Happy Birthday To My Hero

This is Mom, Willie Jean Hancock, after four kids. 

 

 

The woman that sacrificed so much to bring me into the world was welcome by my grandparents on November 7, 1943. Their second child and first daughter, Willie Jean Hancock, was a chubby happy baby by all accounts. She was an outgoing kid that preferred fishing and sports to dress up. She was (and still is) one of the most beautiful people I have ever seen.

My earliest memory of my Mom was of a train ride we took. She was pregnant with my brother and she had me on her lap. She had brought or bought fried chicken. Evidently, it was a big deal to 1 1/2 year old. This trip was the start of memories that helped to mold me into the adult I am today.

There's lots of talk these days about how to parent. There's books, blogs, YouTube videos and lots of advice ... some good, some bad. Mom didn't have all these resources at her disposal but what she did have was a great instinct on how to teach her children to become good, loving adults. I still think she should write a book but she just rolls her eyes at me when I have mentioned it. 

For years, she was told she would never have kids so when she learned she was pregnant with me (she says) she couldn't believe it. During childbirth both her and I almost didn't make it. Maybe that's why we have the bond that we do to this day.

Everyday was an adventure and she made things fun when she didn't have to and when it would have just been easier to not make an effort. We never had much money and one of our greatest splurges was when we got to make a "geedunk run." I don't know where the heck that term came from but it meant that each of us kids and Mom too, would go to the convenience store for some junk food. We each could get a bag of chips, a candy bar and a soda. In my world at the time that was like hitting the lottery. I will never forget racing to the car and all of us yelling, "geedunk run"!

I don't remember my Mom ever having a "Girl's Weekend" or even a night for that matter. She was there almost everyday when we walked in the door from school. She never sat on the bleachers or was a spectator at our sports events because she was the coach, team mom or other position that allowed her to be intimately involved.

But the greatest gift my Mom gave me was the confidence to stand up for what's right. She encouraged us to challenge authority and to speak out. She never gave us an excuse for doing bad things. In fact, she always held us to a higher standard. Her favorite saying is, "two wrongs don't make a right." She expected us to treat others (no matter their race, body type or economic status) with respect and kindness.

I want to wish the greatest woman I have ever known a "Happy Birthday" because I am so thankful that she is my Mom. I love you!