As poorly as we all feel about the passing of “Momma”, I prefer to consider this time as a “Celebration” a celebration of an incredible life”………
Imagine you are a 24 year old young mother with 3 babies (the oldest being only 5) widowed by the war in Europe, having a minimal education with no special skills and faced with challenges that no one should have to endure alone….but she did and some how through incredible courage and plain hard work raised those children to be outstanding individuals in their own right….of course, I am a bit prejudiced about all three of them, particularly the middle one!!…
Momma and I celebrated our birthdays on the same day, which helped form a bond between us that has lasted over 50 years. Ola Belle was everyone’s friend and top chef…..her beauty, personality, sense of humor and warmth was incredibly addictive. She was your friend as soon as you first met her. She also won over many friends by baking one of her prize cakes. In my case, it was a birthday cake she made for me when Chet and I were still cadets at The Citadel. I was certainly hooked for a lifetime.
Let’s remember the good times and the happiness that Momma brought to so many people. As sweet as she was, she was no push-over and could be a tough old gal when she needed to be….perhaps that is what most of us loved about her so much…..certainly, if you ever needed some help financially, she didn’t hesitate…..she was the first person to loan money to Pat and I when I started my business knowing that if my business failed, there would be no pay back….fortunately for all of us, that did not occur and I was thrilled to be able to return the money (with interest) …..
I never felt like a “son-in-law” with Momma…..she was my “Tennessee hillbilly” mother and easily filled the void when my Mom passed several years ago. One of the final comments she made to Pat, Di and me at the hospital the day before she passed was “did you get something to eat”? She never wanted anyone to miss a meal!!
Let’s celebrate a very full and happy life for Ola Belle Holsclaw-Taylor-Penn-Scott- Campbell.
Dick Almes—September 11, 2011