Lorraine

This is the week of Thanksgiving. In church this Sunday, I heard a lot of people share what they are thankful for, family, friends, career, home, vehicle, food.  There was a lot of talk about food. Now, I’ve already done a segment about food, so this isn’t the topic of discussion. It seems as though food is a common love among many people, myself included.

 This week I feel led to talk, not only for ‘what’ I am thankful for, but for whom I am thankful.

Today the Lord has impressed upon me those that have influenced my life for the better.

In previous discussions, you’ve read about my fathers. Now it’s time to share a wonderful woman with you, my stepmother Lorraine. I call her Mom.

 Lorraine is a spirited woman, although petite in stature, she is quite the firecracker, vivacious and full of life. She is as quick witted as she is quick tempered. The information and knowledge this woman has obtained throughout her life astounds me. Honestly, I don’t think there is a subject that she’s not studied or at least taken an interest in.

One memory is of the theatre, Lorraine has a passion for classical music and ballets.  We went to see ‘The Nutcracker’ when I was very young. The building was beautiful, there were staircases and balconies. Our seats were a little far off, but Lorraine had these small fancy binoculars that I could look through.  It was the first most elegant night of my life! I even remember the dress I was wearing. It was a simple brown dress that flowed when I walked. It had elastic around the waistline that hugged me and there was a teardrop opening at the neckline. I felt like a little princess in that dress.

Another memory is of her display of love, mingled with patience and understanding. Although she’s quick tempered, I don’t remember a day that she didn’t laugh. She always had a smile and a kind word, even when she was red in the face with frustration. How I had always wanted to be like her. Even though my Dad and Lorraine would sometimes have serious discussion with their voices raised, there was always laughter that softened the edges. I love to listen to their conversations, their playful banter.

Her insight was relished with a bit of silliness…. Be grateful you have hair and I hope you have ten children just like you, she would say to me when I was growing up. As I reached new age brackets, one of her favorites is, elastic waist and you’ll thank me one day.  

There is no other woman I could have poured out my heart to in those tender teen years of growing up. Not knowing who I was or what I was worth, if anything. Her tenderness and encouraging words have led me to many new discoveries, discoveries about myself and who I am.

I am grateful for her strength, her love (both tender and tough) and the ability to laugh with others and at herself. The classic style I enjoy in music and love for the arts is directly influenced by Lorraine.

I am thankful for the lessons learned, for paths I have walked and a wonderful stepmom who taught me how to be a lady. Thank you Lorraine.