May 7, 2015…. To celebrate Mother’s Day I wish to honor a very special woman who played that role for me.
Mildred Bodley Barber was my best friend’s Mom. She took me under her wing and invited me to call her by her college nickname: “Bodle”. We shared a unique relationship. Since we didn’t have any of the ancient history that comes with one’s upbringing, we could relate more as friends. She accepted and nurtured my dreams and goals. Mildred was an artist and art teacher, a warmhearted, charitable woman who allowed people to be quirky without judgement, a loving mother and a devoted wife. Although Mildred was quiet and unassuming, she was beautiful and always carried herself with dignity and poise. Just look at the above photo, Wow!
And, of course, Mildred, “Bodle” was an avid letter writer. She would devote her Sunday afternoons to letter writing. She was the hub who kept the family informed of all the various goings on. Her letters held the family together. Since I was included in the family, I, too, received letters.
Here is a sample of Bodle’s script- crisp and very legible. She had a wonderful closing line that I’ve adopted as a favorite saying, and, what a joy, I found it in this letter. I had not realized that the remark was something that her mother had said to her: “I need you in my world”.