The Hot Pink Coat

[foxy]

In 1952 my mother bought a hot pink coat with a big fox fur collar. We didn't have a lot of money but my mother had real style and she would save up for the occasional splurge purchase. When she was 88 I made a video of her telling stories from her life. She told this story:

 

Your father and I wanted to buy a house. I needed to get information about getting a mortgage. I had to walk to the bank about 2 miles away. I didn't have a driver's license at that time. It was raining. When I got to the bank I was soaking wet and the bank manager treated me badly. When I got home I looked in the mirror and I thought I look like a peasant and he treated me like one. The next day I had to go back to the bank to get more information. I put on my makeup, high heels and my pink coat and walked back to the bank. I looked like a gorgeous movie star. When I entered the bank the same manager saw me coming in the door. He didn't recognize me from the day before and went running towards me. He tripped over a chair and fell sprawling at my feet.

 

As I filmed her at 88 telling this story she put on the coat that she had saved all these years she said "Whenever you have to do business it's always important to look your best". Then she said "When I die, I want you to bury me in this coat. When I meet God I want to look my best"

 

Two years ago she died on November 15th at age 92 and she was buried wearing her hot pink coat.

[Cooper]

Loving Tribute to Your Mom

 

Foxy, On your mother's 2nd Anniversary.... What a beautiful story, thanks for sharing it.

 

Those we love don't go away

They walk beside us everyday

Unseen, unheard, but always there

Still loved, still missed and very dear

[Guest greatness]

You have an amazing mother!

 

She is just so amazing! You have a wonderful mother. She must be looking down from the heaven above and wishing you the best. You are such a good son. I love my mom too. Kisses and hugs~~

[instudiocity]

That's AWESOME.

[+ sf westcoaster]

Thanks for sharing that remembrance! Your Mother must have been a wonderful woman and no doubt a force to deal with!

[+ glutes]

Sentimental & sincere. Mom is celebrating up above Mr. Foxy!

[JackTwist]

Thanks Foxy

 

No matter how old we are, losing a mother is one of the deepest sorrows a heart can

know. Foxy, thanks for sharing such a special story with all of us. Your mother's goodness, her caring and her wisdom obviously lives on through you.

[foxy]

One more story about my mother.

 

About the time I filmed her video she told me one day she wanted to go to the local funeral parlor to make arrangements for her funeral. She wanted to pay for everything ahead of time. She also wanted to make sure things were done the way she wanted. She told me what music she wanted to be sung at Mass and even picked out her casket that would match her clothes so she would look nice. When it came time to pick out the Mass card I was surprised by her choice. On the card she picked out, instead of a typical prayer, the words she chose were inspired by an Eskimo legend.

 

"Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy"

 

She was a pretty amazing person.

[CowboyUp]

Foxy, sounds like you had one very special mom! Thanks for the awesome stories.

[Racketjock]

Wonderful memories of what I can tell was a classy lady. Thank you for sharing and reminding us of the great women in our lives who leave an indelible mark on the men we are today.

[+ Charlie]

Well done, Foxy.

[zeferrelli]

Thanks so much for sharing this with us. I have a tear in my eye and a smile on my face!

 

THANKS!

[jgoo]

A great story and a great opportunity to remember our mothers with love and tenderness. For those that have passed, say a prayer of thanks for having had them in our life. For those that are still alive, give them a call or stop by to tell them you love them.

[Guest greatness]

That is so touching..

 

I believe loved ones will look after us even they are not with us any more. You have a wonderful mother Foxy!

 

Thanks so much for sharing this with us. I have a tear in my eye and a smile on my face!

 

THANKS!

[LurkerSpeaks]

I have decided to come out of my self-imposed exile to post after reading this thread. Today is my birthday, but was also my mother's birthday..She passed away 5 years ago. So now my birthday is a sad day for me...I wanted to share a memory of how great my mom was.. Many years ago, my sister (who is straight) had a lesbian friend. The lesbian friend loved my mother because she was so open and accepting. One day, she was talking with my mom and asked her, "Why is it that you have two gay sons and can accept them completely, and yet my mom can't accept me for being a lesbian?" My mom looked at her and replied, "God made them the way they are. Who am I to question God? " That was all she had to say on the matter..I miss you mom..

