Laura's Daughters

Do you ever wonder what you will leave this earth once you leave this earth? Actually, that is one reason why I started this blog chronologically tracing my journey to age 50. I just turned 49 in October. It was a very emotional birthday and time for me. Not simply because I'm getting older (as that's a blessing!), but because of its personal significance to me.

My mother died just days before her 49th birthday. In fact, her funeral was on Sept. 8th, which was her 49th birthday.  As I entered my 40's, I secretly wondered if I would make it out of this decade. I particularly wondered if I would live past my mother's age.....even if it were only by one day.

It was deeper than that, however. My mother's chronological age was pretty young when she passed, yet she lived a rich, productive life. She did more living than many who live into old age ever experience.  That is because she actually lived! I don't mean that she simply enjoyed the blessing of breathing God's air and having a pumping heart. That IS a blessing within itself. But Mama showed me that it's even more of a blessing to be of service to God by giving our lives to Him by serving others.

Carla (left) and Mama - Laura Houston Young (right). Cousin Patrice in background. (1978)

Mama used everything God gave her to be a blessing to others. She truly used her gifts to their fullest. She didn't even think about it. Everything she did was like second nature. It was like breathing. I choose to live my life as Mama lived, and taught. I thank God for giving me life beyond 49 years, and I pray that whatever time He leaves me with on this earth, I live it wisely, responsibly, and honorably.

Mama wasn't perfect, because no person is, but she was perfect for us. She was Mama! She made mistakes, I'm sure, but who knew? She was just her, and in so being, she impacted many lives. She taught us by example how to deal with people, how to treat them, and most of all, how to love others. I don't know not one person who ever met my mother who did not walk away a better person.  No one walked away unchanged for the better.  She had a way of empowering, uplifting, encouraging, and even teaching.  But most of all, the most notable and lasting impressions she left was that of her giving heart.  She taught us how to give of ourselves, and out of our resources.

Did Mama leave a great legacy?  Absolutely!  The obvious is her memory. Remembering Mama makes us smile because the memories are so pleasant.  Remembering also makes us cry at times because we miss her so deeply.  But then, we have to smile again because we know that she wanted us to carry on and to be our best.

There are times when I'm feeling low and I encourage myself by saying, "You are Laura's daughter!"  There is nothing like knowing who you are.  Because I'm Laura's daughter, that means that I am strong and capable.  And I have a great legacy to carry on.  I owe it to my Mama to do well and to be the best that I can be.

Laura's Daughters! Carla (middle) and daughters Tiffanie (left) and Anaiah (right)
2010

I am now a Mama with 3 children of my own. Mama raised 3 children, and I am her only daughter. She died before my children were born, so they don't have the fond memories that I have of her. However, her life never really died because I (and my brothers) have kept her alive in words, pictures, laughter, and our own lives.

I have 2 daughters, Tiffanie and Anaiah. Tiffanie's middle name is Laura because I wanted to carry on Mama's name. My daughters and I will be carrying on Mama's name in another way as well. During this holiday season, as a pre-launch, we will be exhibiting our talents and crafts by providing homebaked goodies and products under the name, "Laura's Daughters". In January, we will begin launching our line of products. All in the memory and excellence of Mama - Laura Houston Young.

Keep watching out for more from Laura's Daughters. We have a great legacy to carry on.

Blessings!

Proudly Laura's Daughter,
Carla