Inspiration 37

http://goo.gl/2oJOjc

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalm 1:3

I released Wilted Magnolias on the day that would have been my mother's 100th birthday, October 1, 2016.

Momma was born October 1, 1916, a miracle child for the time, weighing in at a little over one pound. She was the eldest of four children. Called Magdalene, she married Pete Holifield at the age of eighteen, but they divorced thirteen years later, childless, after he became involved with a French woman during World War II.

My mother endured many hardships before she met my father and married him. After their union, my father turned out to be an abusive alcoholic, but she stayed with him. About a year before my birth, she miscarried a boy. At that time she was told she would never be able to have a child. Surprise! I was born April 14, 1960. Less than a year later, my parents split up, and I never got to know my father.

Momma brought me up with the help of her mother. June 11, 1979, she went to her Heavenly reward, but she taught me to have faith despite hardship. That faith manifests through my writing.

Coming in the near future will be a series of books based on the lives of my grandmother, my mother, and me. Stay turned for some exciting creative nonfiction. For now, know that my mother was a magnificently bloomed magnolia, who wilted way too early.

Cover by Christopher Chambers.

Pictures of my mother: 1. With her sister, Robbie, and brother, Frank. Momma is the eldest. 2. Momma. 3 & 4. Momma and me. 5. Momma, Grandma (Ola) and me.