Mama Used to Say...

What did mama say? If you were like me growing up, mama said A LOT!

Now is the time most people are thinking about that special lady in their life – Mama.

Here are a few sayings I still remember:

“You better come in this house before that streetlight comes on!”

“That homework better be finished before I get home.”

“Don’t let anyone in my house when I’m not home.”

“What do you think, I’m made of money.”

“Cut those lights off when you’re not in this room. I don’t own Con Edison!”

(Before we had unlimited plans) “That better not be long distance.”

“Finish your homework before I come home.”

“Keep a quarter in your pocket to call for help.”

“If I tell you one more time…”

“Always keep a little change in your pocket to call home.”

“This room isn’t going to clean itself.”

“…You’ll see when you get to be my age.” ~ I see mama. Believe me, I understand.

There's an old R&B classic ~ Mama Used to Say by Junior. I love that song, but I've often wondered if he was a bad little boy, or he really understood mama. *smile*

I remember reading Mama ~ by Terry McMillian as a single parent and seeing things much differently. I could relate to a few women in my circle. The struggle is real!

It wasn’t until I got in trouble or experienced a moment of maturity that I realized Mama always had my back

I cherish my mother, stepmother, spiritual mom, and surrogate mothers.

They provided life lessons that molded me to be the woman I am today:

· Unconditional love

· Gratitude

· The Golden rule

· Be kind to others

· Money can’t buy happiness

· Life is too short

· Be forgiving

· Be on time

· Life isn’t fair

· Love

· Pray until something happens

Thank you for supporting me mama!

I REMEMBER MAMA

Recently, I lost a very special lady ~ I called her “ma.” I will always have a special place in my heart for Ma. She welcomed me with opened arms for decades. Although giving my roses now is MY rule of thumb, I err on the side of caution choosing not to tell her I was sick. I call myself waiting for the right time and not wanting to worry her. Too late. A massive stroke prevented me from sharing my story. My symbolic rose became a literal rose at her memorial.

A mother’s job is to worry! They anticipate your highs, your lows, and all the in-betweens. Don’t cheat them. Share. They’re tougher than you think.

When was the last time you visited, text, or called your sweet mama? Now is the time.

In The Brown Eyes of Avon, Charay learned love and life lessons from her mother. Desiree learned how to be strong and independent from hers. When their worlds collide, we’ll learn how love and understanding motivates them to endure.

Fill in the blank love book. What do you love about mama?

Do share…

~ Love,

Ms. Zipporah

Coming spring ~ summer 2022