EDRG 3344 - Memory to Remember

I might not have much from my mom, but I have my memories. When my mother passed away, my father went into a state of depression. He didn't want a single object that she had possessed and told her family to take it. I have some things that were hers, like her ring, some pictures, and the Disney videos she collected over the years for my siblings and I. One of the most vital memories of my mother was prom night.

Mother was diagnosed with breast cancer nine months prior to prom night, she was said to be in remission, but was far from it. I remember during my mom's treatment, we were financially broke. My mother asked my cousin if I could use her prom dress because we couldn't afford one. I didn't care who's dress I was wearing, as long as I went. My mom tried to put enough money together for my nails, but didn't have quite enough. When I went to the small downtown in Sealy, Texas, Mirena the lady in the nail shop decided to not even charge me. When I asked her, "will you take twenty for my nails?" She replied, " don't worry about it." I felt so thankful and blessed. I was the oldest of six, with a mother fighting cancer, and one parent working, but I was going to prom. The most important part of the evening was the preparation in my room.

I was upstairs in my room which was left of the staircase. I was sitting at the edge of my bed with my sister painting my toe nails. I could barely afford the nails and my sister wanted to help. I love my family so much. My sister was coating my toe nails with red polish and concentrated to make my toes a work of art. My sister's friend who was in cosmetology was brushing my hair, preparing to try and tame my messy mop of hair. My mom was putting my makeup on, blush, lip liner, eye liner, mascara and all the works. When my sister was done, my mother asked me to sit down in the vanity, three mirrors reflecting my nervous face. I didn't have a sweet sixteen, so this was my growing up moment. My hair was not working and I began to cry. I was getting mad and fussy. The curls just wouldn't stay the way I wanted them to. My mother placed beautiful flowers in my hair. Something just was not right with my hair, and I began to cry more. My mom was getting upset with me and told me not to mess up my makeup. Then she said one thing I will never forget, "I feel sorry for the person who helps you on your wedding." I never once, not even then believed that anyone else other than my mother would be dressing me up to get married. I think she knew she wouldn't be there. I looked at her and told her she was crazy. I said, "what are you talking about mom...you'll be there." I didn't give it another thought. Prom was full of fun.

I was married about a year and a half ago, and I remember thinking on my wedding day, where's my mom. She wasn't there to do my hair, fix my dress or put on my makeup. I wanted to cry, but was so happy, thinking she was there. I just couldn't believe that she was not there. My mother, my mommy, the woman who would never die to me, was gone. Amazingly, life had went on. I miss her, but I remember her smile when I left for prom in my best friend's car. Most of all, I remember the hug, the hug that lasted forever. I imagined her smile when I left the alter as Mrs. Powell. I love my mom and miss her dearly, but my memories of her keep her strong in my heart, mind, and soul. These are my memories, my memories to remember forever.