100 Words

A Legacy oF Unconditonal Love

November 10th, 2021
Mollie T. Cox

My beloved grandmother was born this day 111 years ago. My pseudonym T. Cox is derived from her surnames.

When we reminisce, the one thing my siblings and I agree about is that the happiest days of our childhood were spent at my grandmother’s house.

Grandmommy was fun. She played dress up with us. She recited silly rhymes. She made us sticky buns for breakfast and ice cream sundaes long after bedtime. She bought us needed clothes and unneeded toys.

I remember only one denied request. My sister and I begged Grandmommy to hide us in the attic so we wouldn’t have to go home—an unbearable 200+ miles away. Later, I learned that my younger brother asked the same.

The children who asked to hide in their grandmother’s attic.

Why did we want to stay? Grandmommy gave us unconditional love and emotional security—vital to our survival during our formative years. She lived Matthew 18:10.

See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.

Memories, Parenting

Illustrations Matter

November 7th, 2021
Mollie T. Cox

In Picture Book Revelations, I told how I vividly remembered the illustrations in Daddy’s Birthday Cakes. (See here.) I didn’t say it was approximately sixty years after I last saw that book. Therefore, why was I surprised when a son recalled illustrations from picture books I read to him thirty years ago?

As we reminisced during last night’s phone conversation, my youngest described three favorite picture books by their illustrations, not their plots: the book with the boy and his flashlight, the book with the boy wearing a blue sweater, the book with elaborately dressed animals riding in a carriage.

I pulled the described books from my bookshelves while my son searched for the covers online to confirm my guesses.

A flashlight is necessary for a successful sleep out.

Titch wore the same blue sweater during all his adventures

Piggins’ acquaintances rode in carriages. He solved mysteries.

Why did I recall all three titles within seconds?

What we see with our eyes matters. Regardless of the style, illustrations have a lasting impact—even more than I realized until an unexpected conversation with one son.

What do you visualize from your childhood?

Parenting

Picture Book Revelations

October 31st, 2021
Mollie T. Cox

My sons cherished certain picture books. Ox-Cart Man, Little Engine That Could, and Llama, Llama Are You my Mama? are seared into my memory.

What I wish I had known—and only recently realized—was that favorite preschool books were a key to understanding both my children’s personalities and their deep longings.

The boys were too young to communicate or perhaps be fully conscious of these desires, but looking back, I can list reasons why particular books appealed to each son.

The only picture book I remember from my childhood is Daddy’s Birthday Cakes by Miss Frances. I remember waiting patiently for my mother to finish washing dishes so she could read—and the disappointment when she didn’t have time.

A friend found that treasure in excellent condition on eBay. I bought it for a ridiculous amount, and yet, a small amount for the pleasure it gave me. The story was as I remembered. Illustrations—even details such as the mother’s scarf—were deeply familiar.

Now, I can list how each moment in the plot and certain illustrations met a longing. It is a new window into my childhood.

Are any longings revealed in your children’s favorite books? Your favorites?

Family, Friendship, Memories

My Sunsets

October 24th, 2021
Mollie T. Cox

When I started 100words.us, I promised myself I would never post a photo of a sunset. I had seen too many on the internet and had become insensitive to them and a bit derisive of their triteness.

And then my husband and I spent a week of evenings sitting on a fishing pier and watching the sun retreat over the water. My too numerous photos seemed perfect to share. They had to be shared. Except, I couldn’t.

I couldn’t break the promise to myself to not post sunsets. More importantly, I couldn’t because the sunsets were ours. Those not present could never experience the wondering if the clouds would break or the beautiful colors that were eventually revealed when an opening let the sunlight through. Nor could they feel the excitement if an evening predicted intense colors.

My sunset photos not only reminded me of the expectation, the surprise, and the savoring, but also the movement of the water, the breezes, the conversation, and finally, the lights of the distant town after the event was over.

Some sharing isn’t possible, but along the way, I gained more respect for those who attempt it.

Do you risk sharing the un-shareable?

Family, Friendship, Parenting

The Relationship Test

October 17th, 2021
Mollie T. Cox

How do you know you care about certain people? You want to be in their presence.

Drop by my house. Come any time.

How do you know they care about you? They want to be in your presence.

We’ll make space for you. Everyone scoot over.

My most memorable example came from a two-year-old when I was hiking the Tijuca Forest with a cousin and his four young children. Caves were our first destination.

Before we entered, my cousin mentioned that his youngest was afraid of the dark.

“I’ll hold Daniel while you explore with the others,” I offered.

Since his birth, I’d spent weeks being the child’s caretaker while his father worked, and his mother received medical care.

“He won’t leave me.”

He was right. The two-year-old refused relief from his fear and clung to my cousin’s neck. He would rather be with his father in the dark he hated than without his father in the light he loved.

Throughout the day, it was obvious Daniel loved his father so much that nothing was worth leaving his presence.

To whom do you cling?

…in your presence there is fullness of joy…
Psalm 16:11