Uncle Will went to the tedious task of copying all his home movies on to DVD and sending them to all the members of the family. Not only that, he individualized the packages to include only those films that relate to each member of the family. My pack of DVDs included old home movies from the 1950's and an extensive interview between my great grandmother, Mamaw, and two of my great-aunts. Both discs were filled with funny and sweet moments.
Aunt Bunt: Mama, what did y'all call that cow?
Mamaw: Well, I reckon we called it a cow!
As special as those two DVDs were, the most charished gift was on the third disc. In the last couple of years before my mother died, she hosted several family reunions at her home in Raymond. Deep in her heart, I think she knew that she wasn't going to be with us much longer and she wanted to surround herself with her family as often as she could. It energized her to be around her family and it gave her purpose to have a project like a family reunion. The third DVD was a copy of my little sister, Mae, and my cousin, William, putting on their documentarian hats and giving us a glimpse of one of those reunions.
It was great to see all the family. It's been years since I've seen many of the folks that made an appearance on the tape. But the highlight of the reel was the last five minutes or so. It was my sister, Mae, and my Mom just being the best buddies that they were. I cried as I watched it for the first time a couple of nights ago and I'm tearing up as I remember it right now.
Mom radiated on the screen as Mae did one of the dance routines she learned marching with the band. It was so great to hear Mom's laugh when Mae cracked one of her silly jokes. They even sang for the camera! Mom often had a joyful song in her heart but it didn't always come out great when she shared it. That was OK. As she reminded us, we were suppose to make a joyful NOISE unto the Lord. He didn't say anything about it being perfectly on key.
My sister was the coolest kid I've ever experienced and she's still just as cool today. And my Mom was so proud of her and loved her with every fiber of her existence. I have no doubt that Mom lived about five years longer than she should have simply out of love for Mae. It wasn't easy on Mae and she learned some lessons at 10 years of age that most of us don't get in a lifetime. But I don't think Mae would have it any other way and I know that Mom would say the same thing.
Uncle Will, thanks for the gift. I'll get around to writing you a thank you note. I've never been great at that, despite the fact that I'm Retta Porter's son. Mae, thanks for being my sister. You are, without doubt, the best and I can't wait for the big day. You keep living with the heart you were given and y'all are going to have many great days ahead. And Mom... It's been awhile since my eyes have seen you and my ears have heard you but my heart still feels you every day. I miss you.
