One Hundred Years, One Hundred Words

Written by Mark Johnson

It’s a daunting task, trying to capture a full life–in this case, my mother’s–in one hundred words (and a dozen pictures). But, today, on the one hundredth anniversary of her birth, this is how I choose to remember Helen Matilda Ferrell Johnson, beyond our story that sprang From Fertile Ground.

***

Born July 26, 1923; High Point, North Carolina.

Child of the Depression.

Dutiful daughter. Responsible older sister.

Fine furniture lover.

1945. St. Louis, Missouri, bound.

Patient wife. Long fuse. Quick temper.

Attentive mother. Hard worker.

Loyal friend. Compassionate trailblazer.

Unintended, unidentified feminist.

Reliable next-door neighbor.

Proud mother. Devoted grandmother.

Smart saver and investor.

Advocate for the disabled and needy.

Southern storyteller. Avid letter writer.

Rock and shell hunter.

Animal advocate. Grateful green thumb.

Observant camera bug. Crafty potter.

Contented retiree. Resilient fighter.

Northern Illinois octogenarian.

Wise realist. Chair rocker.

Fading sunset lover.

Gone January 26, 2013; Wheaton, Illinois.

Full moon.

Helen Ferrell at age six in 1929.
Helen walking with younger sister Frances in the 1930s.
Helen arriving in St. Louis by train outside Union Station in 1945.
Helen in Texas in the 1950s.
Helen and Walter Johnson in Texas on her twenty-sixth birthday.
Helen outside their Texas apartment in the early 1950s.
The Johnson family in 1959 in St. Louis.
Helen and Maggie in Mount Prospect, Illinois; New Year’s Day 1999.
Helen singing Waltzing Matilda on her eightieth birthday in Geneva, Illinois.
Helen the gardener in the early 2000s.
Helen showing off her manicured nails in Wheaton, Illinois in 2011.
Mark and Helen in January 2013, a few weeks before she passed.

14 thoughts on “One Hundred Years, One Hundred Words”

  1. Mark,

    What a wonderful tribute. I so enjoy the photos. Esp. last one with you and the early ones.

    Your Flag get away is charming!

    Love and hugs to you and Tom.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  2. Dearest friend

    I love this memoir of your mother. I had forgotten one of the many parallels of our lives is that both our mothers were born in 1923 and both married men named ‘Walter’

    So grateful to be in your life 💕
    Garry P

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. I really enjoyed seeing these pictures and the words you chose to write were perfect. I truly enjoyed talking with her about investments, she had a passion for it and was one sharp lady! What a wonderful 100th birthday tribute!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a comment