My Mother
Dorothea "Joyce" Smith - Carpenter - Swearingen
January 9, 1943 - October 29, 1970s
The earliest memories I have of my mother were when I was 3 years old, living in a new tract house in Artesia, CA. Daily, she would pick up the small remnants left scattered in my room, make my bed and carefully set me upon it. She would then ask which books I would like her to read. Everyday they were the same books. She would concede and read Cinderella and The Gingerbread Man with as much vigor as her heart would allow.
I remember once riding my tricycle and falling into the oversized cactus growing between the neighbor's yard and ours! haha My mother ran towards me from the house in horror upon hearing her young child screaming out in pain... She picked me up and ran with me in her arms, carrying me into the bathroom. For hours she comforted me as she agonized with every pull of the tweezers removing every thorn from my little body! OUCH!! haha
When I turned 12, I remember once disrespecting her and the shock and horror I caused upon her face. Never will I be able to let that go, overlook it or desire to see that upon another individual's face. I lost my mother shortly afterwards and at a time in my life when I thought I knew it all and needed no one. How shallow a pre-teen can be! ...ugh!!
The things I remember most about my mother, were her displays of honesty and integrity, her ability to work hard for endless hours, her joyous laughter, her sensitivity, giving of herself and mostly the unconditional love she had for me. I miss you with every breath I take and carry you in me wherever I go... Thank you, Mom, for loving me...
created by: m'lady christine
Be joyul always; pray continuosly; give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thes. 5:16 NIV
Date this page was last edited: Monday, February 22, 1999
