Blog archive
March 2024
Addressing The Needs of Older Adults Through Pasadena Village
03/25/2024
Coming Soon: More Resources for Older Americans, Online and in Person
03/25/2024
Community Building Locally and Nationally
03/25/2024
Preparing for the Future with Ready or Not
03/25/2024
Volunteering is at The Heart of the Village
03/25/2024
Women's Liberation: Then and Now
03/25/2024
Writing Memoirs Together
03/25/2024
Current Views on Current Events
03/20/2024
Unchained
03/18/2024
Rumr of Humor issue # 2409
03/10/2024
Blacks Portrayed by European Artists
03/03/2024
Rumor of Humor #2408
03/03/2024
February 2024
Caring for Ourselves and Each Other
02/27/2024
Doug Colliflower Honored
02/27/2024
Great Decisions Connects Us to the Worldwide Community
02/27/2024
Letter from the President
02/27/2024
Pasadena Village's Impact
02/27/2024
The Power of Touch
02/27/2024
Villages as a New Approach to Aging
02/27/2024
Addressing Gang Violence in Pasadena-Altadena
02/21/2024
Rumor of Humor Issue 2407
02/19/2024
Thank You For Caring.
02/12/2024
Rumor of Humor 2405
02/11/2024
Curve Balls
02/10/2024
Sylvan Lane
02/10/2024
Rumor of Humor 2404
02/09/2024
Larry Duplechan, Blacks in Film
02/03/2024
January 2024
Pasadena Village Joins Community Partners in Vaccination Campaign
01/29/2024
Rumor of Humor #2403
01/28/2024
Pasadena Village Joins Two Healthy Aging Resource Projects
01/25/2024
Decluttering: Do It Now
01/24/2024
Village Volunteers Contribute to the Huntington Magic
01/24/2024
Villagers Creating Community
01/24/2024
Villagers Reflect on Black History Month
01/24/2024
Walk With Ease, 2024
01/24/2024
Wide Ranging Discussion on Current Issues
01/22/2024
Wide Ranging Discussion on Current Issues
01/22/2024
Rumor of Humor # 2402
01/21/2024
Rumor of Humor # 2401
01/15/2024
Re- Entry Programs, a Personal Experience
01/08/2024
“A Mother’s Miracle”, Poem
By Linda SimmonsPosted: 08/16/2020
“A Mother’s Miracle”
Christmas, circa 1983
From the book, This Was Meant to Be
by Linda Jones Simmons
My mama said she loved me,
And I sure hoped she did,
Her eyes shone bright as candles,
Though in them sorrow hid.
As I lay in her arms,
She rocked me to and fro,
“I love you, baby Ruby,”
Her spirit seemed to glow.
Her skin felt smooth and warm,
She always smelled so sweet,
She stroked my hair and cheek,
And then began to speak.
“Tho’ I mus’ leave you soon,
I want you to know,
Chil’, I’ll always love you,
Know that this is so.”
The fire crackled loudly,
The embers were aglow,
“Where you goin’, Mama?
Where do you have to go?”
The room began to darken,
As she looked down at me,
“I don’t know how to tell you,
Jus’ know you’re dear to me.”
“Oh, Mama, please don’t go!
Don’t leave us here alone.”
Outside the leaves were falling,
The wind began to groan.
Then I heard a rap,
Two men they came inside,
The fire began to dwindle,
Oh, how we children cried.
“Hang on, Ruby Babe,
You the mama now,
Girl, you keep yo’ faith,
’Cause I’ll return somehow.”
Two years ago it was,
They took her away,
I’d become the mama,
There was no time for play.
It was nearly Christmas,
The air was crisp and dry,
The house was sad and empty,
I heard my sister sigh.
“Be still a little while longer,”
I drew her near to me,
We nestled close together,
Not knowing what we’d see.
The door opened slightly,
The light shone from behind,
A shadowy slender figure,
Made her way inside.
“Oh, Mama! That you, Mama?”
“Yes, Ruby Babe, and how!
I’m home ‘n’ free at las’,
Aint nothin’ c’n part us now!”
The flames rose up and crackled,
We hugged each other tight,
Strains of carols resounded,
Throughout that winter night.