When I started to write this blog in honor of my Mom for Mother’s Day, I started to get all emotional and teary-eyed (which, by the way, is a trait I get from my Mom). There are so many things to say about my Mom that I am afraid I won’t be able to do her justice in a silly little blog. In fact, I KNOW that’s the case but I’m going to try anyway, because I’m stubborn (that one I get from Dad).
Other than the ability to go from laughing to tears in T-minus two seconds, there are so very many things I’ve learned from Mom. Firstly, that tears don’t equal weakness. There’s a quote that I believe applies, “People cry not because they’re weak. It’s because they’ve been strong for too long.” When I think of what Mom has handled in her life and continues to handle on a daily basis with a hearty laugh and an unblinkingly positive outlook, it’s a wonder that she doesn’t cry – or completely freak out – more!
Of course, no one is perfect, but when my Mom does lose her cool, it is probably the most adorable thing you’ll ever see. As kids, we used to wind her up – in a way that only your children can do – and she would make this scrunchy-nose pucker-face while flailing wildly and shouting complete nonsense. This almost always made us giggle which I’m sure enraged poor Mom even more. Which is usually when the wooden spoon would go flying.
There was one time where Mom was so overwhelmed by our – OK, in fairness to my siblings, MY – stupidity and destructiveness that she was rendered speechless. (If you know my Mom, speechless is flat out unheard of.)
One rainy afternoon, my sister and I and some neighborhood kids were playing in the basement. I had the brilliant idea to do an art project and brought out a big piece of plywood to paint. After about an hour of painting neatly, inspiration suddenly struck and I turned our innocent little art project into a paint-based Slip ‘N Slide.
Taking turns sliding on bare feet through the paint, then circling around the basement for another turn, we were laughing our idiot heads off, having a grand ol’ time until Mom came downstairs. Can you picture it? The four of us covered head-to-toe in paint and the basement covered in our little paint footprints. Mom may have actually gone into shock. Like a “Rain Man burn baby” moment.
It wasn’t until Dad got home that we realized we’d inadvertently used oil-based paint. Whoops. Let me tell you, it was WAY more fun getting paint on us than it was taking it off. Since I get my creative/crazy side from Mom, she can’t really blame ME, right? 😉
All kidding aside, as I get older, I realize how precious it is to have my Mom in my life. She is my idol. My own personal Mother Theresa, Dear Abby and Melissa McCarthy all wrapped up into one. (Mom: I know you’re to going ask…Melissa McCarthy is the hilarious one from that movie The Heat. You are that hilarious, though slightly less foul-mouthed. Slightly.)
Though we don’t talk every day, or even every week, she is very much a part of my life, my decisions, my mind and my heart. Though I’m sure, at times, I still make my Mom want to throw the occasional wooden spoon, at this point we’d probably both end up laughing at her funny mad face.
Love you Mom! Happy Mother’s Day!