Calling Mom

May 11, 2014
samsandy1966

My parents in the mid-1960s

During our life together I spoke to my mother just about every single day. We lived thousands of miles apart for decades, but hearing her voice was an important part of my daily life. I can’t explain it–I was a grown woman, after all–but in some way my mother’s voice rooted me. Ironic, isn’t it, that motherhood wasn’t in the plan for me this life. This piece, dedicated to my mother, ran in Skirt! magazine in 2003. It’s about dialing her number, day after day.  It remains one of my favorite pieces, ever.

So today, in honor of Mother’s Day and my mother, here it is again, for you. I hope you enjoy it.

 

papa mom kids

My mother with her father and her children. That’s me on the right.

 

14 comments on “Calling Mom
  1. Carol Graham says:

    Can you check the link to the piece in Skirt — it wasn’t there.

  2. Linda Hoye says:

    Loved your piece, Carol! My Mom and I talked almost daily when I was in my twenties with two young children. She was my best friend. After she died suddenly I continued to call her number for a while. My mind knew she wouldn’t answer. . . my heart wondered “what if”? So I called. Just in case.

  3. Lisa Froman says:

    This was beautiful. And it made me cry. My mom, who is always strong, is sick this week. I’m not used to it and it makes me feel like a little girl.

  4. Ryder Ziebarth says:

    I thought I posted a comment earlier,but I must have written it and closed the laptop( I have become , my mother.) Your essay was gorgeous, and one to be VERY proud of–so beautifully written with great word choices and prose. I still call Mom every day–to argue, complain, check-in, get feedback, gossip about my siblings, –and not once has she ever said she was too busy to talk. You expressed the bond perfectly. Thank you for posting this.

  5. What an amazing article Carol! It touched my heart, I can’t imagine what you are feeling but I’m really sorry that you don’t have your mother with you anymore. You have this amazing way of writing that makes the reader feel your pain.

  6. Such a beautiful post. I love the vintage photos.

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Here you’ll find my blog, some of my essays, published writing, and my solo performances. There’s also a link to my Etsy shop for healing and grief tools offered through A Healing Spirit.

 

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