Mama Thelma's Final Sunset

A week ago today we buried my mama Thelma. The day was a different type of day for me. I have strong feelings of fear when it comes to death and viewing dead bodies. However, I had no trouble viewing my mama Thelma. She looked peaceful and happy (i know ironic to say, but true to see). My mom and I were at the funeral home just she and I for about 30 minutes. In that 30 minutes, many people just "popped" in to say their last goodbyes. I took this as a touching time. People didn't have to stop and they didn't know that we would be there, they stopped because Mama Thelma meant so much to them.

Mama Thelma as I suspected had touched many people's lives in her 99 years. She was called, Thelma, Mama Thelma, Mrs. Thelma, and Mrs. Sandridge. Everyone who came to the viewing/funeral had so many positive words to say. What I took was a sense of empowerment that I think Mama Thelma left me.

Mama Thelma had women's rights before women knew they were worth more than just housework and raising babies. Mama Thelma knew you had to save money to make money and that you helped out children and mothers. Mama Thelma was forward thinking to say the least. Each one of her daughters is so privilege to have had such a leader in their mother. I was blessed to have a strong grandmother.

On the way to the grave site. One thing stuck out to me. We as a family were following Mama Thelma. Mama Thelma was short in height but strong in personality and life. She could put fear in you all while loving you in the same sentence. She lead her family down the right path and counseled many others. The people at that spoke said the same thing. Ms. Thelma was always there to listen to anyone at anytime. Never judging, just listening. If we all can have this same attitude our lives will be enhance and surrounded by people who love us.

I will miss my Mama Thelma, but I know that she has left her mark on me. She shall never be forgotten, only remembered with happy stories. She is now resting next to her husband, how she would want to be.....under the big tree.

Mama Thelma's final resting place...under the big tree