Mama Takes Care of Her Man

My parents love story is into its fifth decade. Their relationship is strong and enduring and pricelessly idiosyncratic. I’ve told so many stories about those two here at All Things Southern that my readers and listeners have fallen for their love story, too! Occasionally I try to rest them from the spotlight but it never lasts. If I go too long without a Charlotte and Ed update, I start hearing from readers who write in to check on ‘em.

My parents have faced some health challenges in the last few years and they’ve battled them in typical make-the-best-of-a-bad-situation fashion. Mama had an extensive back surgery a while back that tried to get the best of her, but she has soldiered on like the steel magnolia we know she is. Before that, there was Papa’s heart attack. That was scary for all of us but Papa was discharged into strong, capable hands. Mama had a list of post surgery orders and she was bound and determined her man would follow them to a letter. It was a long time before Papa could drive again and even longer before Mama let him out of her sight, but eventually she relented and began to give him a little breathing room.  On one of those rare occasions, Papa stopped by the house full of his customary good humor.  With Papa, you never know if he is making conversation or setting you up for a punch line. It’s usually a bit of both.

“I just came from Wal-Mart,” he offered, as I poured him a cup of coffee. “I didn’t think I’d ever find a parking spot.”

I commented that it was strange for them to be so busy on a weekday morning.

Papa grinned. “Oh, they weren’t that busy,” he said. “It’s just that your mama wasn’t there to tell me where to park.”

Hugs, Shellie