Good day to all!
Some people in your life are special and some people are very special. For me, that very special person was my Mom, Zerla Betty Merrill Elvin, who was born in Oakland, Maine on September 30,1920. My Mom's mother passed away when my Mom was age 3 and her Dad was unable to care for her and her siblings. They were split up at a very early age, living in various homes. I know very little about my mother's childhood because it wasn't something that she spoke about very often, as a matter of fact, we hardly discussed it all.
Mom lived at Goodwill Hinckley School for a period of time and did not graduate from high school. During World War II, Mom and a few of her friends went to Connecticut to work in the Pratt & Whitney plant to assist with the war effort. At the time, she was a widow and my half brother Kenny, (who was thirteen years older than me) was just a youngster when Mom left to earn a living. Kenny also ended up living with several families until the war ended and Mom returned to Maine.
My Mom and Dad met sometime around 1950 and married soon thereafter. I believe that is when my mother's life took a turn for the better. At that time, my Mom became a stay-at-home mother, not only caring for her first son, but also her new daughter, my oldest sister Kathleen. Dad was the breadwinner, and at the time he was a toll taker on the newly built Memorial Bridge in Augusta. A few years later, he secured a postal position and worked as a rural delivery mailman until his retirement in the mid 80's.
Two years later, I came along in 1954. The earliest recollection I have of my Mom was her praising me as a little boy. I was 5, almost 6 years old. As the story goes, (and as I partially remember it) I came home from the hospital after having been circumcised. Due to the discomfort my pants caused, I was walking around the house in only a t-shirt. At the time, one of my sisters was learning how to walk, and as she went by me, she started to fall and reached out and grabbed the only thing available in her reach. I let a loud scream and my mother came running. You know what she saw without me telling you! She ran up to my sister and got her fist unclenched and told me I was a very good boy for not striking her or pushing her away, which would have been a natural reflex. From that memory forward, (like most of you Moms out there) my mother was always there for each and everyone of her children, when we were in need and even at times when we weren't. My Mom passed away on August 5th, 1986 at the young age of 65 years old, just shy of her 66th birthday.
If I had just one wish this Sunday it would be to have one more hug from my Mom, but we all know that's not possible. I do believe she's up there with Dad, having a cup of tea and looking down on us. I want her to know that she is forever loved.
Norm's Mom, Zerla Betty Merrill Elvin
For all of you out there, if your Mom is still here, regardless of your relationship, pick up the phone and wish her a Happy Mother's Day.
We have a big day planned at the Dine-ah this Sunday and I hope that you will all treat your Moms to something special that day. If a trip to the Dine-ah is planned, I will see you there. If not, I want to personally wish all Moms out there a very Happy Mother's Day and want you to know that you are all appreciated.
God Bless,
Norm
