To My Beautiful Mother

Although I'm not a mom, I believe being a mother is the hardest and most important job in the world. Hands down! To know my mom is to know that she is soft spoken (except when it comes to me), and has an easygoing nature (again, except when it comes to me.) In the words of my prim and proper mother, “Finally, you’ve got a hot pepper up you’re behind!”  

There’re only three “bad words” my mother uses from time to time: the ‘S’ word, the ‘B’ word and a certain Italian curse word. The ‘S’ word happens as you and I would normally use it, but only after she’s seriously frustrated, like with my dad (a whole other post, possible novella.)  But, usually, she just calls him a dodo (like the bird.)

This was taken almost 55 years ago!

The ‘B’ word she doesn’t usually sound out.  She’ll say, “That B!” Full usage of the word is saved for someone who’s really evil and nasty. The Italian curse word only appears when she’s completely forgotten herself during a moment of frustration or anger. 

And, if you hear any of these words come out of her mouth, you will laugh your behind off!  They don’t sound mean, nasty, or aggressive - just funny. ;)  

Her comment though, whether you use behind or a different word choice for the derriere, can be quite serious when applied to any situation in which there is a struggle to begin or loss of momentum or loss of faith.

As you get older, your perspective changes and you begin to see your mom beyond just being your mom.  The person you cry to when you’re sick and who makes your favorite meal when you fail a test or your boyfriend breaks up with you. The one who magically fixes any problem you have.  

You begin to see a person separate from yourself. A woman with her own interests and group of friends (that she happens to know since before you were born.) A woman you can now have a friendship with. You begin to see her as a person, not just mom, and she begins to see you as your own person, not just her baby.

It hasn’t been the smoothest road for me and my mom, but at this point in my life, I’m happy to say that my mom isn’t just my mom, but my sounding board, my truest cheerleader and my friend. I am so grateful for the openness we have with each other and for the support only a mom can give. I cherish each conversation and look forward to our continuously evolving friendship. 

If you’ve had a rough start with your mom or daughter, don’t give up.  Remind yourself that we’re all human and doing the best we can. It’s never too late to find your way back to each other. It is worth the work.  Let go of past transgressions and let go of ego. What may come could be one of the most beautiful and enriching relationships you will ever have in your life.

My wish for everyone on this one day is that you put that hot pepper up your behind and forgive, cherish, embrace and love. 

Happy Mother's Day to all you amazing moms out there!!  

To all the fur-baby mommies like me, I hope you have a wonderful day with your furry, scaly, fanged, squeaky, hooved, and snorty babies.

And, Mom, thanks for telling me, “Don’t give up!” over and over again with ever growing passion.  Love you.