Patience
I grew up in a time where patience was bred into you.
You learned to wait.
Work hard, sometimes long, and then you are rewarded.
No instant gratification.
When it came you were grateful and savored the moment. You appreciated whatever it was and took care of it.
Your time, effort, blood, sweat and tears were spent acquiring what you wanted.
Money was an issue at times when I was a child.
You know what? No, it wasn’t.
We never went hungry.
Always had a roof over our heads.
Clothes, shoes, all the necessities.
We were far from being poor.
I grew up in a trailer park.
Metal houses side by side with a small front yard. Thank goodness for those yards, I mowed them when I was 10 for $1.25 so my sister and I could go to the movies.
We would sit up front and watch Jason and the Argonauts or whatever else was playing.
The theater was always cool and in the summer that was an extra gift, at home we had a swamp cooler. Playing outside with the water hose was cooler than inside and cartoons.
I remember Momma wanted a “real house ” one day and we would go to open houses. One house in particular she fell in love with. A Spanish tile, stucco with the red clay tile roof. I was excited at the thought of my own bedroom.
I couldn’t hear all of the conversation, but I saw the look in Daddy’s eyes as he was telling her it was way too expensive. Momma smiled and said they could keep looking. I could see the disappointment on her face.
I do remember that house was $35,000. This was the early 70’s and that was a pretty penny.
I remember when Troy and I first married, I traded my Camaro in for a suburban. Fully loaded, leather seats, bells and whistles, TV for the kids.
We paid $36k for it.
And it was a great deal.
I cried that night.
I felt ashamed.
I was driving a vehicle that cost more than the house my Momma never could have.
I did not feel worthy.
I’ve worked hard to get where I am. It’s not as high as some or low and others, but I put myself here.
I was taught patience.
Work for what you want.
No one will give you anything and if they do appreciate it.
You may not have it today, but keep reaching and anything can be yours.
And I refuse to feel unworthy again.
I had to work for what I have.
And I am proud of that.
Mom never got her brick and mortar house. Dad did surprise her with a brand new double wide. It was huge! Everything was shiny and new. And the best thing, it was full of love.
That was the last home she lived in. I am glad I had 4 years there with them before heading out on my own.
Home
I’ve had the big house. I think subconsciously it was a goal for my mom.
Now, I am back in a double wide and couldn’t be happier.
It’s a home full of love.
And patience.
Live your best life with patience.
Good things come to those who work while waiting.
My life has come full circle, I seem to be on round 2.
And I am enjoying every minute of it.
Love Big!
Lorene
