For My Mother

If my mother were with us today, she would be 104 years old. Margaret Lane Lawhon was born in 1921 in Brazil, Tennessee. Mom passed away ten years ago this fall at her home in Shreveport, Louisiana. My siblings and I were not with her when she died, nor was Daddy – who had preceded her in death by several years—but our spirits were most certainly embraced by hers as she left this world. During the transitions that followed her death—from the practical tasks of sorting through her personal items and home furnishings to the emotional steps of adjusting to her absence—my mind and heart have journeyed to many old yet familiar places. Some of those memories make me smile, while others simply make me shake my head.

As the youngest of three siblings – by 14 and 15 years—it’s an understatement to say that my path to adulthood was unique to me alone in our family unit. Daddy once told me he read an article about children who are much younger than their siblings, and how their character traits and personalities can be greatly exaggerated, with grander expressions of joy and sadness, fewer inhibitions, and broader senses of humor. That may or may not be true, but as their “surprise baby,” I’m pretty sure I continued to surprise my folks all their lives.

It’s likely that one of Mom’s surprises came from my being a true Daddy’s girl—adoring my father and often running past Mama to hug Daddy first, holding his hand, sitting next to him whenever possible. I never thought about how my obvious parental preference might have made her feel – this beautiful woman who cared for me tirelessly, helped with homework, sewed adorable clothes, taught me Bible verses on the way to school, and visited me in the steamy southern heat during summer sessions at Camp Fern near Marshall, Texas. I’m sure I thanked her. I tried to practice her impeccable manners, admired and loved her – but I didn’t truly understand her and her ways of approaching life until recently.

Clearly, Providence blessed my mother with physical beauty and elegance (I thought she looked just like the actress Vivian Leigh,) a keen intelligence and a love of learning, an ear for classical music, a passion for theater, graciousness as a hostess, and talented in the kitchen. Her specialties ranged from fried chicken and homemade French fries to chocolate chip cookies for the kids, and flaming Cherries Jubilee for special occasions – oh, and mayhaw jelly—to die for, as the expression goes.

What I appreciate deeply now is that Mom was a force – a steady, calming presence and a woman of abiding faith in God. I remember imagining that Mama could have been the Queen of England, with her uncanny ability to hold herself apart from whatever commotion surrounded her, as if she were silently steering our ship to calm waters.

I think it’s only fitting – and perhaps a bit Divinely inspired – that the launch of my new business venture, based on my deepest passions, should coincide with a milestone in my continuing journey with my mother: her promotion to “Angel in Charge” of Cinq Femmes, watching over our team in this endeavor. So, here’s to you, my incredible Mommy. If they have champagne there, raise a glass and I’ll do the same. Thank you for being the angel you are to me.

I love you always,
Your Marg