They all called her “MARY”

but to me she was “MOM”!

Everyone would drive by that front porch on main street

Roll their window down –

Wave and say “HI MARY”!

Beeping their horns.

I would ask “Who was that”?

“Oh – just someone” she would reply.

They all knew her – and my sisters and brothers friends

Well – after they were gone – they would still stop in.

Same with mine!

She was almost 98 when she passed

But she still was tough as nails!

I loved her – but more than that –

I respected her – calm – cool and collect.

Aunt Mary – Mom – Mary –

all the same to me.

It had rained for many days back in the mid ’50’s.

She told me – “Tommy – don’t go near the water”!

You see – before the dike system was upgraded

our little town of Eldred Pa. would almost flood whenever

we had major rain – and this was one of them.

Most times – not major like in ’42.

But one or two feet of water standing on main street!

This time it was different – there was a lot of water –

and off I went – eventually ending up by the main street water

where I was told not to go!

I guess I can say I have always been a little independent

I am careful – I think before I walk – leap or run!

But this day I thought “NO ONE WILL KNOW”!

That is – out of the blue a photo was taken –

By a man who worked for the area newspaper!

Of a young man who had made a raft and was making

his way down main street –

AND THERE I WAS WATCHING HIM!

Yes – that is me – standing in the water on main street flood!

Exactly where I was told not to go!

WHO WOULD OF THOUGHT!

Mary – Mom – Aunt Mary was small –

cool – calm and collect –

She ruled the house – one day she chased me –

all over the back yard –

until I made it to the front porch and crawled under.

As far back as I could go.

She and my sister coaxed me out-

“This is gonna hurt me more than you” she said.

Don’t believe that!

That day it rained and then the next when the morning paper came

and there I was being where I was not suppose to be!

I admitted it and she smiled –

Mary – Mom – Aunt Mary

Cool – calm & collect

“Tommy – this is going to hurt me more than you”

Don’t believe that!

I sure do miss her – Mommy.

Sherry and Tom

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY!

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