(We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessings…)
My mother-in-law (Ma Ida) taught me many things.
She was a feisty little redhead who raised eight sons, three daughters, and two grandsons. 
(Christmas Day at Ma Ida’s, 1969)
Everyone loved to come to her house. They never came without eating a meal. She hardly ever knew who or how many would be at her table. It never occurred to her that some would not have a place to sit. In summer, many of us ate on the front porch balancing our plate on our laps and finding a place close by for a glass of sweet tea. It wasn’t important that the dishes matched. I can’t remember ever having a centerpiece! None of that mattered. She never owned a dishwasher.
What we did have was an abundance of wonderful food! Always home-grown and so good. At family dinners, at least three meats with a whole table of desserts! 
(Dessert table on back porch)
You know, I am ashamed to admit this, but I never remember taking a dish to her house(and I don’t think anyone else did either). What were we thinking!
The joy of gathering at Ma Ida’s is a memory that we all treasure.
(New Years Eve Party at our house, 1974)
(She was also the only person who has ever called me “little”! She referred to me as “little Betty”. God love her!)
Thanks for sharing that wonderful memory of your mother-in-law, she sounds like a very special lady.
ReplyDeleteI am so touched by this story and by the photos. This takes me back to a different time when Grandmas were Grandmas and people actually dressed up for Thanksgiving. To see the men in their suits & ties, the ladies in their dresses...what a great era! It's all blue jeans and sweats these days. Sigh! :-( So sweet to see how fondly you remember your mother-in-law. I wish you and your family the happiest Thanksgiving holiday!
ReplyDeleteI loved this post!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post! You have really captured the spirit of Thanksgiving. So much of what we cherished is gone but we will always have the memories. Thank you, Ginger
ReplyDeleteMa Ida is smiling this day in heaven...you've honored her in such a lovely way. I had and Aunt Ida....wonderful woman, role-model, friend. I think that women named Ida must always be special. Thank you for sharing your family memories. Happy Thanksgiving! Cherry Kay
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