November 29, 1993, Seared Into My Memory

My mother, Florence H. B. Williams, transitioned to her new state on this date, November 29, 1993. She was seventy-six (76) years old.

I will always miss my mother. This morning, as if someone poked me in my stomach, I woke up feeling extremely ill for no apparent reason. Then, my brain caught up with my body, and I realized that this was November 29, and like a trigger, I knew why I felt so badly. I was missing my mother, and this was the day thirty-one years ago when she died.

That also explained my reluctance to be around anyone yesterday -- Thanksgiving Day. I am not sad, depressed, or otherwise out of sorts. I am just profoundly grieving the loss of my mother so many years ago.

She was not just my mother. She was my best friend, confidant, ride-or-die, spiritual warrior, and so much more. Did I mention babysitter, cook, shoulders to stand on, and yes, my reminder that I could do better?

She taught me never to settle or compare myself with the worst. She instilled in me values and beliefs that have guided me throughout my life. She told me straight that children's role models live in their homes. Everything else is an outside influence that will attract your children, but you, the parent, set the standards and the bar. If the bar is low, children will not reach for the gold. If the bar is too high, you run the risk of frustrating the child and stifling their desire to be the best they can be.

Given the proper support, children will learn that the sky is the limit and that they already have all the necessary tools to achieve their goals. Expose them to all the good things you can in life, and allow them to stretch their minds and imaginations. You will be surprised at what they will achieve.

So much wisdom. So much love. I only wish she were here to see what her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have achieved, and the story is not over.

I am thankful that I was able to spend time with Jimmy's children, the other half of Ms. Florence H. B. Williams' family, during this month, November. LOL, she finally got that big family that she always wanted.

I am so thankful that God chose Miss Florence to be my mother. Rest well, my mother and my friend. You didn't do too shabby raising me. Thank you.

Miss Florence was born on June 1, 1917. She died on November 29, 1993, and was buried in Screven, Georgia, on December 6, 1993.

June 1st, 1917, was a Friday
November 29th, 1993, was a Monday
December 6th, 1993, was a Monday
Today is November 29, 2024, Friday

GONE, not forgotten, because her memory lives on in so many!