Happy Birthday, Don't Tell Yourself "No!"

In the early days, her life was my life. I was her "Christmas baby," and she taught me that I could do anything I set my mind to. I love myself because she loved me - unconditionally. She taught me to love life and to go get it. "Son, don't tell yourself, "'no." At least give them a chance to say that."

Years ago I wrote the words below as an invitation to my mother's celebration of life ceremony held in Fayetteville, NC, they are even more appropriate now as we call to her spirit:

Maggie and Cornell

"Even now her smile, her light, her love continues to shine.
As this year comes to a close let us remember the beauty of the eyes that taught us to see. Remember the smile that warmed us and chased our fears away. Remember the love that she showed. The love that taught us to love."

Today, March 15th is the birthday of both of my mothers - both of whom have passed to the spirit realm, yet remain with me daily. That's right, my father blessed me with two wonderful mothers born on the same day - Maggie Tucker Wright (featured here) and Tuessia Avery Geddie. I'll place some pictures of Mama Tuessia in another post later today.

For those of you who were touched by "Mag," "Aunt Mag," "Evangelist Maggie Tucker" join me in celebrating her life's walk by commenting below and sharing any thoughts and especially any stories of how she touched you or how you remember her.

Grandma Hettie Tucker

She got her white hair honest - as the old folks would say.
Included in this collection are pictures of Great Grandma Maggie - her namesake - and Grandma Hettie. Mom's sweetness and her white hair descended from those women.

The door to her home and her heart was always open. Now, you had to climb over a few things to get there, but once seated, you knew you were home.

Also included in this picture set are the two wonderful fathers she gave to me - Cornell Geddie and Garrie Wright. These two men and my mother's brothers shaped the foundation of my manhood. It was they who told me that I was a man - not my age. There is a story for another day.

Brooklyn: A Snippet From The Early Days

There is one picture from her days in Brooklyn, NY (Thanks to Douglas Tucker). Memories from that period flood my brain. There she is standing behind the counter serving franks (not "hot dogs") in Uncle Johnny's restaurant. There's Aunt Rosey at Wednesday night prayer meeting. Nobody could pray as long, and as loud as Aunt Rosey! Then there was Gates Ave - just above the storefront church was Elder Pelser was the pastor. We moved to Reid Ave, then Schenck, then Sachman. Memories...

Mom in Brooklyn

While her number would "hit" occasionally, and the card games and gambling weekends did provide excitement and some relief, life for us was no crystal staircase or silver spoon.

Somehow she and the family made it sweet - anyway. I remember while engaging in the family tradition of tussling, Donald Jr. or Oscar Tucker would knock me down, she was the first to say "get up, and get back in there." While I never could win - Donald Jr. was bigger, and Oscar was quicker and stronger than both of us put together - her exhortations to keep fighting reflected her decision about how to live life - bumps, bruises and all - and her belief that I could win.

In the face of all of the things life threw at her, and at the family, doubt would creep into my mind, She would see it in my eyes, my countenance, or hear it in my tone. She'd put her arms around me, squeeze me tightly with a little shake at the tightest point and issue her constant refrain: " C'mon, we're gonna make it."

So deeply did she instill that in me, that much later when I could recognize a hint of doubt dancing in the corner of her mouth, my response was automatic: "C'mon, mom, we're gonna make it."

Love you, Mom. Happy Birthday!