Baby, Baby, I was born this way

photo: my mother, Lois Jean, and me

Baby, Baby, I was born this way

I’m a hoarder by trade

Baby, Baby, I was born this way

Hoarded as a kid too,

had a hole in the wall by my bed – top bunk

We had to have bunks – 4 or 5 to a room

Anyway, everyone knew – don’t mess with Linda’s hole in the wall

I kept secrets there, stuff I didn’t want to share,

Some things are private you know, or should be

Bubblegum – rabbits feet – things sweet – like candy I stole from the store

(Sometimes more)

I dreamed of a room of my own,

It didn’t happen until I was grown – and out

And I mean out!

Once you kids are 18, you either move out or pay room and board…

Oh, Lord.

She had 9 kids – 5 girls and 4 boys (raised us alone)

Back to the choice – pay up or leave home

She worked three jobs (when she was lucky – two)

I stole from her tip bag once too

The guilt was too much – I couldn't bear it,

and being a hoarder of course I didn’t share it

What a Lady, my mom – she was the best

She loved us to death – every last one of us

I can still hear her. . .

Wake up. Get dressed.  Eat your breakfast. Get on the bus!

She never made a fuss about the little stuff

My Mother.
Oh Lord.

I miss her so much

ldn