Monday, May 7, 2012

Second Row, Piano Side: Mama Taught Me To Enjoy A Good, Belly Laugh

During my early childhood years, I heard more about the "wrath" of God than I did the "love" of God.  Mama must have thought she was doing God a favor when she spanked me. 
She often quoted, "Spare the rod, spoil the child."
She often sent me "pickin'."  Not the kind I enjoy today, that's for sure!  Ever had to "pick your switch?"
It had to be just right-not too thick-not too thin.  But thin enough to sting.  We had a weeping willow tree in the front yard.  The limbs on that tree resembled a whip-no can do!  Even mama, knew that was corporal punishment!
No, there was the ever-loving "switch" tree that we knew was acceptable. 

Thank God for forgiveness.  My mama, who was my greatest adversary as a child, became my best adult friend.  Though the years of tears, she taught us laughter. 

Mama knew the importance of a good, belly laugh.  You know, the kind that makes your belly jiggle.  The shake-rattle-and-roll giggle.  Mama was mightily endowed if you know what I mean and everything jiggled when she wiggled.  We could laugh just by watching her laugh.

She always sang silly songs going to Granny's on Fridays.  

The Pelican Song went like this...

As I was walking through the zoo one day- HA,HA,HA,HA,HA,HA
I saw a great, big pelican-HA,HA,HA,HA,HA,HA
His feet were like a pancake and his mouth was like a trap,
And when he opened it to eat, there was an awful gap.

Oh, how I laughed-HA,HA,HA,HA, HA,
HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA
HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA
HA,HA, HA, HA, HA, HA
HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA
HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA
HA, HA, HA, HA
HA,HA,HA,HA
HA,HA,HA,HA,HA,HA.

(The Ha-Has had a tune and before the song ended, we were all in stitches)

Froggy Went a Courntin and He Did Ride (with some kind of strange throat-scratching sound)
was another fun song.

We laughed during prayer time. Yes, we laughed in church.  We laughed before going to bed and we awoke to laughter as daddy sang, "Swing, low, sweet cherrioooooooo, coming for to carry me home." 

Summer of '68.

Missing you, Mama, this Mother's Day Week.  Thanks for the laughter.



 

7 comments:

  1. A lovely tribute to your Mom!
    Mary Alice

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  2. Bonnie: Great memories of your Mom. Jerry's grandmother used to make the kids 'pick their switch'. Mine never did, I just got a flick from a wet dishcloth..Happy Monday..Judy

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  3. Bonnie, I too remember switches. I can still feel the sting on the back of my legs. Supposedly it hurt my Mother much more than it hurt me. I hope you have a wonderful week. Bonnie

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  4. It seems your mom had a lot of character! Laughter is a great gift. What a nice tribute to your mom! Nice to know you came by!

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  5. I found you through Olive out...your blog made me smile and remember sweet memories of my mama too...

    Mona

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  6. I loved reading this post my friend. Brought back soooooooooo many memories. My daddy did the spankin' in our house. One time my mom did it and I begged for daddy!

    HAHHAHAH

    xoRebecca

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  7. We had weeping willows in your yard too...those switches sound strangely familiar! I found myself nearly laughing out loud visualizing her jiggle when she would giggle...lol!

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