Memories of Mom! I have so many, but I’ll share just a few. My mum, Jean Skofield Carde, was gentle, and strong in faith. She singlehandedly raised her three small children after divorcing our Dad. We were poor, I realize now, but we never knew this. Mum always made us feel as though we had just as much as others. And, now, I see that, although we struggled financially, we were rich in spirit, because of mum. That’s who she was. I was rich, in my heart, any time spent curling up in my mummy’s lap. At bedtime, to instill good skills when we were learning to read, and to also guide us, spiritually, she would sit beside our beds and have us take turns reading from the children’s bible.
She was a happy spirit. I can remember the sound of mum singing as she cooked our meals. One of her favorite songs to sing was “Someday My Prince Will Come,” from the Disney classic, “Snow White.” Long after we had gone to bed, I can remember the soft sound of her singing while she finished up her chores. What a wonderful, safe way to drift off to sleep, secure in that gentle voice downstairs.
Mum had a strong faith in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. She guided me in my own deep faith. I can remember when I would find her still awake in the lateness of night, or the early hours of morning, immersed in studying her bible, or deep in prayer for her three precious children. Those prayers never faltered over the years, but continued to include us three kids, our spouses, and our children.
Mum was a very generous soul. She made so many sacrifices over the years, going without, to insure that her children — and grandchildren — had what we needed. She impacted my life as I saw her cook extra food and take meals over to an elderly woman in the neighborhood every day.
She loved dogs; I remember how she cried, right along with us, when our beloved dog, Scarlotti, went missing (and never returned). Mum tirelessly drove us all over the County, trying to find him. How she would have loved my precious Howie, that I have now.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
For Debbie Jean Carde-Jordan of Caribou, Mother’s Day is filled with memories of her mother and “sister in faith” Jean Skofield Carde.
On cold nights, my daughter and I have been known to wrap beautiful warm afghans around ourselves … afghans that mum lovingly created for us, all those years ago. I feel like it’s almost like a hug from her, from Heaven.
She loved to laugh! I always enjoyed hearing her laugh at the crazy antics of “Larry” and “Balki” from “Perfect Strangers.”
No gourmet meal could top mum’s cooking. In remembering this talent of mum’s, my daughter and I both agree that Gaga (the grandchildren couldn’t say “Grandma” when they were younger) could even cook amazing scrambled eggs and toast.
Mum struggled bravely, and beat cancer, in the early 1970s, living to enjoy her children and grandchildren until 1991, when God received her spirit back into His arms. On that day (June 19), I remember with sorrow as the mysterious, and vicious pain, robbed mum of those last days with us. It is only my happy memories of mum, along with the great hope of the resurrection — when we will share a forever reunion with her — that comforts me.
Several months ago, I read a beautiful and sad poem by Louisa Mae Alcott which immediately reminded me of those last days with my precious, beloved mum. It also mirrored my desire to be like her, in the midst of my own struggles in life. I want to share it, as my special tribute to my mum (my “sister” in faith). Please allow me to do so, here.
“O, my sister, passing from me,
out of human care and strife—
leaving me, as a gift, those virtues
which have beautified your life —
Dear, bequeath me that great patience —
which has power to sustain —
a cheerful, uncomplaining spirit,
in its prison house of pain.”
So many memories of my mum; her gentleness and strength. I love her and I miss her, so much, on Mother’s Day — and always.
Debbie Jean Carde-Jordan
Caribou
