MOM–WOW

Mom, Mother, Mama or whatever endearing name you have for her. They all stand for the same special female:

• Who gave birth to you or adopted you
• Who cared for you when you were sick
• Who cared for you when you rebelled
• Who loved you no matter what you did
• Who understood your pain and could make you feel better just by being close
• Who corrected you when you messed up
• Who stood up for you when you were treated wrongly
• Who taught you how to stand up for what you believe in
• Who could say your full name in such a way that made you tremble with fear
• Who with one look could convey a book’s worth of meaning
• Who knew everything you never told her
• Who expected you to do your chores
• Who never let you have a dull moment
• And for some of us left this world all too soon.

The Slotted Spoon

I pulled a spoon out of my silverware drawer the other day. When I looked at it I remembered my mama.  For a while after I moved out of my parent’s home, out of habit I continued to help myself to anything I needed.  One day while cooking supper I realized that I did not have a slotted spoon. I knew where I could get one though. Next time I was at my parent’s house I took my mama’s slotted spoon. Mama mentioned one day that the spoon was missing. I told her I took it because I did not have one like it and I needed it. I remember her replying something about her not having one now. That didn’t seem to bother me at the time. I don’t remember her forcing the issue and telling me to bring the spoon back. Maybe I ignored it or maybe she just let it go. It did not click in my head to give it back. I just kept it. As I stared down at the spoon I finally realized that it was hers and I was wrong to just take it.

The problem is that I can’t tell her that I finally realized I was wrong. I know she managed without the spoon and really the spoon isn’t what matters. What I wanted to tell her was that I finally get it. I finally understand a little of what I put her through with many things I did, not just the spoon. Those things in my life that were tougher on her than they were on me. I get that now as a mom, but I didn’t get it when they were happening. I see my children raising my grandchildren and I understand a little more what my mama went though with me as I grew older. I respect her for what she endured.

Years ago my daughter and I figured out that if you turn MOM upside down it is WOW. So this mother’s day remember your mom is just a wow turned upside down. Enjoy your week.