Mama Hall, My Angel
Yesterday God gained an Angel while I lost my best friend and second earthly Mom, Mama Hall. Our childhoods shape who we are, who we become and I was fortunate to have Mama as my babysitter growing up. From a six week old innocent bundle of joy to a grown woman, Mama was always there for me.
Believe it or not, this overachiever was a preschool dropout, but I was Mama’s preschool dropout. I had too much fun catching ladybugs with her, blowing dandelions and nap time at Mama’s was always better than some classroom floor. Not to mention afternoons watching Days of Our Lives (oh that Stefano DiMera) with her delicious homemade cookies and goodies were the best. So I said deuces to preschool to be with my Mama instead.
She and Papa, who left us just under a decade ago, were the coolest and most fun. My parents went out of town a lot because my Dad was always crushing it at work (still does), so he and my Mom would go on trips. They would drop me off at Mama and Papa’s with my stylish retro suitcase and I was the happiest little girl to be there with them. I’d run around in their big backyard with their dog, Beau, watch Papa whittle wood in his shop and help him pick plums and apples from their trees. Sometimes he would take me fishing too, in his white Ford pickup truck.
They also took care of my little sister from another mister, Chelsea. She and I were connected at the hip and anytime new kids would come over we scared them. We wanted Mama and Papa all to ourselves.
I became very involved in sports, particularly softball, because of the positive influence from Mama and Papa’s daughter, Nancy. And that Dr. Pepper quickly became my jam (pronounced Dr. Pep-ter back in the day). They were always at my games, band recitals, birthdays, holidays, Communion, Confirmation, graduations, on and on. In seventh grade when my Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, Mama and Papa were the ones who told me. My rocks.
When Papa left us, a part of Mama left too, but she grew stronger and stronger with each passing day. As each day passed, I grew up too, left home for college and moved to various big cities: Long Beach, Huntington Beach, Hollywood (twice), Downtown LA, New York City, Phoenix, etc. But it never mattered where I lived because Mama’s love was always constant, full and warm.
She would always send the most thoughtful cards and my goodness did that woman have an excellent memory. You always knew your birthday was coming because Mama’s cards would arrive the day before or the day of your birthday. Her timing was impeccable.
After being away from home for twelve years, part of my life’s journey moved me back to get my Master’s Degree at Fresno State. While I was living here, I visited her every Sunday after church. Growing up, she and Papa always took me with them to Sunday School too, so it was only fitting that I kept the spiritual influence going and share with her what I learned at church.
Three years ago when I moved to Phoenix, those Sunday visits turned into Sunday phone calls, also after church. We would easily talk for thirty to forty-five minutes about our week and she introduced me to Joel Osteen. She watched him at home on TV since she wasn’t up for going to church every week, but she still got her praise on. So our chats would always include Joel, his messages and she especially loved his jokes. Her wit and humor were unprecedented.
I’m taking some time for myself right now to be back home with my family. I’ve visited Mama a few times since I’ve been here, took her food and took D with me to see her. Little D always made her laugh and smile. I stopped by to see her and take her food on Wednesday (9/7); she didn’t feel well and hadn’t been feeling well. She had a bout in the hospital last month (8/18), and her poor body was getting tired and it was obvious.
I called her Thursday (9/8), to check on her and tell her I love her. I experienced my first migraine and asked if she had any remedies. I wasn’t myself and she wasn’t herself either. That was the last time I talked to her. Friday (9/9), we went to my Aunt’s funeral up North so I wasn’t able to see Mama that day.
Yesterday (9/10), I was supposed to go to the coast but something pulled me back. I wanted to go see her and my Mom suggested I call her first, so I did. I called her last night, Saturday, 9/10, at 5:20 pm. The phone rang and rang. Times that happened in the past I would text one of her granddaughters, Alexis – my little sis – to make extra sure she was okay. A short hour later at 6:29 pm, Alexis called me and I just knew … Mama left us to go be with Papa.
Her spirit was so vibrant and her love was so strong but her physical being couldn’t keep up anymore. The strongest 86 year old woman I’ve ever known. She was my best friend. I told her everything about life, family, work, guys and dating during our talks. Today is Sunday, which is our chat day and I can’t call her because she’s not there.
After church today the car drove me to Mama’s. When my Mom and I arrived, two of her grandchildren were there, Jessica and Buddy, my little sister and brother, but Mama’s chair was empty and her body was gone but I felt her there; her love was all around us. And now it will always be with us. She was my earthly Angel and now she’s my heavenly Angel.
I have more photos back home in Phoenix, and I know more will appear as time goes on which will bring more memories. I will continue to write about them to honor her. For now this is a photo of Mama, Chelsea and I at Papa’s funeral nine years ago.
My heart is broken, my best friend is gone and it hurts like crazy. I love you Mama Hall, my Angel.