[Guest greatness]

All these mom posts make me cry. You have a wonderful mom LurkerSpeaks. Welcome back to the forum! Kisses and hugs.

[+ glutes]

Anytime I need true wisdom and no BS, I pick-up the phone to Mom...

 

Foxy, I hope you take this as a compliment, it is meant as one. Your mother reminds me of Rosalind Russell / Auntie Mame. No nonsense and loving life. RIP Foxy Mother.

 

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Media/Pix/pictures/2010/7/24/1279966364820/Rosalind-Russell-as-Aunti-006.jpg

[foxy]

Rosalind Russell and my mom could have been sisters. As a matter of fact I think maybe Rosalind is wearing my mom's coat.

[GoodFella69]

Dear Foxy,

Reading your wonderful stories about your mother is like applying salve to an open wound. Though, I admit, it initially sucked the air out of my lungs...

 

As I've shared privately with a couple of "friends" on this Forum, my two teen-age sons lost their mother (my ex-wife) suddenly and unexpectedly in early August. I've devoted most of the past 100 days to helping them cope with the pain, grief and rebellion caused by her horrific and untimely death. The teenager years are difficult no matter what life throws at you. Adding the loss of their mom feels like the sky above them is falling in upon them. It's a daily struggle that I'm sure we will get through, but will probably never get over. I trust that one day they will be able to do as you have done here: look back fondly on their years with their mother and be able to share with their friends the special stories of her life.

 

Foxy, thanks for sharing a little of your Mom with us.

 

Goodfella

[+ Oliver]

Mothers and Other Wonders

 

:)Thank you, Foxy. Strong and vibrant women. I always have said my mother was the epitome of a “lady”. And I have scenes that play in my head. The former school teacher “helping” with homework – never doing it but asking the right questions until you arrived at the answer yourself. Listening to Cleveland Indians baseball games on the radio (and she got to see a World Series game from behind home plate with Bob Feller and Warren Spahn pitching), while baking cherry pies. Reading every sign on the road while riding in the passenger seat (never the back seat – she would get carsick). Trying to tell the same joke while my father all but rolled on the floor as she messed it up once again. Always wore a dress and nylon stockings, even when she did the washing and ironing, but hated wearing shoes in the house. Taking the cake I baked to a church supper, instead of the one she made. Teaching me to sing and having me sing at a PTA meeting when I was only four. After all, I was her “special boy”. And I was until she died at 99.

Thank you, Foxy, for bringing a few of these back to me and sharing a couple of yours.

[Guest greatness]

Oliver, that is a very touching story.

[RockCreekRunr]

Thanks Foxy, Oliver and Goodfella for sharing your very personal stories about your moms. I'm so grateful to still have my Mom and am even more thankful and appreciative of her after reading your inspiring posts.

[Guest greatness]

Goodfella, I'm sorry about your loss. I was wondering where you were and was shocked when you informed me of the unfortunate event. If there is anything we can do for you, please let us know.

 

Dear Foxy,

Reading your wonderful stories about your mother is like applying salve to an open wound. Though, I admit, it initially sucked the air out of my lungs...

 

As I've shared privately with a couple of "friends" on this Forum, my two teen-age sons lost their mother (my ex-wife) suddenly and unexpectedly in early August. I've devoted most of the past 100 days to helping them cope with the pain, grief and rebellion caused by her horrific and untimely death. The teenager years are difficult no matter what life throws at you. Adding the loss of their mom feels like the sky above them is falling in upon them. It's a daily struggle that I'm sure we will get through, but will probably never get over. I trust that one day they will be able to do as you have done here: look back fondly on their years with their mother and be able to share with their friends the special stories of her life.

 

Foxy, thanks for sharing a little of your Mom with us.

 

Goodfella