Ways I'm Like My Mother

{Grandma with my Aunt Barbara}

My given name is Rochelle Beverly.

I am my Grandma Beverly's namesake.

She was my mom's mom and at 48 she passed away.

{Granda Bev holding Aunt Linda, & my mom}

As I have gone on to have my own children, I have mourned her death on my mother's behalf.  How much would my mom have loved to share her children & grandchildren with her mom.

I also find myself, as I age, becoming more and more like my mom.  This makes me wonder what her mom was like. What did her voice sound like?  What did she think was funny? Or sad?  What were her passions? Her pet peeves?

***

As for my own mom, I know exactly what she's like, because sometimes it seems like I am her.  Over the last few months I've created a list of ways I'm like my mother.  (This is in no way complete!)

My hands look just like hers.

The way I stand with my hands on hips.

Folding my arms while watching TV expectantly.

My expressions.  Especially my eyes I think.

My intense curiosity about other peoples' lives.

My body shape.  (And-- sorry mom-- my post-baby belly!)

When I bite my lip while I'm thinking.

The way I spread peanut butter on white bread for sandwiches.

When I walk around eating a bowl of cereal-- particularly Cocoa Krispies.

My hands folded together in front of my body while I listen to my kids.

Reading to Wyatt patiently while he is on the toilet.

{Roxanne & Shelly}

I was thinking the other day how sad it is that her mom is gone for her mom.  I am often sad on my own behalf, and my mom's behalf.  But lately I've been thinking how sad it is that Grandma Beverly missed out on meeting all but three of her nine grandchildren. Myself included.

{Me & my nephew Milo}

And how there are now 14 great grandchildren she's missed.  Not to mention missing out on watching her own three daughters grow up.

{My mom had this in our house growing up--it's a family favorite}

A few things I do know about Grandma is that she loved to garden, raised peacocks and was an artist.  I also know she was a twinless twin.  I've also learned from her (via my mom) not to save things for a special occasion.

Life is a special occasion.

With these things on my mind, I am anxious to get home for the summer and spend some time around family.