Remembering Mamaw on her Birthday

My grandmother, who we called Mamaw or Little Mamaw, was born June 17, 1914.  "Little" was added to her name when my very large aunt became a Mamaw.  Don't worry, we did not call my aunt "Big Mamaw." 

That would just be rude, don't you think?

Little Mamaw passed away in April of 2008 and later that year, I wrote this song in honor of her--well, I wrote the words and gave my brother an idea for the tune and then he did the rest.  I wrote it from my dad's point of view and dedicated it to him.  If I can get it on youtube I'll share a link later.

The Way It Should Be

She was born in Arkansas

With eight brothers and sisters in all

The oldest girl in the family

Caring came quite easily

She caught Daddy’s eye one spring

It wasn’t long the church bells rang

In a few short years the kids came along

Life was hard but love was strong

Then the year when I left home

Mama called me on the phone

Daddy took his last breath

And she looked to the Lord when he was put to rest.

CHORUS:

She cared for friends and family near

And told stories of memories dear

She thanked God for all she could

And her pride in her children was understood

Mama lived ‘til she was ninety-three

Filled with the love of her family

I tell you that’s the way that it should be

Yes I tell you that’s the way that it should be.

Verse 2

A kiss and “I love you, Hon”

Was what I got when I walked in

And that same sweet affection

When I walked out again

You ask her how she’s doin’,

She says she can’t complain

Yea she loves the sunshine

But she’ll take the rain

When the holidays would come

We’d find our way back home

We’d talk about the weather

And she’d say “Isn’t it good to be together”

CHORUS:

She cared for friends and family near

And told stories of memories dear

She thanked God for all she could

And her pride in her children was understood

Mama lived ‘til she was ninety-three

Filled with the love of her family

I tell you that’s the way that it should be

Yes I tell you that’s the way that it should be.

She cared for friends and family near

And told stories of memories dear

She thanked God for all she could

And her pride in her children was understood

Mama lived ‘til she was ninety-three

Filled with the love of her family

I tell you that’s the way that it should be

Yes I tell you that’s the way that it should be.

In memory of Mamaw