You lie, your feet stink and your mother's in the bathtub ! Just one of those lines from Mom..Happy Birthday Momma Janie !

 I come from a long line of Southern Women filled with Towandatude. There was my Mam-ma, my Aunt Mildred and my Momma Jane. There are many versions of  us Towanda filled females. You may not see it in yourself, but those around you do. My Momma Jane is one of those gals, who would never see herself that way, but I do. I see it in her, I have lived it with her. You see, Towandatude isn't about being a bad a** you know what, it's about strength, courage and dignity to carry on no matter what you have to endure. My Mom is that example to me.

Today is my Mom's Birthday and in honor of her and her example to me over the years, I honor her today with this post. It's a little something I do called alphabet affirmation. 

 J is for Jesus, You love Him and raised us with this example. You are full of his Love, and a shining example of your faith.

A is for affection. We are one huggie, kissie,  hand holding affectionate family. It's all because of your affectionate example. 

N is for NEVER being a "mean girl". You lead us by your example of  kindness, thoughtfulness and sweetness and your Towandatude. Although I may not have always followed your example, (like the time I threw that pork chop at your date) I aspire to live that example.

 E is for example of endurance. The example of endurance that you have displayed throughout your life gives me courage to carry on. 

The one thing that is missing here is hilarity. Momma Jane, ("Janie" or "O.J." as she is known to her friends and family) is funny. We grew up with LOTS of silliness in our house, that tradition of goofiness  continues to her Grandchildren. "A joyful heart is a good medicine" as the scripture says, is an understatement in her character. 

Happy Birthday to my beautiful example of Love, Momma Jane. 

 

Momma Jane with her Great Grandsons on a recent camping adventure.  

Momma Jane with her Great Grandsons on a recent camping adventure.  

The Towandatude Queen and her tude-hopeful daughter, 1958.

The Towandatude Queen and her tude-hopeful daughter, 1958.