Remembering Mom
Many of you know that my Mom passed away 2 years ago. I want to share a song I wrote about my Mom. It’s crude and recorded with basic equipment (I cried) but before that, I’d like to introduce her to you.
Mom’s name was Henrietta and by her name alone, you know she came from a different era. She called herself a “Polyanna” (ie. innocent girl) from a far away village in Ganazi, Southern Philippines. Despite her very humble beginnings, she was extremely cultured. She loved to play the piano, and appreciate art in all its forms. Her favorites were the Impressionists. She wrote Haikus and articles about government corruption. She was a key political resource and she testified in front of the US Senate at the Capitol building (personally encouraged by big shot Senators Kerry and Lugar in the 80s). She influenced the eventual fall of the Marcos dictatorship.
Mom loved Broadway and one of her favorite songs was “The Best of Times is Now” from La Cage Aux Follies. She would always want me to sing it with her and I always resisted although now I wish I gave in more. Her interests and compassion trickled down to all her 7 children. But the one trait that I will remember and admire her for the most is her ability to give “GRACE” (ie. give charity where it isn’t deserved). Even when she was correct, she would give up that right and ask forgiveness. That ability to forgive would almost always put her detractors to shame.
Don’t forget this Sunday is Mother’s Day. To all you Moms out there: Thank you! You guys don’t get enough recognition for all the amazing things you do. Those of you fortunate to have mothers still around, don’t be a shmuck! Go and show Mom how much she means to you while you still can. (I know some of you are estranged … sorry, I hope things get better). For others like me, remember that we are an extension of their lives. As the refrain of my song goes:
And though today no longer with us,
You planted well enough your seeds.
You will always come and visit
In our thoughts and in our deeds.
CLICK HERE to listen to my song. The lyrics of the song are also there.
I would also like to whisper a prayer of encouragement to some of my friends who are going through very difficult times. You know who you are.
Of course, this is just me.
TGIF people!
The Baby Specialist
Shared by Ernie of New York
I wondered if I should include this here because the subject matter is questionable and it is quite lengthy. I hope I made the right decision.
NFL Chip Commercial
Sent by Mike of New York
This commercial needs no introduction. Silly. Funny. Clean.
Don’s Puns
From Don’s collection of puns
Parting Shots
Thanks to Jennifer of Southern California who shared this photo
Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA
People from all over the world send him jokes and Raoul sends those jokes back with his original sketches. 
TGIF Reader
May 15, 2018 at 6:53 pm
You had a great mom Raoul. She sounded like a wonderful mom and person.
Praise God.
Sam
TGIF Reader
May 15, 2018 at 6:54 pm
Great song and issue. My Mom was Leonora also a name from another time and your Mom reminds me of her.
Tom
TGIF Reader
May 15, 2018 at 6:54 pm
I really enjoyed this week’s edition. Being a mother-in-law, I particularly liked the last joke. My mother died at the age of 47, so my memories of her are limited to when I was young, but nevertheless I have many fond memories. When she passed away I wrote a poem. I’ll send it to you sometime.
Raoul, what a beautiful song, and so beautifully sung! Did you do all the parts at the end or did someone join you? I would like to point out that “Pollyanna” usually means someone who always sees something good in every situation. I wonder if that’s really what your mother meant, instead of “innocent girl.” From what you wrote, she sounds like a Pollyanna.
Lois
TGIF Reader
May 15, 2018 at 6:55 pm
Your Mom must have been a very brave lady.
I listened to your song. What a voice you have. Hauntingly beautiful and so are the lyrics and music.
Take care.
Rene
TGIF Reader
May 15, 2018 at 6:56 pm
Re the Baby Specialist – Naughty, Naughty Raoul!
Rene of Riverside, CA
TGIF Reader
May 15, 2018 at 6:56 pm
What a lovely gesture, Raoul.
Mommy would have been deeply pleased with a son who immortalizes her through a song.
Joel
TGIF Reader
May 15, 2018 at 6:57 pm
You made my day again.
Christmas ….. on a Monday!
Thank you!
Betty in Australia
TGIF Reader
May 15, 2018 at 7:26 pm
When my mother died, I had two children, my 7-year-old son Lynn and my 2-year-old daughter Michelle. I should mention that, in addition to being good at just about everything (as most mothers are), she was a bookkeeper as an occupation.
I want to share a poem I wrote about her:
BEDTIME STORY FOR LYNN AND MICHELLE
by Lois McKinney
St. Peter rushed up to the Lord and said, “My books are quite a mess.
Could you please send out right away a very urgent SOS.”
Before the Lord could answer Pete, St. Francis said, “I’ve troubles, too.
The children all are crying and I really don’t know what to do.”
St. Michael said, “I’d like to add that Heaven doesn’t look so neat.
It seems an age since anyone has even swept the golden street.”
St. Anthony was next to speak: “There’s one more thing, for Heaven’s sake:
The food they’re serving here of late gives me an awful tummy ache.”
The good Lord sat and thought and thought; the saints stood waiting breathlessly;
And then He turned to them and said, “We’ve problems up here, too, I see.”
“St. Michael thinks we need someone to tidy up the place a bit;
St. Francis feels the children need someone who’s sweet to baby-sit.”
“St. Peter wants a bookkeeper; St. Anthony, the best of cooks.”
Then all the saints said, “Please, Sir, while you’re choosing, pick someone with looks.”
And then the good Lord smiled, and there was a divine celestial glow.
“I know the perfect one, “He said, “Though she’ll be sorely missed below.”
Then as the angels sang, the Lord called Grandma to her heavenly home,
Where she looks down and watches us, no matter where we chance to roam.
She’s happy – she has lots to do. She sweeps and dusts and sews and cooks;
She tells the children stories and she straightened out St. Peter’s books.
She made the angels all new robes and did so many other things;
And just the other day, I’m told, she mended St. Cecelia’s wings.
But she has not forgotten us; she looks down on us every day.
And someday we’ll be joining her in that Great Place so far away.
– by Lois McKinney
1958
TGIF Reader
May 15, 2018 at 7:30 pm
Good Morning Bro,
What a beautiful tribute to your mom and all the mothers on their special day.
Have a great week and thank you,
Rick