1. When you return a plate, a dish, or a piece of tupperware, never return it empty.
2. Be kind. When I was about 4, I referred to some man we’d just passed in the grocery store aisle as, “that big fat man in the red shirt over there”… (insert sound of wheels screeching to a halt). My mother stopped the cart to scold me, THEN told me that the man had overheard what I’d said about him and was already out in his car crying… which of course, he hadn’t, but at that moment, as a large toddler, somehow I understood the weight that my words carried, and was completely distraught over having hurt that man’s feelings. And so one regular Tuesday night in 1985 at Kroger, my mom – the most compassionate woman who ever lived – taught me an invaluable lesson: to always, always be mindful of other peoples’ feelings.
3. When you’re using the broiler, ALWAYS set the oven timer, because otherwise you’ll inevitably forget whatever’s in there and torch it. My mom is a great cook, but she does love to set garlic bread on fire. It’s on page 1 in her playbook.
4. Compassion. My mother has the biggest heart of anyone I know. She cries when other people cry, loves taking care of people, and would do anything she could to help anyone – even if she didn’t know them.
5. When you’re 3 and you absolutely MUST eat butter out of the Country Crock tub and use your hand as a scoop, go hide in the closet and do it. Don’t do it while you’re sitting cross-legged on top of the kitchen table and not expect to get busted.
6. My mother always tells me that I should never beat around the bush or play games. “What’s the point?” she says. “Be honest and tell people how you feel.” And so I do. I don’t know how well that really bodes for my game, but whatever.
7. My mom appreciates the beauty in small things more than anyone I know. A cool, Indian summer day… a clear blue sky… swinging on a porch swing… or watching trees sway in the wind. I’m very grateful to have inherited that from her.
8. No one on earth can make you feel better when you’re sick than your mother. Bless her heart, when I had reconstructive knee surgery in college, my mom flew down and gave my 19-year old ass sponge baths, cleaned up my vomit, and packed ice around my knee in the middle of the night. And like a 5-year old, I sobbed (and then sobbed some more) when she left. To this day, when I’m sad, sick, run-down, or hurt, all I really want is my mom. And she’s always there.
Love you, Jaynie! You’re the best.
xoxo,
*photo credits: (First and last are personal photos). (1), (2), (3), (4) and (5b) – Pinterest. (6) and (7) – unknown. (8) Photo by Jessica Todd Harper.
That is the sweetest homage de Jayne!
What a wonderful lady; friend and mother.
Ok, I am weeping now…how precious! A wonderful tribute to a wonderful Lady from an amazing daughter.
Your words are almost as beautiful as you mother. What a wonderful soul.
Having spent time with you at Burris Stephanie, I saw in you all of the qualities you spoke about your mother. She must be very proud. You are a good egg Stephanie Ballard and it is such a pleasure to know you.
After reading this, my heart swelled with love, joy, and a flood of memories of you as a child. In a job interview, I was once asked what my biggest accomplishment in life was…I answered it was being a mother. It has been the most fulfilling event in my life. I’m the lucky one. All my love, all the time.
Stephanie,
This is so beautifully written. Love your pics and beautiful words. I’ve got a tribute on the way as well. Wrote one last year, but you have given me more to appreciate. Love you so much! I am so proud of you, adorable girl.
BTW, you should see the neighborhood. It has grown. I love my back yard. I love my Augusta!
Love and light sweet pea,
Donna
Ha!! Donna, I love it: “I love my backyard and I love my Augusta.”. Haaaaaaaa, you are hilarious as ever. Thank you for the sweet words. I miss all of you guys (!) and that good ‘ol neighborhood, too. Give hugs to Liam, Toni, Don and Troy for me!! And Dave and Cheryl Fields… Love them. AND the Rainwaters! And crazy Gail!
Very thought Miss Stephanie!