Lucille P. Day, A Special Mom
Gwen Day: Honoring Lucille P. Day on Mother's Day and Her Birthday
ALEXANDRIA, VA – By Gwen Day:
I had the best mother who ever lived. I’m sure those words have been uttered on many occasions by others. Each time, the sincerity, love and admiration could not be measured. I can only tell you that I have never, on one day of my life, wondered if my mother loved me or if she would always be there, as long as she could, cheering me on in all my endeavors. All of my memories of her are good ones. Even when she experienced a debilitating stroke that finally took her from us, she worried about how others were doing. She was able to maintain her kind, soft and warm demeanor. She still modeled her strong faith, her love for family and her ability to put her best foot forward.
I realize now that I had a very special life in Alexandria, Virginia with a very special mother; a life that was filled with fun, family and a sense of community. Family continues to give me a strong foundation and a wealth of memories that play like a favorite movie in my head. I can see my mother in her kitchen. It was her kitchen because she could be found there so often. Any occasion was a time for her to prepare something special and Christmas time was her favorite time for mixing up all kinds of specialties. Fruitcake, black walnut cake, cold oven pound cake, and a variety of cookies were tucked away but ready to be quickly retrieved when family and friends arrived. I loved that time of year because she made it so special. It is interesting that she died the week before Christmas in 2003.
Our house was the center of family events for both sides of the family. Mom prepared Christmas dinner each year and she was ready to set up her table for any event. She had a knack for making everyone feel treasured and at home. She is the main character in all of my movies, and I can see her plainly as she prepared for company with a smile. Oh …that smile. It could light any dreary day, and she wore it like a cloak. She drew you in with that smile and it made her even more beautiful.
Some said my mother reminded them of Lena Horne. She was tall and stately, and I was oh so proud of her. As a child, I can remember the long braid that hung to her waist. She wore it in a bun at the nape of her neck and her complexion was flawless. She was a joy to spend time with and as I grew older, we became even closer. Times with her were easy. Sometimes we sat and read magazines or watched TV. Other times we shopped, went to church, visited relatives, or just sat to share our lives. Mom was rarely judgmental, but she always tried to lead you in the right direction.
Mom worked for a while as a tour guide at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. Someone once told a story of how they were mesmerized by her kind eyes and her beauty while touring years before she came into their life again. I loved that story because I was sure it was true.
Mom was worker and she loved her home. She loved to “have everything in place” and yet her surroundings were so inviting. She knew just where to put the flowers or to set the candle and she loved to cover her tables with beautiful cloths, china and crystal. loved to be a part of the family dinners we shared with so many others.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and mom always told me “Beauty is as beauty does.” In other words, acting beautiful was more important than looking beautiful. I didn’t quite know what she meant for the longest time but what fun would life be and how deeply would concepts have time to plant themselves if
we understood and took everything to heart too quickly. Every time I think of how beautiful I thought mom was on the outside, I think, more importantly, of how beautiful she was on the inside. I fill up but I hold back the tears. Mom always had time for everyone. When she talked to you it felt as if time stopped and you had her full attention. She made you feel better, and you could feel the love. She loved to give, and she gave of herself so freely. These characteristics made mom the perfect candidate for deaconess in her church.
She was so proud of this role, and she served with a smile. She loved her church and the people in it. She helped to provide for families following a death in the family and she was so happy to make a difference. What a perfect role for her and she served until her health made it impossible for her to do so. When she
was leaving Virginia to come to Massachusetts, the deacons and deaconesses came to see her off and they gave her a huge matted and framed picture of herself and all of the deacons who served with her. They sang religious hymns to her and gave her other gifts. It was quite a tribute and one that I will never forget.
This is but a miniscule glimpse of the life of Lucille P. Day. It is only a few scenes from the ever-running movie of memories I carry with me every day. Yes, she was the best mother who ever lived.
