Happy Mother's Day To my Mother, Elizabeth Irene Bryan McCabe 1914-1996

O My Ma Ma
By Aimee Louise McCabe Walker

Dear Mother,

Although you have passed on, you are still loved and missed. I am writing this letter to you in remembrance of you. Your family will read this and will remember you.

You were born on July 9, 1914, 4th generation, in Washington, D.C. I was also born in Washington, D.C. Your mother died during the Flu Pandemic in 1918. (Over 20 million people died worldwide.) You were only four years old. Your father could not take care of you so you were sent to live with your mother's sister. You did well in school and went on to work for the U.S. Government in Washington, D.C. Read more ...

You met, fell in love and married Albert P. McCabe in 1936. You both worked and waited six years before having me, your first child. I was the first baby to be born in a hospital in our family. You had to stay in the hospital for ten (10) days! After having me, you were able to stay home from then on as mother and housewife. I know now that staying home as a mother and housewife is much harder than working outside the home.

I am so lucky to have had such a wonderful Mother. You were my best friend my whole life. You provided a loving, safe, nurturing environment for us all. You gave birth to us when there was no family planning available. You were pregnant four times after you had me. (1942) Your fifth baby died at three months old. That is when your husband, my father, had himself fixed in order to have no more babies. Having four children to care for and to provide for was quite enough.

Imagine how hard it must be for today's women to get family planning. Even if a woman wants to have more than one baby she will find it hard to prevent pregnancy between babies. Family planning is an issue for both women and men.

You taught me how to speak at 8 months! No baby talk. At 8 months I told your friends to feel your new baby in your tummy. Your friends were upset that I would say such a thing. You taught me to love nature - birds, trees, mountains, the environment. You were an artist and drew attention to the beautiful sunrises and sunsets and to love Mother Earth. Thank you!

Mother, you were always there for me. When things were bad at school, you always allowed me to stay home with you for a few days. Once in awhile there were bullies at school who made my life a bit uncomfortable. You were always there for me when I needed you.

You were always on my side and never let me down. You and Dad both were always very supportive of me. You just wanted me to be happy. Lucky me. We had good times together. You were always adventurous and ready to have fun. By this I mean that we would have a great time going out for breakfast or going shopping together. You loved going for drives. You never learned how to drive as many women of your generation. That was very helpful when I "missed the school bus."

I miss you Mother. I will always love you. I know that you are in a better place.

Love,

Your Daughter,
Aimee Louise McCabe Walker