My Mother

Today is my mother's birthday! The picture above the post is my mother and my son. This picture was taken about 21 years ago when my son was about 3. Wow, it seems like yesterday. My mother passed away about 10 years ago. I think of her a lot, but never more than this day. Growing up she would always tell me stories of her and her family. I would love to listen to her tell me these stories and sometimes I would listen for hours. My mother was born in 1935 on a farm in Ohio in the middle of nowhere. She once told me a story that I would like to share with you now. She told my grandmother once told her a of a day there was a knock at the door. To my grandmother's surprise there was a sharpely dressed young man at the door. This was surprizing, because my family lived about 8 miles from town and they didn't see many strangers around those parts. The young man was very polite and asked if he could come in. In the 30's and 40's it was more acceptable to let someone in your home than it is now. She graciously let him in. He began to tell her a tall tale of how he had a device that would ease her work load and with 8 children spaced 2 years a part, she graciously listened. My grandmother was a kind lady and listened to his story about how he was an Electalux Vaccum Salesman and how this machine he had would change her life. He asked her if he could demonstrate his wonderful machine? Because he was such a nice young man my grandmother agreed. He pulled out a little bag and threw some dirt on the floor. He then asked my grandmother where he could plug in his machine? She politely explained to him that they did not have electricity and handed him a broom. She told him that she was pleased he came by, but if would be so kind as to sweep up the mess he just put on her nice clean floor she would appreciate it. Head hung low, he agreed, swept the floor and left. I would amagine he went back to the city where there was electicity or if in the country, at least looked for power lines the next time.