Ezine-Issue 3

Memorial Day Greetings! You've received this ezine because
you subscribed to it at my website. If you wish to be
removed from my mailing list, please see the instructions at
the end of this email. I don't share my subscriber list with
anyone. We respect your privacy and value your subscription.

===============================
Contents
===============================
1. Introduction
2. Just for fun
3. News from TheLillyPond.com
4. Moving Away
5. Reader Janie - I Know Mom Thanks You
6. What's your story
7. Reach out
8. Contact me

===============================
1. Introduction
===============================

Thank you for subscribing to my ezine. We're all working to
improve our relationships with our mothers and daughters and
the other important women in our families.

I've found strength and direction when I remember lessons
and stories from my mother and from reading your stories. I
hope you enjoy them.

===============================
2. Just for fun
===============================

My mother met my father in Bible college where he was
studying for the ministry. They got married when they were
very young and were both still pretty naive about the world.

Their first pastorate was a tiny church in the small
community of Frost, Louisiana. If you don't know where Frost
is, well... exactly! Keep in mind that this was way out in
the boondocks. The house that the church provided for them
did not have indoor plumbing, so my Dad learned to plumb a
house!

At that time, it was still common, especially in small
communities, for church members to give food and gifts to
help supplement the pastor's small income.

So one day, one of the men in the church came by with a gift
of homemade syrup. Mother made pancakes and they sat down to
eat. This was going to be a great meal.

Daddy took one bite and could hardly swallow. "Jacque, this
syrup has gone bad!" Mother tasted it and agreed. Daddy took
the jug of syrup to the back yard and poured it out. They
agreed to not say anything to the generous church member.

The next day, the man came back in somewhat of a panic.
"Brother Jack", he exclaimed, "Did you try any of that syrup
I brought by yesterday?" Daddy reluctantly told him that
they had and that the syrup had gone bad.

"Well, what did you do with it?" the man wanted to know.
Daddy hated to tell him but finally admitted that he had
poured it out. The man seemed relieved and apologized. He
promised to bring another jug of "fresh" syrup by at a later
time.

Mother and Daddy didn't last very long in Frost. And they
were years older when they were remembering that story and
suddenly realized that their church member had accidently
brought them a jug of moonshine! (Amen!)

### Lillian Hinds ###

===============================
3. News from thelillypond.com
===============================

Lots of new articles on the website this weekend. Another
response to a reader's letter. A Guest Article by one of my
best friends who's also a therapist. And a new Lesson.

Next week, we'll send ezines on Tuesday and Friday. Your
contributions allow us to increase the number we can send
out. And we've got some terrific stuff from you to post on
the website. So watch this space and the right border of the
website for current info.

And if you've missed any of the ezines, they are now posted
on the website in the archive. Go to the "subscribe" page
and scroll down to the bottom for the link.

So check back to www.thelillypond.com and stay connected.

===============================
4. Moving Away
===============================

Like many young women, I married, had a child, divorced and
suddently found myself in the role of "single mom." And like
many young women in that position, I was fortunate to have
my mom close by. For about three years, she watched my
daughter, Karen, while I worked.

And during this time, Mom and Karen developed a special
relationship. Since then I've read about this and find that
it is not uncommon. While I was close to my mother and am
still close to my daughter, they had a bond that went right
past me. My feelings weren't hurt, and in fact, this often
fascinated me. How did they do that? It was fun to see them
together.

And Karen called my mother, Maw Maw. (If her email address
is any indication, we have a subscriber who goes by Maw
Maw).

When Karen was four the two of us moved away from Houston to
East Texas. And Karen and Maw Maw were both mad at me. I
don't know that my mother ever forgave me for moving her
grandbaby out of town. She was heart-broken, Karen was
confused and I was exhausted. Being a single mom is some of
the hardest work I have ever done.

For the first time in her life, Karen went to day-care.
There was a large church across the street from the building
where I worked and I enrolled her there. After my first day
at work and her first day at the church I was excited to
pick her up. She was very verbal for a four year old (wonder
where she got that?) and I just knew that she would talk all
the way to our new little duplex.

