An ode to Mama Anderson

(writing odes is a silly tradition in my family-my mom started many, many years ago)

Anderson, Mama was the name you liked the most

You had two beautiful daughters and 3 grandbabes you loved to boast

You loved odes so much, now it's you we roast

Husband Marc of 40 years, you claimed was not always right

But he was constantly there for you to hold you tight

He held your hand while you were putting up a good fight

Even though plump and bald, he was your George Clooney

He stayed by your side in the hospital when you were a little loony

He learned to pluck eyebrows, do laundry, grocery shop and count pills

He was the bath lady, cook, hairdresser and even more still

You never thought you would see the day that Dad paid the bills

Your two daughters were always the apple of your eye

You left us too soon, we are still wondering why

Whenever we think of you, it’s hard not to cry

You were a wonderful mother, you made it look simple

From changing dirty diapers to teenagers with pimples

From you we learned to be good moms, wives and clean bottle nipples

You loved coming to visit us in the Palouse up at WSU

Rolling in the leaves, football games, going to the frats

Even though they were a total zoo

We know that your hair we helped turn grey, but in the end we turned out alright

We are now both in the medical field, a drug-dealer and a scientist who looks at poo under light

You finally got the sons you always wished you had

They even came with cool names, Nathan and Brad

Your girls always had good taste, and for that you were glad

Go Cougs and Who Dat you would love to cheer

You’d never miss a tailgate, as long as there was beer

Together we caused a scene wherever we went

We are lucky security never our way was sent

That tricky treadmill, anise bears and moon pies, so many things made us smile

You could always hear us laughing, even in the next aisle

We joked, we giggled, our pants almost wet

I’m going to pee, was the warning sent

When laughing so hard, no noise out was let

Silly grandma you were called by the grandchildren you adored

Undies on your head, shaking your hair, they would always scream for more

Abigail, Ben and Evie- they are the ones that will miss out the most

Your time with them was cut too short, but someday to you they will raise a toast

You loved to exercise, step aerobics was your thing

In spandex and a thong, Mony Mony you would sing

You liked to do cartwheels, handstands, yoga moves and other party tricks

Even after you got older, it took you back to your days of cheerleading kicks

So many stories you would tell time after time

The dog bite, don’t you know “I’m clinically obese” you would chime

You boasted of your gas, a room you could clear

Don’t give JoAnn beans or else away you should steer

She could hear a fart before it happened just by turning an ear

You were an expert at coming up with games, costumes and gifts

Everyone wanted you at the top of their invite list

If it involved fun, family and friends, it was a party you never missed

You always claimed you couldn’t cook, bake or fry

But your food was always devoured; we didn’t even have to try

It was pure luck that no one ever came down with the E coli

You were kind, generous, loving, creative and silly

A fabulous mom, friend, sister, wife and everything really

I’m not here for a long time, I’m here for a good time you would say

You lived your life to the fullest each and every day

You loved nothing more than your feet in the sand

I hope that in heaven you are ruling the land

Laughing and dancing, a lemon drop in your hand

You are with your mom and sister now, together at last

I’m sure you three are up there causing a ruckus and having a blast

We miss you already, forever in our hearts you will stay

Rest in peace Mama, we love you, down may you lay