| Honored by: | Sandra Trca-Black |
| Brick location: | A:10 map |
I DO THAT MYSELF!!! How many times did I yell that when you ran out to help me? I’d fall off my bike and skin both knees but that didn’t mean I still needed training wheels. Training wheels were for babies and I was NOT a baby.
Well, so I was (and still am) “the baby” of the family. How I hated that label! But now that I’m all grown up (whatever that means) I’ve realized how my life was shaped by being the youngest. I am so thankful that you and Dad had the courage (or maybe you were just tired of raising kids) to let me be so independent. It doesn’t work for some kids, but for me it was the only way. You taught me respect for myself and for others who are different or less fortunate than I have been. You gave me wings and I am flying.
Mom, you taught me what it means to be a feminist--even though you never called it that and I didn’t figure it out until recently. You taught me that girls can fish (oop, Denny, I got one), handle money, play cards, and be in charge. You left the make-up and choice of clothing to me because you knew they don’t really matter anyway. You taught me that standing up for what I believe matters more than what color lipstick I wear, or even wearing lipstick. You taught me that being a Christian means giving to those who need. You let me carry the “bessert” for Meals on Wheels and showed me there’s nothing to be afraid of at the nursing home, the county home, and Opportunity Village. Many, many kids, who are now adults, have never learned. You are a living example of the hardest lesson of life...what it means to sacrifice.
Mom, you have given me the conviction to make a difference in this world. You share your stories with me--the grater from Dad, the stories of your family, your memories of Methodist Camp. You have taken me to cemeteries, nursing homes, parades, fairs, picnics, therapy, Hobby Club...and all have made me a better person. You wanted me to see the world from the view of those below--and now that I have, you encourage me to bring those people up so that we can all live in peace. I guess I should have grown up in the 60s...but there were plenty of protesters and activists back then. The world needs your daughter now--and the world and its people had better respect her...because you always have. No longer can I say “I do that myself”...I have done it with your love and support, Mom.
Submitted on 8/5/96