A mother reflects on ‘the greatest blessing on Earth’ in honor of Mother’s Day

Blair Sexton Greene always dreamed of becoming a mother.

Three children seemed like the perfect number. After all, she grew up in a three-kid home in Perry. So did Ernest, her husband and high school sweetheart.

 Their first child was a boy.  They named him Miles. Three years later, along came another boy. They called him Sid. A third son arrived in the world two years ago last month. They named him Owen.

My three sons. 

Life in a fraternity house. Never a dull moment.

Blair wears motherhood like a badge of honor. The queen’s cup runneth over.

“There is nothing more fulfilling than being a mother,’’ she said. “It’s the biggest blessing in the world.’’

Like most families, every day is “wash” day at the Greene house.

Wash clothes. Wash dishes. Wash your hands before you come to the supper table.

Yes, there’s also “Washed Out.’’ 

That is Ernest’s stage and professional name. He is a nationally-known singer, songwriter and record producer. He has been called a pioneer of the “chillwave” musical genre, a fusion of indie rock and electronic pop music.

Music is what brought Blair and Ernest together. They were students at The Westfield School and members of the same youth group at Perry United Methodist Church, where they were chosen to sing a duet one Christmas. 

Ernest was in the 10th grade. Blair was an eighth-grader. They sang “Keep the Faith.’’ They began dating the following year.

They married in 2009, about the time Ernest’s musical career with  “Washed Out” took off like a rocket. His first concert in New York sold out and was written up in The New York Times.

Blair began helping her husband with the band’s scheduling and merchandising. She went on tour with him. She played the
keyboard and did some singing.

“Even though it was a grind, we got to travel and see the world,’’ Blair said. “We went to Australia, Japan and Europe. It was a fast-paced life, but I wouldn’t give anything for it.’’

A Washed Out song called “Feel It All Around” became the theme song for the IFC comedy series “Portlandia” for eight seasons.

While the adventures of her 20s afforded her the “coolest opportunity,’’ Blair settled into motherhood when she turned 30.

Their oldest son was born in October 2015. Having been globetrotting on tour for a decade, it was only fitting that they named him Miles. When Sid was born in 2018, the Greenes were living in Decatur. 

“Ernest traveled a lot,’’ Blair said. “He was always at an airport.’’

Blair’s father, Jim Sexton, died in August 2020, not long after he retired and sold the family business, Davis Oil Company. 

The following year, the Greenes relocated to Middle Georgia to be closer to their families. Blair’s mother, Vickie, and her sister and brother live in Perry. Ernest’s parents, Patty and Ernest Greene, also live in Perry.

They bought a house in Macon with 20 acres and a small cabin on the  property, where Ernest could do his work. They enrolled the boys at a nearby private school and found a church home. And Ernest was still close to the airport in Atlanta.

Blair was 37 years old when she found out she was pregnant with child No. 3.  Because of her age, the doctors ordered blood work. 

After the lab results came back, the Greenes were told their unborn child would have Down syndrome.

“We were shocked and floored,’’ Blair said. “But once we grieved and wrapped our heads around it, I began reading all the books I could about it to give me a sense of hope and
openness.’’

One of those books was “Bloom: Finding Beauty in the Unexpected,’’ a memoir by Kelle Hampton. It chronicled the first year of the life of the author’s  daughter, Nella, who was born with Down syndrome.

“The theme for her first birthday party was ‘Bloom Where You’re Planted,’’’ Blair said. “When I read that, things finally started to make sense. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. When I was in high school, that was my senior quote (in the yearbook). I was called to do this.’’

She said she now believes you “grow through what you go through.”

Emory Owen Greene was born on April 23, 2023, and celebrated his second birthday two weeks ago. He was given his first name in honor of Ernest’s maternal grandfather, Emory Wilson, who would have turned 97 years old this week.

Blair said her mother is the best role model to help her navigate the joys and challenges of motherhood.

“Mothering was her superpower,’’ Blair said. “She was a third-grade teacher at Perry Elementary before she stayed home with us. She thrived and loved to teach little life lessons. I always felt it was that way with us, too. 

“I hope that my boys remember the presence of me during their childhood, just as I do my mom,’’ she said. “And not just in the physical sense. Reading to them, playing with them and taking up with them in what they enjoy. Caring.’’

Vickie Sexton is known as “Meme” to her grandchildren. Her life revolves around their Little League schedules and other activities.

“She has always been steadfast in her love and had wisdom in her heart,’’ Blair said. “I pray I can relay that to my children and always provide a sense of ‘home’ for them when they are with me.’’

Three weeks ago, on April 15, Blair turned 40… certainly an age of reflection.

“Is it just me, or does it feel as though time goes by faster the more kids you have?’’ she said. “Or maybe the older you get. In these fleeting days, time together with my boys and my mom is the ultimate gift.’’

The Greenes have tried to “keep it on their level” when explaining Owen’s situation to his older brothers. Last year, Blair read a book about Down syndrome to the students in Miles’ second-grade class and
explained it in their terms. 

“Owen has just been the baby brother, and that’s it,’’ she said. “The main thing he has given us is patience. Slow down. We’re not worried about milestones. Let’s just enjoy this.’’

Happy Mother’s Day.