May 2011

“YOUR NEW TENNY”
Jim and I just returned from a wonderful visit to San Francisco where we spent time with my son, Tom Drews. We walked on Ocean Beach and followed it up with a cheese and fruit plate, some clam chowder, and a glass of wine at the Cliff House, a ritual we’ve followed for years. He’s now a very successful entrepreneur (www.whatworks.biz) but the conversations we shared reminded me of a time, many years ago when he was a recent college graduate with little more than a penny in his pocket.

It was my birthday and he gave me one of the most precious and loved gifts I’ve ever received. The package contained a miniature tennis shoe on a key chain, a “tenny” and there was a penny stuffed in the toe. The penny wouldn’t go far, but the poem he wrote to go with it still brings tears to my eyes. I’d like to share it with you. By way of explanation, I drove a “Z” at that time.

To Mom -Your New Tenny
Inside of this shoe is not just a hole.
There’s something for you, it’s part of my sole.
When you start your car, when you turn the key,
If I’m near or far, you can still think of me.
Picture a fountain and now toss a penny,
Think of your mountain, and now hold your Tenny.
When you hop in your Z and go for a mile,
Can you think of me and drive with a smile?
I’m in your shoe, day and night,
And if you feel blue, you can hold me tight.
Inside of this Tenny is not just a hole.
There’s not just a penny, but part of my sole.
I love you. Tom

The tenny

Ocean Beach

HONORING MOMS
Moms, mine and yours, should be honored all year long, not just one day. But having a special day serves to remind us of the many wonderful gifts, big and small, for which she might be remembered. My mom was born in 1907 and left us a long time ago. So now I try to focus on the fun and laughter this vibrant, fascinating woman brought into my life. I still remember our long walks to the library when I first rode in a pram, then a stroller. Later I got to push it, and soon simply held her hand as she introduced me to the world of books early on.

Mom read at least three books a week her whole life, a really great skimmer. She could write so well and did so in college. When she gave book reviews years later, her audience was spell bound. Her love for and talent at acting made a book come alive. I credit her for my love of writing, and I’m told, ability to tell a good story … once I get started. She taught for many years and enjoyed every second of it, but she felt lost once she retired. When I write, her admonitions still ring in my ears to this day, and some of the grammar I hear today is like squeaky chalk on a blackboard.

Both my parents remained sharp to the end and watched Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune every day without fail. Heaven forbid I should call during those sacred times. Mom, Sally (Sara) lived to 89 and Dad to 93. I so wish we’d lived closer and had spent more time together. So many memories …

And, of course, I’m a mom, too. My sons are a constant joy and give me so much love, even the baby that died too young. I don’t know what I’d do without them, without their unconditional love and support, something I’d like to think I give to them. I’m incredibly proud of them, for who they are, the men they’ve become. Although they’d roll their eyes at this, they’re still my babies no matter how old they are. We moms want our young un’s to be happy, to be good people, and to treat others they way they want to be treated. Yes, they have to learn their own lessons just as we, I, did, and all we can do is support them when they face challenges.

So I send love and gratitude to all you wonderful moms out there and to mine, too. This is a wonderful day to remember, maybe shed a tear and hopefully laugh, too. I’ve attached a couple of photos of my mother and me, and also one of my favorites of my sons from long ago. I’m still trying to adjust to the fact that my oldest is in his 50s … how the heck did that happen!!