9/11 - The Help - Mary Lou Galloway

On Sunday - September 11, 2011, I realized just how deeply my pain of my life was.  Even though there has been so much emotional and physical healing over my life, the memories that floated through my mind stung deeply.  Ouch! Pain I thought you were gone!!

For all of us 9/11 will forever be deeply rooted within us.  Each one of us have stories and emotions for this day that Changed The World as we knew it.  For 9/11 not only changed me as an American, but it  marked the beginning of every areas of my life being shattered apart, leaving me totally undone.  My professional life, my personal life and even my spiritual life had been shattered. 

Knowing my emotions were already in the ouch stage, I went recently to see The Help.  The book itself had left me somewhat bittersweet for it allowed memories from growing up to spring forth!  The movie was very well done in keeping with The Book.  What I was not expecting was the emotional roller coaster it would take me on.  There were so many scenes that jerked opened memories that had nothing to do with the movie but with my life and those that have been apart of my life. As I told my BFF I could write  side bar emotional scenarios all through.

So with all that being said about 9/11 and The Help I will unfold for you some of my thoughts and I am sure many of you will have your own sidebar thoughts as well.

When my folks adopted me, my mother hired a young girl around 10 - 11 years old to play with me.  Over the years she became a very important part of my life - my whole families life.  My folks regarded her with great respect.  In fact one of the facts about my folks that I must say was a very positive influence in my life was being raised to respect others for who they are, not for their ethnic differences.

Mother's name was Mary and this young lady's name was Mary.  Thus she became to all of us Little Mary.  She was academically very smart - She was very creative - and she played the piano like the keys were magic under her touch.

Mary Lou Galloway - how I wish I knew where you were - I would just say thank you for loving me right where I was - being their for those moments of sadness in my life as a young girl.  I think of you often and would just like to know you are doing well.

Memories of Little Mary are highlighted with Playing "Daddy's Britches" laughing so hard I cried with wonderful delight - learning to play the piano by ear - playing with your doll - hugging me when I failed at so many thing - taking you to college and attending your bridal shower.  You gave to us all so unselfishly.

One of the memories that stands out so vividly that was prompted by The Help, was when we went to South Georgia one summer.  One of my aunts planned an outdoor cook out - and she did not want Mary to eat with us.  Even as a young girl, I was so offended at her - I waited and ate with Little Mary.  In looking back, I wish I could have just slapped my aunt for being so rude.

I don't remember the last time I actually saw Little Mary, I think it was some 30 plus years ago that I actually talked to her o the phone - Where ever you are today - Know that I love you dearly and I thank you all you gave of yourself to me and to my family.

For now I will end   . . .  Would love to hear your thoughts and memories from 9/11 and The Help.