Rutherford Weekly - Shelby NC
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1498971
Thursday, May 11-May 17, 2023 www.rutherfordweekly.com 828-248-1408 Rutherford Weekly - Page 3 Losing a loved one is never easy. Whether the loss is recent or not, many people fi nd the void created by a loved one's passing never leaves them. Celebrating holidays or milestones can magnify feelings of loss, and such feelings may surface on Mother's Day among people whose mothers are deceased. People approach Mother's Day in unique ways when their mother has been laid to rest. Such an experience is extremely personal, and there's really no right or wrong way to mark the occasion. It can be challenging scrolling through other's social media posts about happy brunches and thoughtful gifts. Some, particularly those for whom the wounds may be especially fresh, may opt to avoid the celebration or go through the motions for the benefi t of children or spouses. Others may embrace the bonds they had with their mothers by refl ecting on their memories. Those opting to stay connected to their mothers this year can recognize that, although Mom may be gone, they are not motherless. While Mother's Day may be painful for people who have lost their mothers, the following are fi ve ways to make the most of Mother's Day. 1. What would make her happy? Take a heartfelt moment to really think about what made Mom tick and brought joy to her life. Was it pouring over recipes in the kitchen? Did mom like to trek to the top of a mountain in her hiking shoes? Pay homage to her by walking in her footsteps and you may just feel a deeper connection. 2. Get together with siblings. If you are lucky enough to have siblings, you can share the day together. This way you can remember the happy times, comfort each other and laugh together. If you don't have siblings, consider a visit with an aunt or uncle or another close relative who may be feeling the loss, too. 3. Relay fond stories to others. Celebrate Mother's Day by doing things to ensure Mom's spirit and personality live on. Bring up fond stories of Mom with your spouse, friends or your own children. Help blur out the sadness of the loss by focusing on happy memories, such as those depicted in family photos. 4. Put mom front and center. Take out a beautiful photograph of your mother and display it in a prime location in the house. This way you may feel like she is sharing the day with you, and you can think about her fondly each time you see the photo. 5. Enjoy your favorite childhood meal. Whether Mom was a master chef or couldn't boil water, there's bound to be a meal you associate with her. If that special meal is Chinese takeout or a slow-cooked roast, enjoy it on Mother's Day in her honor. Smith's Drugs has sold more than 53 copies of the book "It's About Jesus" 45 copies of "Heart On Wheels", the book about Tommy Hicks have sold. Local Churches............................17 Outdoor Truths................................9 Classified Ads.........................22-23 Rutherford County Weather...........15 Fast Way Oil Kids Corner...............16 Community Calendar.....................14 Business & Services Directory........7 Obituaries....................................18 I n s i d e T h i s W e e k I n s i d e T h i s W e e k The legal adoption was celebrated December 15, 2021. Schooling the children The couple made a decision to home- school their six children. Gina said she had not thought of homeschooling until the couple had six children and she was a full-time em- ployee as a school nurse with Rutherford County Schools. "I felt like drowning with managing a family of eight, working, DSS appoint- ments, visits with biological parents, court dates, and etc. We were fi nancially stable enough to rely on one income. I felt God leading and orchestrating our family to homeschool and focus more time on family, God, and our community. Life has slowed down tremendously and it has been a true blessing to be able to spend my days with my children." The greatest pleasure for Gina in be- ing a mother is her children will all have each other in the future for their triumphs and diffi culties. "They will not have to face this world alone and that makes my heart happy." The biggest mom challenge for Gina was to continue to learn how to navigate all the changes of the family dynamics within months. "Six young children, all seven years and under, had to learn to live and get along with each other. That was a huge change and it took us time and patience to understand each other," Gina admit- ted. Gina's mother taught her about being a mom. "My mother is one of the bravest and strongest women I know. She moved to another country to help support her fam- ily and child. She was a single mother at age 21 years and had to work hard her entire life. She instilled in me the im- portance of hard-work and taking care of family," Gina said. "My mother is always there to help keep my children (all 6) when I need her. She loves all my children and spoils them. Because of homeschool, we are able to spend so much time with my mother. That is a blessing to my children because they will cherish these memo- ries with my mother for years to come." With the Greene family growing from three to six children almost overnight, they had to pur- chase an eight passenger van and had to renovate their home into a four bed- room, three bath home. When Tommy came to Gina and Charlie he had only the clothes on his back and some rice cereal. The couple immediately had to get a new car seat, crib, diapers and formula. Since Cooper and Tommy are the same size, there was clothing for Tommy. "Karigan and Hayden came with trash bags of clothes but there were clothes that were not clean and unfi t for them to really use," Gina said. "Some people were kind and gave us hand-me downs. We tried to only buy the basics for everyone in the beginning because it was all so overwhelming. Our Florence Church family and friends were so gracious with helping with meals and our needs." "Yes, I would do it all over again, trials and triumphs," Gina said. The family plans to take Gina's mom to her favorite restaurant. As for her own Mother's Day gift - an RV camping trip to one of the family's favorite campgrounds - maybe Emberglow in Mill Spring and Mountain Pier Family Campground in Newland. "We love camping in the mountains," The best advice Gina's mama ever gave her was "Don't worry. Give it all to God." Hayden, Chuck, MawMaw (Ava Mace), Cooper, Ava, Thomas and Karigan. Enjoying a corn maze. The Greene family in October 2018. The six kids - Cooper, Tommy; (back left to right) Karigan, Chuck, Hayden and Ava. Continued from front page. 5 ways to commemorate Mother's Day when mom has passed away