Ten Things of Thankful 1-26-2026

My mother Thelma Laverne Hall Tomey in 1977 and my sister Paula Annette Tomey Allen holding a painting by my niece Kayla Doiron Wygal

It’s TTOT time and it would be unforgivable to myself to skip past this month. It’s a month of months and especially special to me as it’s my mother’s birthday month. Although she crossed over several long years ago, she lives in my heart every single day. It is also the month that my sister crossed over too soon. It is most fitting to place them side by side in this image window.

My sister, being four years my senior, took it to her responsibility to mother me, especially after mom passed away. Paula and I were always close, even when we weren’t, and loved each other as sisters do. Mom taught me about the life of a kind, sensitive soul who always put others before herself. She didn’t do so with words, although her storytelling was to be admired, especially the humorous stories, she moreso did this with examples. There were times, especially later in her life, when mom would have been crying over someone she was concerend about. We would talk it over and connect with the tenderness she held in her heart. I am most grateful for both of these women and wish I could sit with them. To be honest, though, I have talked to both of them since they have gone – not face to face, by spirit to spirit. When alone, my words may slip from my mouth. It’s my time to share with them and I hold it as precious. I do this with others, as well, but these two are my focus today.

Mom always like the colors of green and gold. She’s wearing a gold dress in this photo which means she was going somewhere special. It was likely that she was going out dancing with daddy. They danced often and were reminiscent of famous ballroom dancers. Daddy always said that it was mom who took the prize for dancing and he followed her lead. I am grateful that we got to go dancing with them, espcially at the NCO club on family dinner night. I did not inherit these ballroom dancing skills, but could cut a pretty good, fast dance rug. How I wish mom would have been a cancer survivor and lived longer. I am grateful for the time we had and to be able to be present.

The striped dress meant I was going to the NCO club with my siblings and parents. The shorts picture was when I was about 13 and goofing around dancing in the living room. I am pretty sure that my sister was taking the picture and likely dancing with me. The what would have been me in a red dress that belonged to my sister, was my first Valentine’s dance in 7th grade. I had a computer selected date from a fund raising event at the junior high. While I was matched and was supposed to meet him at the dance, he showed up with his own date. While I didn’t like the idea, I was relieved. I danced up a storm, so to speak, taking over the dance floor in the twist contest. I suppose that I learned early in life, that dancing it off was the way to go. I am grateful for the attitude that saved my embarrassment. Fun fact: My sister styled my hair and put makeup on me. We dyed her red dress to make it even more red. From vigorous dancing, I came home with red on the white blouse, under my arms. Another event to laugh off.

November 2013 Paula and Lisa at the hair salon. We had to get a picture with our fresh dos. It was a couple of years later when we would last see each other. I am grateful that we had this time together. Although we had the cancer challenge (she never wanted it called a battle but a belief that cancer would take a flight away) it did mean spending time together we may not otherwise have had. The cancer did go away. And I am grateful for the time we had.

That’s what I have for TTOT time this week. Blessings and Peace to you all.

Just a side note: This is Cancer Talk Week

2 thoughts on “Ten Things of Thankful 1-26-2026”