Happy 77th birthday, Mom
Me, my mom, and my brother, Dennis, on Easter 1961 in our front yard near Pima and Chaparral Rds. in Scottsdale. My mom is 26 years old in this photo.
Today is my mother’s 77th birthday. It’s funny how we see our parents – kind of through rose-tinted glasses. My parents divorced after 28 years of marriage in 1981 when I was 20. Because of the way things went down, I took my dad’s side, and my sister sided with my mom. When it comes to our parents; my sister, Sloane, and I now take the “divide and conquer” approach. She deals with our mom and I deal with our dad.
Mom modeling at age 18 … crazy how much older she looks! Notice the ring on her left hand, she and my dad were already married. My favorite is the one on the upper right where she is wearing the slim pants… although the look on her face in the photo on the bottom left – oh, I know that look! Too bad those tape marks are on these old photos… I need to try and Photoshop them out.. although that one across her forehead may be too big a task for my limited skills.
I have my dad over most Sundays for dinner and card games. Unless I really think about it and look closely, I don’t see the changes and aging of my dad, even though he is about to turn 81 years old.
On the other hand, I only see my mom between 4 or 5 times a year, even though we live only a few miles from each other. That has changed recently, because of health concerns and since Sloane works full-time and I do not – there is a need for me to take her to doctor appointments and also to family functions. She is aging so much more quickly than my dad, which is kind of shocking because she was always so young-acting, active, beautiful, and outgoing.
This is the way I see and think of my mom in my mind’s eye. The bleach blonde hair piled high atop her head with curls coming down the sides of her face. Make-up perfect – she always called the ritual of applying make-up – “putting my face on.” So pretty! Happy Birthday, Mom.
Photo was taken at Sloane’s First Holy Communion, in 1973, in front of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Scottsdale. Andy, Mom, Sloane, Dad, and me. As always, all three of us girls are in home-sewn dresses, made by my mom. I envied my brothers and their store-bought clothes. Kind of funny now – when you look at Andy’s pants! 🙂
10 comments
Hysterical pants … and, wow, you do have some lovely locks, too.
Grandma is only 18 in those photos!? That’s crazy. And she’s already married!
I like Grandpa’s tie and jacket. 🙂
Wow that a blast from the past! Thank you for sharing!
Happy Happy Birthday MaryLou!!!! I am so amazed by these photos. I cannot remember a time when your mom was not blonde. Little did I know as a kid that she wasn’t a natural! She always went out of her way to look her best and to be a lady, and never had anything bad to say no matter the situation. I’m sorry that she is not the youthful spirit she used to be. Enjoy the time you get to spend together.
Linda I never knew your mom had dark hair let alone I never knew she was a model and the family pic is exactly how I remember your parents!!!! Your mom is a beautiful woman and always remember her laugh!!!!It seems like yesterday when we all got together when we were younger….I cant believe your dad is almost 81 yrs old and thats wonderful he is still self sufficient!!!!I know I can’t imagine my parents getting old either!!!!
Wow, thank you dear Cyndi for pointing out the obvious! :-/ Yes, my hair has always been my downfall!
What’s with the “Cruella De Ville collar” on that dress Linda? Love it!
What beautiful pictures of Mary Lou and your family. Thank you for sharing them. She had so much talent. Mary Lou loved painting, sewing, etc. She had many good years with your dad. She often tells me what a good person Gene is. You and Sloane are such a blessing.
Thanks, Aunt Dottie! oxxo
Peggy, I think it looks more “pilgrim” than Cruella… but that’s just me. haha
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