My parents raised two sons and four daughters in a rural farming town in central Florida. Yours truly was born into position number five, from oldest to youngest. This means, they'd already raised or were raising two daughters and you'd think they would have been experts by the time of my birth. This is so much easier said than the actual reality. This way of thinking seems logical in one sense but is a fleeting thought if one has lived, developed and ventured into society for at least 25 years. No two people are alike and siblings are no different. We have our own personalities, genius or lack there of.

How did I differ from my older sisters? I matured faster, physically and mentally; primarily due to them and my inquisitive nature. I was then and still am an avid reader. My sixth grade teacher is credited for challenging me to read beyond my grade level and my love for the printed word. My passion for the Word is contributed to my parents. They are responsible for all of the positive things which have happened in my life. Mother never taught me to display my body as if it were meaningless, worthless and meant for public viewing. There were games Mother never taught me. She did teach me the craft of canning, preserving, baking and quilt making. Since I 'developed' at a faster rate than my chronological age, she was psychologically astute enough to keep me close to her and busy with productive things. I complained outwardly but inwardly, I adored the time just the two of us shared.

Mother didn't teach me to play Scrabble, Backgammon, Monopoly or Chess but she taught me about love; for others and myself. She taught me to respect myself and how to be responsible. Mother was strict and so was my Dad but they were more lenient with me and my younger sister than my older sisters. At least I got to go to my Junior and Senior proms, they didn't. Mother had the wisdom to occupy my time with meaningful, educational, transitional, relational and impressionable chores and undertakings. I was forced to read and research the tasks she very well knew how to perform but it was clever of her to help me "pass the time." My cousins and friends were hanging out during the long hot summers or going to the lake but I was learning how to can peaches, make bread and butter pickles and peach preserves. Can you imagine this happening with the average teenage female nowadays? I honestly can't. It makes me sad, actually. I have no children and live away from nieces and nephews. I haven't made time for doing those things now but there is a plan. I have this idea of bringing the old-timers and the young-timers together so each generation can be enriched.

I long to spend time with Mother again. Actually, she's been gone most of my life now and I've felt this way since losing her. Although she hasn't been physically present, I see her in me; the way I purse my lips when trying to open a jar of olives; how my eyes dance when given an unexpected present; the handbag I buy because I know it's the style she liked. I see her in every rose garden. Dad made sure she had one or white poinsettia, her favorite flower. I see her in my nieces and great-niece. Mother had a lovely smile. She smiled often and laughed easily but she was not one for nonsense. Yes, Mother taught me many things about God, life, love and living but games, Mother never taught me.

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