Skip to main content

Remembering Ginger






My sister and I are crazy for nicknames.  We’ve nicknamed each other and our husbands.  I remember having a conversation with our mom when she turned 90.  She told me she wished her name was Ginger.  My sister was ecstatic.  We found a nickname for mom.

If I had to describe Ginger’s personality, I would say she was a cross between gruff Betty Davis and naïve Doris Day.

Ginger was born in 1915.  A tomboy, she competed in sports; her favorite being baseball.  She loved hot dogs, sauerkraut and ice cream.  She liked perfume, crocheting, dogs, books, needlework, ceramics and babies.







Ginger worked as a hair stylist.  She owned her own beauty salon, Gloria’s, where she specialized in Marcel Waves.  The year was 1938.



 
 

Mom and dad married in Chicago in 1940.  They raised three children and one exceptional darling…me.  At least that’s my perception!
As kids, we grew up in a home fragrant with hard work ethics, respect, reverent faith, outstanding home-cooked meals at a dinner table, discipline, hospitality, home-baked desserts and lots of Johnny Cash and Pavarotti. 

Ginger left this earth in 2012 at 96 years old and I’m thankful for being given so many years on this earth with my mother.  What I miss mostly about her was her sparkling sense of humor and devoted prayer life.

Today I’m remembering Ginger.

I'm linking today to Sharing His Beauty and Tell Me A Story.

Comments

  1. Sweet tribute to dear Ginger.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Your darling mother (Ginger) was full of spice and life. Having her own beauty shop and making a home in those days was a balance not many women could handle. We too had home cooked meals at the table so I can relate. Thank you for sharing your wonderful story honoring your mother here at "Tell Me a Story."

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Mary! I love that cross between two opposites. Aren't we all like that? And for her to own her own business in that time was extraordinary! I bet she really knew how to get things done :)

    You have made such a loving tribute to your Mom today, I know your Mothers Day will be a little sad for you, but so happy for her in heaven.
    Blessings,Ceil

    ReplyDelete
  4. This cute, cute tribute made me smile - both last night and today.
    What an amazing gal, your mom....
    I'll bet she'd be really tickled to read these words!

    Happy Mom's Day in advance!

    Hugs,
    Myra

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh how much you must miss your beloved mom sister Mary! I know "miss" is not even the exact word.

    What a beautiful lady she was and how loving she must be to her family! Can I call her the Proverbs 31 mother?

    Happy Mother's Day to you sister! hugs...

    ReplyDelete
  6. To my dear sister... Your words came from your heart, Pinky. My heart felt so full of love for you as I read your "Remembering Ginger". Your words exuded that special bond you had with her.

    I can picture you as you enjoy your granddaughters, playing, sharing and walking in the light with the Lord.

    Happy Mother's Day dear one! I love you! Poopsie

    ReplyDelete
  7. beautiful tribute to your mom..what a blessing to have such a fulfilling and long life with three children and one very exceptional darling one :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. wow. loved this read and your tribute to Ginger!!!! Happy MOther's Day to you Mary....

    ReplyDelete
  9. What a precious tribute to Ginger! She sounds like she was *ahead of her time* in the way she lived her life. And yes, just for today, you can be the darling of the bunch!!

    GOD BLESS!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Good morning sister. I read your message at my place after doing my daily early morn devotion. I just want to let you know that your hubby is always in good Hands same with you as you await his treatment in Yuma. I always pray for my sisters/brothers I know in blogland but even better when we pray for specifics. I know. ..they're "nailed"....May you both remain strong in the Lord's mighty power.love and blessings.

    ReplyDelete
  11. What a lovely tribute to a wonderful mom. I think you inherited many of her traits and learned well from her.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Absolutely priceless memories...and I love the way you share such special-ness with us, Mary. I'd say you were probably correct in remembering the way you described yourself. ;) Hugs

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Because He Lives, I Can Move

I’m currently in one of those places where you lay out all the options and then you make the best decision. It seems, however, like none of the choices are fair or attractive. I know God will help me in my situation because I desire His guidance. I’m clinging to His Word which promises that ALL things work together for good for those that love God and are called according to His purpose, Romans 8:28. I heard a great teaching this week about seeking God’s will and all the freedom that surrender brings. We can know that God is bringing about a victory if we trust Him with each and every decision. The speaker illustrated his point with a famous painting. The painting depicts a look of despair on the chess player’s face. He’s playing Satan and his soul is at stake. It looks like Satan is winning. Checkmate! When Paul Morphy saw this painting back in the 1800’s, he set up a chess board and aligned the pieces to reflect the painting. Being a world champion, he studied the board. His conclusi

Humor for the Bride and Groom

A young couple decided to wed.  As the big day approached, they grew apprehensive.  Each had a problem they had never before shared with anyone, not even each other. The Groom-to-be, overcoming his fear, decided to ask his father for advice.   "Father," he said, "I am deeply concerned about the success of my marriage."  His father replied, "Don't you love this girl?"   "Oh yes, very much," he said," but you see, I have very smelly feet, and I'm afraid that my fiancé will be put off by them."  "No problem," said dad, "all you have to do is wash your feet as often as possible, and always wear socks, even to bed."   Well, to him this seemed a workable solution. The bride-to-be, overcoming her fear, decided to take her problem up with her mom."  Mom," she said, "When I wake up in the morning my breath is truly awful."  "Honey," her mother consoled, "everyone has

A Veteran's Story

  I noticed Bill sitting in our local park where I walk.   He glanced my way just as I finished the last exercise walk song on my playlist.   He shouted and pointed to my car:   “Hey, is that your car with the Nam front license plate?   I stepped closer into the veranda where Bill sat on a picnic bench.   I noticed his Vietnam Vet cap and instantly I knew why I walked there that day.   The Marine Vet served during the 1960’s, the same time span as my husband.   Bill talked a lot about the war evoking my emotions from laughter to tears.   My South Vietnam front plate often prompts a conversation with a stranger and I’ve learned a deep respect for it over the years.   It is my way of listening to a veteran.   I enjoyed listening to Bill.   He made me laugh in spots but he made me cry as well.   Like when he talked about the sandwich lady.   “Do you ever eat at the sandwich shop in the gas station down the street?”   I replied that I’ve order coffee once in that place with a turke