Self-Esteem
by Mary Ayotte
(c) Mary Ayotte
2/3/09
This morning I wallowed in the moment while listening to some light classical music entitled "Peaceful Mornings."
As I was reading, I became aware of Roger humming/singing (la, la, la(no words) while he was tidying up the kitchen. He was happy. I was happy. This elicited a memory of years past.
As a child, I can recall "singing" in the household. Perhaps I had "corny" parents, but I must say, they were happy.
Dad always woke me up with a song "Lazy Mary Will You Get Up" or "O Solo Mio." Most times his face would be all lathered up (in the midst of a shave) walking into the bedroom I shared with Jeannie.
He and Mom would sometimes sing together. Those oldie but goodie tunes would include "Peg of my Heart" or "Cruising Down the River."
There is nothing like the song of a Mother to her child (in this case, my mom to me). I recall her rocking and singing to me. The old family favorite that I think she composed herself was "Mary is my Darling Girl." I remember her singing this to my younger siblings as well, inserting all our individual names as the song went on.
Singing was encouraged which is why I sing today. I sing to my grandchildren. Roger does as well. I know they think we are corny!
I sing in the choir at church. Roger and I sing together whenever and wherever!
When very little, my mother would tell me what a lovely and lilting voice I had. I believed her. I was encouraged to sing. I would swing on that swing set in the backyard and bellow out tunes like a rock star of today's era . I would entertain the neighbors( never noticing if they closed their windows).
The truth is, I like to sing. I do not sing well. I can carry a tune, if the note is not too high. What was my mother thinking?
I felt then,and still feel good about ME! Because of my mother's blessing, I will always have a song in my heart!
(c) 2009 Mary Ayotte
