←  Back to Home
CCF17359-35C1-4335-8C78-4DC11DD212DC
Claudia Singletary

Claudia Singletary

Mamaw Wisdom

I did not have a Mamaw.  I had Granny, and I had Grandmother.  But “mamaw” was for those who lived outside the city limits.  Mamaws were who my friends went to spend a Saturday with, shelling peas or shucking corn.  Maybe they even had a feather bed or a loft in a barn or something ultra-cool country like that.

My children and grandchildren ended up with a Mamaw when I remarried a few years ago.  Their names for their other grandmothers are very family-specific, so a “Mamaw” was a new thing to them too.  This Mamaw does live out in the country, but the days of farming are in the past.  However, I have learned that mamaws come with particular bits of wisdom.

Once while visiting with the Mamaw, she told me a story from many years back about how her grandsons —cousins of close to the same age — were playing in the barn, and the younger sister of one came crying to Mamaw that the boys were leaving her out.  Now had it been me, I’d have probably put pressure on the boys to include her, causing her to feel vindicated and superior and the boys to feel resentful.  Mamaw, in her wisdom, left the boys to what they were doing and said to the granddaughter, “Is that so?  Well, would you like to make something here with me?”  Mamaw gave her a pointed item of some kind, and little Kaitlyn scratched her initials there in the headboard of the ancient bed in the room, and along with those letters, carved a sweet memory.  They’re still there, and if Mamaw’s rendition is true (one doesn’t always know with Mamaws — the lesson is more important than the literal facts), Kaitlyn still walks back to see that headboard every now and then.

A situation recently brought the Mamaw and me into a conversation about people in need of help.  She related a story about how one Christmas many years ago, she was the leader of a group that was giving out food to those in need.  They went to deliver to a family in the community, and they saw that there were dozens of canned foods stacked up in a corner of the kitchen.  Nothing wrong with that, but they were said to be destitute, in immediate need, truly hungry.  “All they had to do was open the cans and heat up the food,” said Mamaw.  Her words drifted off, and she looked down the road, shaking her head.  “You just really can’t help people who won’t help themselves.”  

Mamaw love is a powerful thing too.  It doesn’t divide; it expands.  One day I was commenting on the increasing number of great grandchildren through the above mentioned grandsons and granddaughter.  I added, “And then I came along and brought you more!  Well, some step-great-grandchildren.”  

She looked straight into my eyes.  “I don’t see ‘step’.”  

Mamaw love also motivates this 88 year-old woman to don a hat, get on the golf cart and drive over to our house (across the road) when those non-step great grandchildren come over and give them rides around the yard or take them to the creek to build “frog houses.”  Also to hold them and watch them and say, “Ohh Claudia.  They’re so beautiful.”  And sometimes she’ll just slip me a coupla $20 bills and say “Get each of them something from me.”

Grannies, Grammies, Mimmies, LuLus, Honeys, CeCes, Grandmas, Big Mamas, and Meemaws— here’s to the lot of them.  Just for today, though, a special shout-out to the Mamaw wisdom I hope I’ll learn from and can, in some form, pass down.  

Share this post

124 Responses

  2. I’ve been exploring for a little for any high quality articles or blog posts on this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this site. Reading this info So i am happy to convey that I have an incredibly good uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed. I most certainly will make sure to don’t forget this site and give it a look on a constant basis.

    Reply

  3. Thanks a lot for providing individuals with an extremely pleasant chance to read in detail from here. It is always very pleasurable and as well , packed with a great time for me personally and my office fellow workers to visit your blog at least three times per week to find out the latest guides you have. And definitely, we are at all times amazed with the awesome strategies you give. Selected 1 points in this article are in fact the most effective I have ever had.

    Reply

  5. Hi, Neat post. There’s a problem with your website in internet explorer, would check this… IE still is the market leader and a huge portion of people will miss your excellent writing because of this problem.

    Reply

  6. I’m not sure exactly why but this site is loading very slow for me. Is anyone else having this issue or is it a issue on my end? I’ll check back later on and see if the problem still exists.

    Reply

  8. What’s Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It positively useful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to contribute & help other users like its helped me. Good job.

    Reply

  22. Hi, Neat post. There is a problem with your web site in internet explorer, would test this… IE still is the market leader and a large portion of people will miss your wonderful writing due to this problem.

    Reply

  71. demais este conteúdo. Gostei bastante. Aproveitem e vejam este site. informações, novidades e muito mais. Não deixem de acessar para aprender mais. Obrigado a todos e até a próxima. 🙂

    Reply

  72. Hello! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and say I truly enjoy reading your articles. Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that cover the same subjects? Thank you so much!

