Since I frequently mention Mother in humorous stories, I thought perhaps I should tell you more of her true nature. She lives in a quiet neighborhood on a corner lot, always busy working in her yard, which over the past thirty years, she has landscaped lovingly. For more years than I can remember, she has kept a cooler of ice water on her back porch, with cups, for any passerby, who needs a drink. She washes and reuses the cups, discouraging waste. Most days, she is on hand to greet the kids when they are getting in from school to ask about their day, encourage them, or just talk. Should she hear unkindness, she reminds them, “You can’t talk like that. How would you feel if someone called you that?” If a child tells her of being bullied, she says, “Tell your parents or teacher. If they don’t help, come back and let me know. We’ll figure something out.” She has become so well-known, that walkers of all ages in her neighborhood stop for a drink, carefully returning their used cups to the bin for rewashing. Many times I’ve seen kids tap on the back door or hunt her up in the yard to let her know she has fallen down on the job by letting the water cooler run dry. So many stop by that she can’t possibly know them all by name, although they certainly know hers.
Mother loves light, so when she isn’t working outdoors, she usually keeps her backdoor open, often privy to interesting exchanges between the kids. They feel perfectly free to talk in front of her, like she is part of the landscape. Recently, she passed on this conversation between a couple of boys who were taking a break on her back steps, about ten feet from where she sat.
Jason started out. “This place is old.”
“Yep.” Amos agreed.
“This house is old.” Jason offered.
“Yep.” Amos was the king of “Yep!”
“That truck is old.”
“Yep.”
“Mrs. Swain is old. Old people are so full of wisdom and uh, uh, uh…..” Finally Jason was at a loss for words.
“Oldness!” Quipped Amos.
Over the years, many of her “children” have grown up and moved out of her neighborhood. It is very common for her to be in a restaurant, on a parking lot, or anywhere in town and have a young police officer, store clerk, nurse, or bag boy call out, “Heh, Mrs. Swain, remember me? I used to get water at your house?” What a positive way to see how many lives she has touched over the years.
LikeLike
Nice Post ..
i Like Your Post Somuch ..
Thankyou For Share It ❤ 🙂
Come Visit My Article ..
UniQue / News / Love Anyting U Need ..
Thankyou
https://kenikmatanpria.wordpress.com/
LikeLike
Thanks. Following you now.
LikeLike
Your mom’s really something! Stories like that warm the heart. Bless her. And you! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. She is a good person.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful woman your mother is. Like mother, like daughter. A beautiful tribute to a great woman. :o)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing your wonderful mom with us! She is special!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s good to be her daughter.
LikeLike
It was good growing up with her for a mother.
LikeLike
I know I’ve said it before, but your mother is a remarkable woman. Truly! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. She is.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your mum is a remarkable woman in so many ways, you must be so very proud of her 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Musings on Life & Experience and commented:
A great story about Linda’s mother.
LikeLike
I really appreciate your reblog.
LikeLike
Such a simple, yet powerful way to be kind. Bless her !
LikeLiked by 1 person
Simple is always best.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I.LOVE.HER.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So do I!
LikeLike
To be known as the lady who quenched their thirst…pretty special way to be remembered. 💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think so, too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful 🙂 💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your mother.
LikeLike
She is a good woman.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Matthews' Blog.
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The true essence of your mom.
LikeLike
She is a good woman.
LikeLike
She is extraordinary. 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you. I agree.
LikeLike
A true gem. Very cool to think how many lives she has touched!
LikeLike
She has thousands of friends.
LikeLike
I bet, she sounds like a lot of fun and funny!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed!
LikeLike
Your Mom sounds lovely. What a fabulous positive fixture in the neighborhood. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLike
You are so welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great story. I love that it is true. Very sweet!
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes….my mom and your mom are VERY much alike….Funny you wrote this story on her. I started one yesterday to show the “softer side” of my mom….not sure where I’m going with it because there are so many sides to my mom. Your mom’s water cooler reminds me of our neighbor who has a jar with dog biscuits…Thanks for sharing… 😉
LikeLike
Look forward to yours!
LikeLiked by 1 person
She has a dish out for dog water.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How sweet!!
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
I love this story about your mother! So thoughtful of her!!
LikeLike
She is a good person.
LikeLike
What a lovely woman.
LikeLike
Indeed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a special person, strong and loving, caring and a great role model! Love ya mom!
LikeLike
We are lucky to have her.
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes she is a gem xx
LikeLike