I hadn’t planned on blogging today, but I woke up with this song in my head.
I haven’t heard this song in years. It was one I heard often as a child, and it always made me sad.
As an adult it makes me cry like a baby….ugly cry, snot, sob, boo-hoo….until five minutes ago I had never read the lyrics. In the song her mama makes her a coat from a box of multi colored rags and tells her the story of Joseph then she says “Perhaps the coat will bring you good luck and happiness” and she blesses it with a kiss. OK tears start flowing here……then the other kids make fun of her coat made of rags….snot flying…..the little girl tells them of the love her momma sewed in every stitch and told them the story of Joseph from the Bible. It’s the last line that really gets me howlin’……..
“Now I know we had no money but I was rich as I cold be in my coat of many colors my momma made for me…..just for me.”
This is my Momma winter of 1968, pregnant with me. Poor dear she looks so happy…she had no idea what she was in for after the fruit of her womb was brought into the world.
Growing up in a “tiny town” in the Mid-West…we had a lot of NOTHIN’. More than alot of nothing……I was always wanting something, and couldn’t figure out why I couldn’t get it. Oh I was a brat. I am sure I gave my Mom fits. She has never said that….but I know I did. My Momma sewed too. She sewed me many outfits…polyester outfits. In High School she sewed my formals for me, they were gorgeous….no one ever made fun of me like in the song. I just never fully appreciated all my Momma did for me, until I was a momma.
I wish I would have realized earlier in life the truth of this line in Dolly’s song….
“But they didn’t understand it and I tried to make them see that one is only poor if they choose to be.”
I wish I would have been more appreciative of my momma, how hard she worked to make things good for my sister and I. My Mom now lives hundreds of miles away and it’s been a long time since we spent Mothers Day together. I’ll call her, and see what she’s up to today…so far away…then tell her to read my blog. I don’t like to get all weepy and sappy over the phone.
I love you Mom…you’re the best!
Happy Mothers Day!
Thanks for the "Ugly Sob". I have some snot and tears to share if you're in need! It's been a while for me as well since I have last heard this song…
More importantly, thanks for the memories. Happy Mother's Day.
Amy
Oh my mom and grandmother used to love Dolly! Such a fun post! Hope you had a great mother's day yourself!
awww what a lovely pic of your mom (and you!)