"The Crying Lady" is what the muddied inscription says on the plaque of the sculpture. The marble sculpture is obviously very old and once revered for even though time has taken away its gleam,the love of the sculptors hands can still be seen.
Local legend in this small town says that the sculpture was titled thus because once, a time long forgotten, the marble statue shed a tear. Legend also says that once, people all over the country visited the statue to see if there was any truth to the legend.Men and women from afar tried their utmost to make the statue shed a tear.Never again did it cry and everyone in time forgot the statues significance nor the sculptors reason for creating such a wonder.
Years later,a storm has devastated the town and its people were in need of help.Homes were destroyed,crops were damaged and livestock lost .Families were separated in the turmoil ,confusion reigned the day.
A young boy of maybe two or three lost his mother in the throng of people that was making its way towards help. The boy frightened , not knowing what to do, somehow found himself with his arms around the "Crying Lady". A forlorn and frightened"Mamaaa...." came unbidden from his lips .He closed his little eyes and sat down yet still with his arms around the statue and from exhaustion mercifully has fallen deeply asleep.
For how long he was like that he will never remember. All he knows was when he opened his young eyes , both his parents were there holding him and both looking at the statue in awe for the statue's eyes unmistakably had what could only be described as tears.
I read this story when i was a really young boy of maybe nine or ten . The story came back to me while i was driving to do an errand for mum .My mom is fifty nine today. God knows how time has just flown.One of my fondest memories with mum is i use to sit and watch her create magic in the kitchen and explain to me why my favourite meat is cooked not just once but twice so that the flavour and the texture are at its best .Then after wards ,giving me the juiciest portion of the meal to further demonstrate her flawless cooking technique.
I am all grown up now yet still mum's home conjures; love , warmth, happiness and safety for the rest of my years. The best part is i am starting to get to know her as a personand not just a parent .I dont know if i have thanked her enough for everything that she has done but i guess,i know she knows.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
