Happy Mother's Day
By, Cheryl Harwell Bailey 

I know I share a great many blogs about my "Mother," but I can't help it.
 Allow me to tell you a bit more about her.
 I'll try to keep it short & sweet.

She was born in Texas! The #2 daughter to Grover & Vivian Donaldson. 
 Mama says she had a perfect childhood.

Carolyn Donaldson

 She was born in 1935, the same year as Elvis!
Her family moved to Tulare, California when mom was still a baby. 
Her parents owned a California Dairy Farm.
 She lived in the same home, until she married my Father. 
She went to the same school, a one room schoolhouse. 
She had a horse, a Jack Russell terrier, and loved to sing and play the piano.

Her personality is modest, a little shy,
 but her love of singing, overcame the shyness.
 Grandpa would stand her up, on the hood of his car, in downtown Tulare to sing. 
She performed to cheers of more please, especially when she sang "Oh Johnny!"

The Donaldson Family
Grandpa, Benny Ruth, Cordell, & Carolyn, (my Mama)
She grew up surrounded by music, poetry, and writing. She is an American Girl!

"The Donaldson Family"

Her First and Only Love,
 "Kenneth Harwell"

When still a Freshman in High School, her life would forever be changed. 
The year she met my "Dad," at a "Methodist" Youth Camp, in the Santa Cruz hills.
 Altho she was only 14 years old, she knew there would never be anyone else  for her.

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Harwell

Wedding at "Grandma's Cottage" on September 22, 1951.

After writing & singing a beautiful ballad about Kenneth,
 and many battles over being too young, 
their parents caved in!
  That was almost 62 years ago. 

I was born 18 months after they married.
 I was raised by young cool parents!

"Baby Brother and Me."

"Three Little Kids for the Flavor"
Leasa, Steve, & Cheryl
Mom made my little tartan suit. She loved to sew.
 She also gave me a "Tonette,"  home hair permanent.

My Sweet Mother

She never spent money on herself. 
The "Choker & Earring Set" she's wearing, and the dress,
 were Christmas gifts from my Daddy. 
 She always styled her own hair.
 I loved it when she wore it in a "french twist!" 

This Piano is still in the family, after 5 generations. 
Grandpa paid $7.00 for it at a "Fire Sale" in the 1930's.
 She played, sang & wrote many songs on it. 
She sewed the dresses we are wearing in this photo.
 She cut & styled our groovy hair do's.

True Love

Teaching her Grand-baby-girl, " Kendra" to skate.

Dancing with Daddy

Mother, I love you with every fiber of my being,
Happy Mother's Day!

Mother of "3," Grandmother of "9", Great-Grandmother of "11" and counting!