Happy Mother's Day to the best mom in the world! Of course, I am prejudiced, but anyone who knows my mom knows that I am right. No matter what I chose to do in life, Mom stressed to me while I was growing up that I should do it well. She always said, "I don't care if you want to be ditch-digger. Be the best ditch-digger there is."
She also had a myriad of other says that she continues to use on us today. I have two that are tied for favorites. They are "Remember who you are," whenever we were going somewhere out of her sight, and "I raised you better than that," whenever we disappointed her.
On Facebook this week, one of my friends started this idea of posting our mothers' photographs to honor them. One of the photos I have of Mom at my office is one of she and Daddy when they were dating. So I scanned it in and put it on my profile. It's been really neat to see the responses I've gotten. It's also brought me closer to several of my cousins who have commented. I love that.
We're now planning cousin reunion for this summer. I can't wait to see everyone, especially now that we're all living in different parts of the country. Most of us are still technically here in the South, but I have a few that have strayed to parts up North. It will great to see them!
As I'm writing this on Thursday, I'm having to quell my excitement for the upcoming events on Saturday. It's the second annual Mayfest in downtown Blytheville. Although the event is actually older -- it used to be called "Springtime on the Mall" -- this is the second year for the new name.
I'm helping the Blytheville Humane Society with the Dog Show. I was a judge last year and had a great time. I didn't want to judge again because it was just too difficult deciding which dog was the cutest, most talented, etc. This year, I'm going to be the announcer for the show, which will let me talk more! It should be much easier for me to do than to sit there and be quiet.
I know that Stevie Ray and Sparky are really looking forward to the show and to Mayfest. They are excited about getting to see the other dogs and puppies who will be in the dog show. And of course, they want to go see all the people who will be downtown on Saturday. Sparky just loves meeting new people. She thinks that everyone she sees should stop to pet her and exchange kisses. I just hope she's not disappointed when she's not the only one being admired. She is a little diva, that one.
My husband, Kevin, and I are already arguing over the activities of the day. See, Kevin is a member of the county's Republican Party. I am most definitely not. I often tell Kevin that he's so far right, he's wrong. And of course, I am so far left, I'm right! Kevin has volunteered to help out at the Republican Party's booth on Saturday. He's made comments about Stevie Ray getting covered in stickers. I've made serious threats to his well-being if that occurs.
I did cave in a little bit yesterday when I bought American flag bandanas for the dogs to wear Saturday. But that is just being patriotic. It is in no way giving in!
I hope everyone enjoyed Mayfest. I know I will enjoy it. I always enjoy spending time with great animals and the great people who love them. Remember, all help given to the Blytheville Humane Society is greatly appreciated. All donations are used to feed, house and medicate the animals. Members of the Humane Society are making plans for many other fundraisers in the near future. I hope you all will support them. Don't forget, the Humane Society's Thrift Store is open on Friday and Saturday. It is filled with great stuff at great prices. All labor is volunteered and all proceeds help provide medications for the animals.
New members are always welcome. For more information about the Blytheville Humane Society and what it does, call Pam Ford, board president, at 870-838-5512, or e-mail me here. I'd be glad to help you get involved. You'll be glad you did.
dhilton@blythevillecourier.com