Life on a farm in the forties and fifties could be hard, unforgiving, and working from dawn to dusk in the heat could drain the life from you. Mom had a twin sister named Mamie and they were always together at work or play. When times were hard and they felt like they could do no more they would go sit in the shade of a tree or on the front porch and they would sing old gospel songs while clapping out a rhythm.
They would smile and laugh while they sang. Mom had a good voice, but Mamie’s singing was like hearing angels.
Even when we would sneak outside during church we could hear her voice and we would all get goosebumps. The twins rejoiced in life and no matter how brutal and hard the day they would sing, and everyone would stop and smile.
A few days before mom passed away we were all sitting in her room looking at the floor. Then Mamie started tapping her feet and clapping her hands and that voice came out soft and slow building to a crescendo like a heavenly choir. Mom smiled and, in that moment, she knew that Mamie was singing her home and that day mom started her journey to the other side. Amidst the sadness of her time being near they sang, and for that moment they were two little girls again dressed in white sundresses sitting on the front porch singing.
Point Of View
It has always amazed me that no matter how hard life was at times, my family used singing to get past the hard times. It had a way of touching your heart and soul and you knew that everything would work out and you would find a way to the other side. Mamie could sing the saddest song yet bring joy to the listener, and the song would let you feel that things were going to work out as they should.
Larry – You touched my heart with this story. What a wonderful gift to share with a loved one as they prepare to begin their eternal joy. Music sending your mother into eternity – music greeting your mother in eternity – joining in the music eternally. May music always fill your heart, my friend. And thank you for sharing this so that we are reminded of the hope we may possess.
How I wish I could have Mamie come and sing to me! What an amazing gift to have in the family. I was so moved that she sang your mom to the other side. We should all have something that loving and soothing to gently support us as we pass.
The sad thing for me is all my aunts and uncles on both sides of the family are all gone. That’s why I try to write their stories so they are not forgotten
That’s a loving and profound thing to do, Larry. I honor you for that.
A beautiful tribute to your aunt and the power of singing. Throughout history, and among many societies, singing has been the activity that brought people together and saw them through challenging times.
Thank you I guess it’s no mystery growing up in a family like that I end up playing music
No surprise at all, Larry. ? You’re staying true to your roots. Have a wonderful day!
You too and thank you