Wake up call!!! This Sunday is Mother’s Day. You still have time to plan something special for that favorite lady of yours. Don’t have to thank me for the gentle reminder. Just your endearing adulation is good enough for me. Today I send out a “heavenly” Mother’s Day tribute to my Mom-Sue Sheda. I have tons of memories of Mom and here are just a few and there is absolutely no particular order at all.

Mom’s favorite saying to anyone and everyone was, “Come in, come in and visit. You’re as welcome as the flowers in May.” Not sure if she meant it all the time but it always made a neighbor feel special. Mom had that special “mommish” way of making people feel special.

Friends like Dorothy Musel, Alva Smith, Mame Kaplan, Arlene Upah and others would stop by and the coffee pot was always on at her house. People left feeling a little better.

Mom was an original “calligrapher.” She would make beautiful name cards for people at weddings, anniversaries and other special events. She had that knack for that.

She was a “tough old cookie.” fiery Irish temper. Not afraid to do battle for those she loved. Very protective of her loved ones.

I missed the school bus one time and Mom had to come get me. It’s a long story but she and Mrs. Van Tiger, my teacher, tangled. I think they were made from the same cloth. I caught it from both of them.

Mom had a driver’s license, but seldom drove, which is why the above incident looms even larger. I still shudder at this memory!!!!!

Good old Mom worked hard in our grocery store for many years, raised chickens, sheep and other assorted critters, went to many livestock sales with Dad and in later years, worked at Uncle Ludy’s tavern.

And she could cuss, smoke and play poker with the best of them.

Sundays were always special, (although I didn’t recognize it at the time), as Mom would go to early Mass, and then let the Sunday Cooking begin. Mmmmm, Mmmmmm. Fried Chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, lettuce salad, home-made dressing, etc. and etc. Sometimes roast beef, steaks, roasts, pork chops or ham was on the menu. Mom started cooking at about 9 am it seemed and at Noon we always enjoyed a great Sunday dinner

Every once in a while on Sunday evenings, Mom would announce that maybe it was time to make some fudge. Sometimes the fudge turned out perfect and other times it turned out, well, perfect. Delicious.

And speaking of delicious, Mom made great Kolaches. They weren’t always the best looking Kolaches but always they tasted great.

Well, I could go on and on about Sue Sheda, but these are just a few of my memories of her. She passed away in February of 1988. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. Love ya. That’s the way I see it. If your mom is still alive, take the time to tell her how special she is and how loved she is too. It’s always worth the effort. Jsheda@indytel.com or call at 319.327.4640