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A Coat for Mother
by Tom
Baker
It was
Christmas time in 1969, I had no idea that this would be the last
Christmas we would spend with Mom. This was a very special
Christmas for me - you see Mom never owned a new coat that I could
remember. Mom was the kind of person who would give you everything she
had, and would very seldom buy anything for herself. Mom
& Dad had seven mouths to feed, in addition to their own, and
lived on a very modest income.
Mom truly had a Christ-like
attitude and endured to the end. She'd had polio as a young Child. One
of her legs was larger than the other. Sometimes she would have trouble
walking, but never complained. Mom always treated my friends with
kindness and they were always welcome at our house anytime. I remember
my good friend Glen coming over and talking with Mom even when I wasn't
at home. Mom was always willing to lend a listening ear. She was a
great mentor in that respect; if you ever asked her what she thought,
you had to be prepared to listen, because she would tell you. When I
was a teenager, Mom would always wait up for me - to talk with me after
a date, or if I was just out with friends.
For never having much personal
wealth, Mom had a heart of gold. Mom was one of the original founders,
of the Head Start Program, in the area where we lived. I remember many
times taking Christmas presents and food items to the needy people in
the program. Mom would say to me, "This is a good cause and we are
doing good things. By the way, you're driving."
As I think back on her
unselfish acts of giving, watching the expressions of gratitude on the
little children's faces was priceless. So was hearing the heartfelt
"Thank you" from a needy parents, knowing that this family would have a
better Christmas. To me this truly brings the spirit of Christ into
Christmas. Mom always let us know that it was important to be thankful
for what you have, and never dwell on the things we didn't have.
Mom's entire wardrobe
consisted of four dresses, four pairs of shoes, a light jacket, and a
couple of sweaters. The only jewelry that she had was her
wedding ring, a watch, and some costume jewelry.
I decided that I would buy Mom
a coat that year, so I took her down to Sears (almost dragged her) to
find something for Christmas. As we went past the coat rack, one of the
coats on the rack caught Mom's eye. A long dress coat that buttoned
down the front, blue gray colors that made a charcoal blend. I had to
persuade her to try on the coat for fun. She said that we did not have
the money to buy the coat. Money was tight and we needed the money we
had, just to get by this Christmas. I nodded my head that she
was right. I told her, I would buy the coat and was not going to take
"No" for an answer. Trying to convince Mom to let me get the coat for
her was a tough job. I don't remember the price of the coat.
Eventually, we left the store with Mom wearing that nice new coat. She
did agree, that the coat did look good on her. I will ever be grateful
for this opportunity, being able to give back just a little. This was
the nicest coat that she ever owned.
In February of 1970 Mom passed
away at age 42. I remember getting the award trophy for her, from the
Head Start Program for valiant service with the program after she
passed away. As I reflect back on my mother's life, it was filled with
acts of kindness too numerous to mention. Giving came from her heart,
with a willingness to help whenever possible. Little things like a cup
of sugar, or a loaf of homemade bread. She had a pure talent to make
things from scratch, no cookbook necessary. There was always room to
set another place at our dinner table for unexpected guests.
She knew the true meaning of Christmas, giving unselfish gifts from the
heart.
She was an example to us that, without Christ there would be no
Christmas.
Mom left this little motto,
Which is important to follow.
The true place to start,
Is giving from the heart.
Sharing her Christ like love,
Unselfish acts worth thinking of.
Leaving things here on earth,
That still have great worth.
About
Tom Baker
Des Moines, Washington, 11/18/2004
I continue to write and hope to leave something of worth for my
children, grandchildren, and wonderful friends.
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