    Reply

  77. Howdy! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this website? I’m getting tired of WordPress because I’ve had problems with hackers and I’m looking at alternatives for another platform. I would be awesome if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

    Reply

  78. I have not checked in here for some time since I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are great quality so I guess I will add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂

    Reply

  80. I’m now not certain the place you are getting your info,
    but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or working
    out more. Thank you for wonderful info I was in search
    of this information for my mission.

    Reply

  82. Can I simply say what a reduction to seek out someone who truly is aware of what theyre talking about on the internet. You undoubtedly know the right way to convey a difficulty to gentle and make it important. More individuals have to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant believe youre not more well-liked because you undoubtedly have the gift.

    Reply

  83. fantastic issues altogether, you simply received a brand new reader. What may you recommend in regards to your post that you simply made a few days in the past? Any certain?

    Reply

  84. Hey there just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your content seem to be running off the screen in Internet explorer. I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to do with browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to let you know. The layout look great though! Hope you get the problem resolved soon. Thanks

    Reply

  87. There are certainly lots of particulars like that to take into consideration. That could be a nice level to convey up. I supply the thoughts above as basic inspiration however clearly there are questions like the one you bring up the place the most important factor shall be working in trustworthy good faith. I don?t know if best practices have emerged round issues like that, however I am certain that your job is clearly recognized as a good game. Each girls and boys feel the affect of just a second’s pleasure, for the rest of their lives.

    Reply

  88. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was wondering what all is required to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very internet smart so I’m not 100 sure. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated. Kudos

    Reply

  89. With every thing that appears to be building within this subject material, your perspectives happen to be relatively refreshing. Nonetheless, I appologize, because I can not subscribe to your entire idea, all be it stimulating none the less. It seems to everyone that your comments are actually not totally rationalized and in reality you are generally yourself not even totally convinced of your argument. In any case I did appreciate examining it.

    Reply

  92. I cherished up to you’ll obtain carried out proper here. The caricature is tasteful, your authored material stylish. however, you command get got an edginess over that you would like be turning in the following. sick undoubtedly come further before once more since precisely the similar just about a lot often inside of case you shield this increase.

    Reply

  93. Heya i’m for the first time here. I found this board and I in finding It truly helpful & it helped me out much. I’m hoping to present one thing again and aid others such as you helped me.

    Reply

  95. Hey just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The words in your article seem to be running off the screen in Firefox. I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to do with internet browser compatibility but I figured I’d post to let you know. The style and design look great though! Hope you get the problem solved soon. Cheers

    Reply

  96. Have you ever thought about publishing an ebook or guest authoring on other sites? I have a blog based on the same topics you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my visitors would enjoy your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send me an email.

    Reply

  101. Everyone loves what you guys are usually up too. This type of clever work and exposure! Keep up the very good works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll.

    Reply

  102. I carry on listening to the reports lecture about receiving boundless online grant applications so I have been looking around for the most excellent site to get one. Could you advise me please, where could i get some?

    Reply

  103. I just like the helpful info you provide to your articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and check once more right here regularly. I’m rather sure I will be told many new stuff right right here! Good luck for the next!

    Reply

  104. Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!

    Reply

  105. Thank you so much for giving everyone an extremely special chance to read articles and blog posts from this web site. It really is so terrific and also jam-packed with a great time for me personally and my office acquaintances to search your blog at the least three times in 7 days to read the new tips you will have. And of course, I am usually amazed with your brilliant techniques you give. Certain 3 areas in this posting are ultimately the very best we have ever had.

    Reply

  106. Nice weblog here! Additionally your web site quite a bit up fast! What host are you the use of? Can I am getting your affiliate link for your host? I want my website loaded up as fast as yours lol

    Reply

  110. Have you ever considered publishing an e-book or guest authoring on other websites? I have a blog based upon on the same information you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my visitors would enjoy your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e-mail.

    Reply

  112. It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I want to suggest you some interesting things or tips. Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article. I want to read more things about it!

    Reply

  114. The crux of your writing whilst appearing reasonable in the beginning, did not really settle perfectly with me personally after some time. Someplace throughout the paragraphs you were able to make me a believer but only for a while. I however have a problem with your jumps in logic and you would do well to fill in those breaks. When you can accomplish that, I will certainly be fascinated.

    Reply

  121. You really make it seem so easy along with your presentation but I to find this topic to be really one thing that I believe I’d never understand. It sort of feels too complex and very extensive for me. I’m looking ahead to your subsequent put up, I’ll try to get the hold of it!

    Reply

  122. Hello! I’ve been following your web site for some time now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Huffman Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the good work!

    Reply

Leave a Reply to zoritoler imol Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Share Mississippi Wabi-Sabi: