05.08.26 Remembering my Mama: A Mother’s Day Tribute

This was originally written by me in 2013 and I came across it this week. Every word is still true. I am sharing it again in honor of the best Mama I could have ever had, Josie Mae Cochran Blum Traylor!

Happy Mother’s Day Mama… It’s been five years since I was able to look into your beautiful shining eyes and hold your fragile little hands to say I love you. 

It was probably two years before that time when you still knew it was your daughter Rosalyn saying those words to you. The erosion of your mind and memories taken by that horrible disease known as Alzheimer’s was something we didn’t like to see happen but most importantly we didn’t want it happening to you.

You were one of the strongest women I’ve ever known loving your children and grandchildren unconditionally, caring for us with the last drop of strength and love you had. So many memories flood my mind, examples of the Christian wife, mother and friend that you were. 

Your life touched so many yet you were no famous person, just little ole Josie Mae Cochran from small town Mississippi.  Your brothers and sisters all share your same strength and love for family which is probably why I love each of them dearly. 

I miss the many visits to your home where you’d sit in your chair and I in mine. I knew I could share my innermost thoughts, desires, wishes, problems and plans and you would always understand.

How I regret the times I push to the side your wise words of advice determined to do things my way. My children do that to me now and I wish I hadn’t done that and I wish they wouldn’t! 

With age comes much wisdom and it can be used for good or not. You chose to use yours for good, for the good of God’s work and His children.

I learned so much from you mama. How to cook, how to clean the house, oh the many years I spent growing up cleaning the bottoms of the furniture so maybe one day I’d be big enough to clean the tops! 

You taught me to love okra by allowing me to have one for each year I was old which made  me feel it was a special treat! 

You taught me about loving and caring for others with your many visits to the sick or just bringing a small gift to someone in need. 

I never realized when growing up that we were not wealthy like others, my clothes were always clean and you managed to give me the things I needed. My friends and I always knew that when we entered our home we were entering a home full of love and caring and that came from you mama. 

I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you are in Heaven watching over us.  Not because of the good person that you were or the good things you did for others. None of that made you a Christian. Your love for and living for Jesus Christ and you obviously serving him as your Lord and Savior even unto your death are what makes me know securely that you will meet me in Heaven when my time here on Earth is done. 

I know you are happier in Heaven than you ever were on earth though you made so many of us happy just by your presence. You definitely left your mark on many. You told the children to stop when they were running in church. You believed and shared with others that you do not wear shorts to church. You loved our new sanctuary and were so determined that it not be stained by spilled drinks that you “encouraged” everyone not to bring anything to eat or drink in the church. Deanna and I talk about how you let it be known if someone’s dress was a bit short to be wearing in the choir. We don’t have a Ms. Jo at Trinity any long and I miss that!

You taught us the importance of family and created family traditions we will always cherish. Of all the things I am thankful for it’s that you were always there for my children, Chad and Chip, being there when I couldn’t because of working. You convinced them that they needed to wear undershirts and even as grown men they still do.  You taught them about Jesus’ love and the importance of Him in our lives. Chip still tells me things that you taught him and remembers so many ways you affected his life. As you drew your dying breath, Chad and his wife Amy were there in our family circle of prayer. 

You made it possible for me to work and still know my children were taken care of by the best grandmother around. 

Your life wasn’t an easy one especially when you were younger, but you never gave up and taught us not to. I owe you my inner strength, my sense of humor, my smile, my love for my children and grandchildren, my stubbornness, my intelligence, my determination and my love for God.  I could write volumes about your simple specialness but I’ve shed many tears while writing this so far and know I need to stop.  Mama, I give you all the thanks in my heart for loving me, my husband and my children like only you could.  The values, morals, family traditions, love, support, and how you spent your time are what makes you my precious mama and why I know there will never be another one like you. 

Please continue to watch over us and give us a swift kick when you see we’re needing it and a supportive hug when that’s needed as well.  I know that your daughter Harriett, your sons-in-law Roy and George, and all your beautiful grandchildren and great grandchildren join me in wishing you a Happy Mother’s Day.  We love you mama.