I remember Momma as the least pretentious person I ever knew. She had no fine furs or jewelry and except for her children the American dream did not pass her by. She was a simple woman with simple tastes and never lost her old-world ways. The notion she night be better than anyone else never crossed her mind. She was the epitome of a classless society. She made almost no material requests and was grateful for whatever small, good fortune occasionally came her way. She spent a lifetime doing menial labor, as a housewife and mother and in a factory hand sewing mens’ ties. When she became older and a bit arthritic, she enjoyed spending two weeks each summer in Saratoga Springs, New York, taking mineral baths, always staying in a small rooming house where she did her own cooking and made her own bed. One year rather late in the season, Momma found out the rooming house had closed and no accommodations elsewhere were to be had. My sister Katie made some inquiries and located a small hotel in Sharon Springs, New York, a place that was known for mineral baths, and the hotel did have a room available. Momma had never stayed at a hotel and was intimidated by the thought of doing so, but when she realized it was the only way she could have the baths, she agreed to go. When she returned home, my sister helped her unpack and while doing so, she noticed a small gift wrapped package. “What is this? my sister asked. “A present” Momma said. “ For whom? my sister asked. “It is for me” Momma said. “Who gave it to you?” my sister asked. "The Chamber maid at the hotel” Momma said. “Momma” my sister said “ When you go to a hotel you are supposed to give the chambermaid a gift. “ Why on earth did the chambermaid give you a gift?” “Because” Momma said “ I helped her make the beds.
Ben Haber
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