But surprise -- she wouldn't say a word. I asked questions
and she gave limited answers. I was so disappointed. And
frustrated.

Yet, I had paid attention to my mother's lessons. When we
got home, I called my mother to say hello and then I turned
to Karen with, "Would you like to talk to Maw Maw?" She
eagerly grabbed the telephone and began to tell my mother
about her day. I just sat and listened.

Karen gave a detailed description of the menu (hot dogs, I
think), the games they had played, and taking a nap on her
pallet. She ended her recital with the exclamation, "Oh Maw
Maw, it was so wonderful. They had a little pottie and my
feet stood right down on the floor!"

When she was finished I got back on the phone with my mother
and told her about my delimma. We both had a good laugh. I'm
glad I'd paid close attention to my mother's lessons for all
those years.

There's more than one way to skin a cat!

Leave'em longing, not loathing.

When someone asks how you are, don't give them an organ
recital.

=================================
4. Reader Janie - I Know Mom Thanks You
=================================

Dear Lillian:

Mom has Huntington's Disease. She has three wonderful
sisters who have filled many of the voids in my life due to
her illness. I wrote this for the aunts on Mother's Day of
this year. Just thought I would share it with you.

Janie

And I Know Mom Thanks You

I just wanted to say thank you for everything you all do for
my family and me. I know if Mom were able to express her
feelings she would tell you all how proud she is of each of
you and how thankful she is that you have each filled a void
in our lives.

Aunt Shirley is my strongest ally. I can always count on you
to give me just the right words of wisdom and encouragement
when I need it most. You and Uncle Ed and your home are my
safe haven. You have given me another place to call home.
And I know Mom thanks you.

Aunt Frankie is my late in life surprise. In many
relationships, daughters don't realize until later how much
fun moms can be. I am so glad I discovered you these last
few years. You have given me a lot of insight to Mom and who
she is and was and helped me to see why I am who I am. Plus,
I never laugh as much with anyone else as I do with you and
Melvin. Thanks for reaching out to us. And I know Mom thanks
you.

Aunt Dixie is my friend. You've always been the one I can
just call and chat with. I don't have to have anything
important to say. I can just call and tell you a funny story
about my day. Or share something dumb I've done and hear how
you have done something equally silly. You were the young,
cool aunt who made me feel like an equal when I was a
teenager spending time with you in the summers. You showed
me respect then which gave me confidence as a teenager. You
show me respect now as I raise a family, and once again that
gives me confidence as a parent. And I know Mom thanks you.

As I read over this, I see how truly blessed I am. Each of
you overlaps in all areas. All of you have given me hope and
encouragement. All of you give me a sense of my past. And
all of you make me laugh. And because of all of you, I feel
confident as a parent, and so proud to be a part of this
family.

And I know Mom thanks you!

I love you all,
Janie

===============================
6. What's your story?
===============================

One of the most valuable resources we have in this world is
each other. I'm hopeful that stories and lessons my mother
taught me will be a blessing to you. Perhaps you have a
lesson your mother taught you or a story that lifts you up
and would be of help to someone else.

Maybe you learned to deal with the loss of your mother or
have a tip to help mothers survive their teenagers. Maybe
you have a story that's just plain funny. Whatever it is, I
would be delighted if you'd send it to me for sharing here
in this ezine. Include your name, city and state and tell me
whether you want us to publish your full name, or just
initials, or your location only.

Just send your story by email to stories@thelillypond.com

===============================
7. Reach out
===============================

If you know someone who would enjoy having The Lilly Pond
ezine, please feel free to forward this email in its
entirety to them.

If you received this ezine from a friend and you would like
to subscribe and receive your own copy of The Lilly Pond,
you can go to thelillypond.com and subscribe for free or
click here to send an email to us with
"SUBSCRIBE" in the Subject line. Thanks.

===============================
8. Contact me
===============================

Your comments are welcome at lil@thelillypond.com

Thanks for reading!

With all my heart, Lillian

===============================