Mom spontaneously sang the line above and Dad said “you’re getting pretty funny in your old age”. Mom replied “Yeah. Too bad I’m croakin'”, while laughing, of course.
I think it goes without saying we Fountains (Mom’s side) aren’t exactly known for being an emotional family. In fact a close friend told me if I ever cry she would think my face was malfunctioning. However, that isn’t a reflection of our not being sentimental. Mom and Dad are pretty simple people. They don’t have a lot and they don’t need a lot. While Dad may have a touch of hoarder inside Mom is quick to purge. But do you know that she still has a peanut shell and paper clip that Dad was fiddling with on their 1st date… 45 years ago?!?!? A peanut shell! Nearly half a century and I want to know how that hasn’t disintegrated!
She also has a rubber mouse he gave her early in their relationship. Hmmm… I should really ask the story behind that.
Their relationship hasn’t been filled with expensive or elaborate gifts. I’m pretty sure mom got tires as an anniversary gift one year. Ladies, let that sink in… Tires. Another year she wanted a tree and you better believe she got it! A few years back she wanted a new push mower (cutting the grass is her thing) so he got her a weed eater too, cause he’s romantic like that. For most of my childhood I clearly remember Dad bringing home Bachelor Buttons once a year (I’m pretty sure he still does). In case you didn’t know, around here Bachelor Buttons grow on the side of the road in spring. They were weeds and FREE and typically delivered in a 5 gallon bucket soaking up the leftover Dawn & ammonia water from a day of washing windows. And. Mom. loved. them! You want to know why? Because he first stopped to pick her these “weeds” in 1982, en route to the hospital for Ben to be born. They were fresh out of Bethel, broke as a joke and it became a tradition. Fast Forward 25+ years and while dating Kim, Ben stopped on the side of the road to get (read: steal) a lily for her. His “vase” of choice? A Taco Bell cup. Romantic, huh? He comes by it honest, bless his heart. Simple, but meaningful, gifts are certainly appreciated in our family!
Other things that aren’t lost on our crazy clan: mildly flippant jokes. I don’t remember the context but something prompted Ben to ask Mom “Wait. Are you undercover anointed?” Shocked, she said “I have received no such invitation! And He knows good ‘n well not to send me one!” I think it’s pretty safe to say we’ll see her right here on earth, lol. (Psalm 37:11) As for life in this system, Mom said she’s going to enjoy this ride if it kills her! I’m not kidding… that’s a verbatim quote. Hey, we do serve a happy God! (Psalm 144:15)
What’s your favorite Luci story? Share in a comment below. 😊
Dying Laughing 
REAL. MAPLE. SYRUP. Not necessarily a story, but Aunt Luci taught me a life lesson in the value of certain high quality foods! 😉 I spent many-a-summers at Luci’s house and most consisted of mornings I spent eating breakfast with her bc “somebody” wouldn’t wake up (despite Uncle Dana’s insane attempts to wake us up!). Anywho, Aunt Luci always made breakfast and despite being simple and content, she always had real maple syrup (which ain’t cheap)!!! A “luxury” that you would never find in my mother’s house. To this day, it’s hard to eat a waffle or pancakes without real maple syrup and you will ALWAYS find it in my pantry!! Now the Debbie comes out in me too bc I still buy the cheap stuff for my kids bc they don’t quite appreciate the real stuff yet lololol!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Picture this McCormick 1997: mother ( that would be me) walks into the local Kingdom Hall. Holding a 3 month old baby ( Gabriela) . Baby is quite as could be right before the meeting ( very rare) . Suddenly out of no where a women ( Luci ) proceeds to take the pacifier out of the quite babies mouth. Needless to say , the baby was not quite the rest of the meeting. True story. The end
LikeLiked by 1 person
I met your mom when she and her family moved to Seneca SC as need greaters. I was 15, she 16. We have crossed paths through the years and have had many mutual friends. I got a text last night from my brother Tim Millard telling me about your mom. We are so sorry for your loss.
One of my favorite stories about your mom was when we worked together in the kitchen during the Salisbury construction. We were discussing the recent awake article about menopause, and perimenopause. We were both at that point in our lives. She said she asked your dad if he read it, and he said yes.. She, in her usual direct way told him, well read it again! We laughed so hard over that. I guess the last time I saw you guys was the Salisbury dedication. Looking forward to welcoming so many back in the new world. Give your Dad a big hug from us.
Anita(formally Millard) and Mark Lail
Valdese, NC
LikeLiked by 1 person
I also remember one day at Salisbury kitchen when Luci cam it with several giant black trash bags of collard green. She picked them and talked the farmer into giving them to her. We cleaned, destemmed and cooked them for the worker’s meal. To this day, whenever I eat collards, I remember those wonderful times..
LikeLike
I also remember one day at Salisbury kitchen when Luci came in with several giant black trash bags full of collard greens. She picked them and talked the farmer into giving them to her. We cleaned, destemmed and cooked them for the worker’s meal that day. To this day, whenever I eat collards, I remember those wonderful times..
LikeLike