Momma and her chicklets, by Jo S.

So many thoughts and memories of my dear Momma continue to warm my heart over and over.

Theresa Catherine Lynch Foldesi was born in the throes of America’s Great Depression. She grew to become a pillar of strength, novelty, and giving. As a survivor, Momma was the best when it came to adaptability and pride as a wife, mother, and woman.

STRENGTH: I was one of 8 children and Momma was always there for each of us. Always a champion and advocate for all of her kiddos. Fevers, blisters, asthma, anxiety, and more. Momma gave us a sense of courage and strength that wellness was just around the corner. She was DR. MOM!

In addition, Momma was constantly cooking, cleaning, loving on Daddy, and managing her gather of chicklets. She always made life appear so easy and carefree. 

At the young age of 34 years, Momma and her crazy eight chicks (ages 7 to 16) were suddenly faced with a farm of needy animals, crops untended, and the loss of our hero: Daddy! We had no choice with this new life of empty. I was 15 and thought my world had ended. I was frozen in shock.

I will never forget the sit-down talk Momma had with us. We would stick together, keep the farm -- and ourselves -- moving forward. It was our only choice for survival. I don’t ever remember her crying, showing fear, or giving up. Her strength empowered our strength. She was AMAZING!

NOVELTY: Momma had so many ideas to keep her kidlets busy on the farm. Straightening bent, rusty nails. Looking for those “lucky” 4-leaf clovers. Picking only “good” apples for sauce and pies. Pulling weeds for pennies. She taught us to make butter, jam, cottage cheese, lye soap, and pies. In addition we learned the practicality of how to properly kill, dress out, and cut up a chicken for dinner, deliver a calf, and milk a cow! Whew! Momma seldom slowed! She was MAGIC!

So many of Momma’s methods of raising her brood were unique and truly off the cuff invention. One of my most vivid memories demonstrates her simple but effective discipline strategies. It was a hot, summer day and we had just finished lunch. Assorted spats and bickering commenced over who would do the dishes and clean up the kitchen. Momma calmly stood before the table and said, “No more arguing. I’ll take care of everything. Just get outside to play.”

After returning home later that day, she pointed to a piece of paper that included a grid and her handwriting. She reminded us of our earlier bickering and said she had solved our problem of household chores. The paper was a matrix of sorts that included all of our names, the days of the week, and the many chores we were expected to accomplish. As Momma explained the list, we listened with full attention. She had succeeded in discipline without punishment or demoralizing. She was GENIUS!

GIVING: Momma was always baking, cooking, sewing, or making due with what was in the house. Food and gifts were most often homemade. Costumes, curtains and clothing were handmade with her well-used Singer sewing machine. When neighbors, relatives, or church members were in need, Momma was there with canned goods, casseroles, desserts, or assistance.

With that sense of being present, she never hesitated to include her kiddos. We learned to volunteer and give just as she and Daddy so often did without expectations. Above all, we learned to be patient, kind and generous. As grown adults, we have clung to these virtues as part of our daily living.

Giving time for everyone, Momma’s days were mighty long. I’m not sure she ever slept! She was a GIVER, not a taker!

I have so many great memories of living with a large family and dedicated parents.

I have come to realize so many of my common sense strategies, abilities to sustain adversity, and to use positive humor in my daily living are because of what I remember of Momma. I owe so much of my life and success to this woman who provided me room to stretch, grow, and become a confident mother and woman.

I miss you everyday sweet MOMMA!