The spirit of it ...

[caseyandkids]

My mom was .... well, nuts.  Really.  Literally.  Certifiably.  Often off her meds and very bizarre.  She truly lived in a different world. 

Summers were, well, unpredictable.  Completely unpredictable.  And, when she was feeling well (not sane, but "well"), she was so much fun it's indescribable! 

My favorite summer memories are of those "off" moments.  Those odd moments.  Grilling hot dogs in our pajamas at midnight.  Sleeping on the roof so we could see the stars.  Spinning in circles wearing twirly dresses, excited over triple dips of ice cream instead of dinner.  Tossing inner tubes in the river and floating all day until dark - and camping out where ever we landed, only to hitchhike home the next day. 

These sorts of things and many more .. some harmless, some not.  Crazy summer memories, all laced with outrageous amounts of love and acceptance. 

Do I try to recreate those summer times with my own daughters.  Absolutely not.  But the spirit of it all?  Oh yeah ...

I miss you, Mom.

[justnancyb]

Jul. 12, 2010 at 9:20 PM

I always love the stories of your mom, Casey! 

[missingruth]

Jul. 12, 2010 at 9:30 PM

They may not be the most common memories, but they sure are memorable!   How terrific that you recognize the wonderful spirit of it all!

[LYNDELOU]

Jul. 12, 2010 at 9:38 PM

What a great way to remember your Mother, doesn't matter if they were " crazy " memories, what is really important is that you remember them as fun times!

Keep posting Sweetie!

[Lb128f]

Jul. 12, 2010 at 9:52 PM

I agree with LYNDELOU...great memories are just that!

[daisyb]

Jul. 12, 2010 at 11:29 PM

 

    WOW- It sounds like your Mom was quite a Character & very unique! I am so glad that you have so many Crazy Summer Memories filled with Love about your Mom! Take Care-

[aliceinalgonac]

Jul. 13, 2010 at 11:16 AM

Ever since you shared the story of your name, I've thought that, despite all her problems, your Mom really loved you - in an odd way, what a wonderful childhood you had! 

[yoliplus6]

Jul. 13, 2010 at 11:21 AM

I love this!  Instead of bitching and whining about all those things you didn't have, you're focused on what was good during your childhood!  Not nearly enough people like that!  You rock! 

[ihatetocook]

Jul. 13, 2010 at 11:23 AM

Ok, one of these days, you are going to have to tell me more about your mother!   

I agree with the poster above me - too damn many people bitching and whining - I love that you remember the love and the adventure and the fun! 

[caljones]

Jul. 13, 2010 at 2:43 PM

she sounded like a lot of fun. in all honesty, i would have loved for my mother to be in some ways like here. tubing down the river and camping wherever you landed. i would love to be able to do that.

[caseyandkids]

Jul. 13, 2010 at 4:12 PM

I'm not sure I'd call most of it "fun" really - My mother suffered from schizotypical personality disorder, an illness that is characterized by a need for social isolation, odd behavior and thinking, and unconventional beliefs. She was usually frightened to leave the house, often hearing voices telling her that only the children were safe out in the world. Outside of my school conferences and these kind of hallucination-driven bizarre adventures, I don't remember her ever leaving the house. Sometimes it was downright frightening - but there sure are some wonderful moments that stand out in my mind that I don't think I'd trade for anything in the world!

And through it all, my mother taught me to be independent. She taught me to be kind. She taught me how to care for my children. Most of all, she taught me how to love.

(Original Poster)