In 2023 an article was published by Lewis Grizzard about the many sacrifices and the many reasons that he loved his mother. (Chattanoogan.com, Tuesday, May 9.)
It a short excerpt from his 1991 best seller “Don’t Forget to Call Your Mama… I Wish I Could Call Mine” (Longstreet Press).
The title is based on the famous quote from Alabama football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant’s television commercial on behalf of South Central Bell telephone company.
In 140 pages he traces his life with his mama, Christine Word Grizzard, and what she wanted from her son from his birth until she died after the disease that eventually took her life after many years:
What Mama always wanted most, what cost the least and meant the most, was a simple phone call. I didn't call Mama enough. I called her, but not enough. I tried to remember to call at least twice a week, but I'd be travelling or get caught up in some project, and I'd just plain forget.
It was difficult talking to Mama on the phone the last several years of her life. Once I said, "Mama, how are you?" and she answered, "I guess I'm doing pretty good." It was hard to get any lengthy dialogue going after that.
There were times I even felt like it was hard on Mama to get a telephone call. She had lost some of her hearing and had to ask me to repeat most everything I said. She often would put the receiver at her mouth and would complain to H.B. (step father) "I can't hear Lewis."
He would turn it around for her. What she always was interested to hear was when I was coming to visit her.
"Mama," I'd say, "I'll be down to see you a week from Monday."
"A week from when, son?"
"Monday, Mama. Anything you need me to bring you?"
"I can't think of a thing."
"Anything you need to talk to me about?"
"Well, I guess not."
"I love you, Mama."
"I love you, too, Sugar."
"Let me talk to H.B. before I go."
"Okay."
"Bye, Mama."
"Bye, son."
That was about it for the last years of her life.
Still, when I would visit Mama, she would always tell me as I left, "Don't forget to call me. I just like hearing your voice."
H.B. chastised me at times when I'd go a week or two without calling. "She always seems to sleep better after she hears from you," he said.
Yeah, I regret not calling her more. There's some guilt that will probably remain with me. It's such a simple little thing to do. Call your Mama. Even if you talk for just thirty seconds, she enjoys it. She might even live for it.
(LG’s message in 1991 is still valid in 2025- if you still have the opportunity!)
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If you have additional information about one of Mr. Summers' articles or have suggestions or ideas about a future Chattanooga area historical piece, please contact him at jsummers@summersfirm.com)
Jerry Summers