952. But little did they know that God wasn't finished with this perfect little family yet. Mr. Richard wanted a son. So 7 years later after Mary was born he gets a great idea that the family just was not complete with out a son. So Mama is with child, and not happy about it. Worried about how they could afford another mouth to feed and also she really thought there would be no more Straughn babies. But, Richard and God had different plans! So come Aug. 15th 1959 Lucille Mae Straughn : Aka Lucy, Aka Tiny makes her grand entrance all 7 lbs 14 ounces of her. Richard didn't get his wish of a boy, but he knew how to make his princess a clone of himself! I have his temperament, I have his eyes, He even made me a tom boy!

Growing up I was very blessed. I had sisters that adored me and a mother that devoted her life to being the best homemaker you could ask for. It actually was like having 3 Mama's when I was little. As my sisters were much older than me. Just anciently older than me! Ha! Just teasing sisters!

My mother instilled in us girls valuable tools that we carry with us today. To love and know the Lord. That honesty was always the best policy, And to be humble and always to be thankful for all that we had, and to share from our hearts with others less fortunate. My Mother and my Father taught me how to cook. They are the best southern country cookers ever! Wow, I miss my Mama's biscuits! Makes you want to slap your grandma! Mama now has to eat Daddy's and my cooking and my sisters when they are in town. As, Mama's health has severely declined. She is now on hospice. Even as she faces the end of her life. And prepares for her Eternal life. She inspires me with her strength and Faith, She is one tough MAMA! When she sees me, as she is bedridden now. She grabs my hand and kisses it sweetly with tears in her eyes she says I've missed you sweet and I love you! She and I cry often together, and we talk about the wonderful life we've had together and are still having through this trial. Lord knows Mama is my best friend even when I strayed as a teen and young woman in my twenties. Mama never gave up on me. She prayed and sent the guardian Angels out to protect me. And they always did. Now I am sending the guardian Angels to watch over her daily, to take away her pain and prepare her for the many mansions our Lord and Savior has prepared for her.

She also now has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. The early stages. She now can not walk due to severe spinal stenosis that was uncorrected from surgery.

I was fortunate after my sisters married and moved off to travel the world with my parents. We lived in Hawaii for 4 years , and also the Philippines for 1 year. Traveled and lived in many states also. As I reflect back on my life, I am thankful for having two parents that loved each other and took there vow's as they are written In sickness and health! To death do us part! And even then, we will still reside in each others hearts till the Lord calls us home for the biggest party and celebration ever! Our reunion!