Mom

This fresh faced seventeen year old was about to graduate from high school in June of 1938.  How pretty is she!!  Heading out into the big world, going to secretarial school and then on to work at Montgomery Ward.  Helen married Bennett in 1942 and moved from Minneapolis to Jersey City.  They later moved back to Minnesota and settled in St. Louis Park.  That's where we come into the picture.  All of us.  My mom was a quieter person; somewhat shy.  She was a gracious hostess and hosted many house parties as the wife of the minister.  She taught my sister and I how to set the perfect table and all about giving the perfect hostess gift when we were invited to someone's home (hint: Fannie Farmer candy).  She always fixed her hair nicely and wore a special necklace or earrings to finish off her outfit.  My sister inherited that talent.  She was a wonderful cook.  My sister inherited that, too.  She liked to sew.  I inherited that talent.  She was a good mom.  My sister and I both inherited that from her.  Us kids drove her crazy.  She liked her quiet times.  I wish I had shown her more appreciation as I was growing up.  I certainly can appreciate all that she did for us as I look back over the years.  I followed her example when I was raising my own two kids.  Thank you, Mom, for being my mom.