All women with kids are
”
mother
”
to their children at some point, especially when those children
are upset:
”
Mother, would you mind not meddling in my business?
”
But it is when these women are
”
Mom
”
that they are most appreciated.
All women with kids are “mother” to their children at some point, especially when those children are upset: “Mother, would you mind not meddling in my business?” But it is when these women are “Mom” that they are most appreciated.
Moms like to say that theirs is a thankless task, and for the most part they are right. We grow up being nurtured by our mom: She changed our diapers, got us dressed for school, licked her finger to wipe the dirt off our faces – that always bugged me, though I did it to my kids when they were little. She yelled at us when we messed up, and hugged us when we were hurt.
Moms like to say that their kids don’t appreciate all they do for us, and again, they are right. We start getting an idea of just how much mom did for us when we become parents. Moms are their children’s servants, cooks, advisers, protectors, financiers, project-helpers, doctors, psychologists, and a host of other titles.
My wife can feel unappreciated by her boys when they don’t keep their room clean or do the chores they are supposed to do. Then there are the times that they come sit by her on the couch and give her a hug – and all is right with the world again.
Many kids in elementary school kiss their mom goodbye every morning and relish the days that she will drive on a field trip. As students get older, moms become more of a nuisance as they comment on our hairstyle, choice of clothing, or their circle of friends.
But through it all, moms are there for their kids. My kids’ mom is actually driving on one of those field trips today – at our youngest son’s request. She liked that.
My mom was far from the stay-at-home, apron-wearing, cookie-baking type, as she worked since high school in various office jobs. I have joked to her that my sister and I were traumatized by being latchkey kids, but in fact, it wasn’t a big deal.
Our mom was always a phone call away, so my sister felt comfortable calling her after school to complain that I was being a pest. I made my own calls at times – like when my sister chased me with scissors around our house. She didn’t catch me.
The relationship between moms and sons can have its peaks and valleys. I made her proud when I got good grades or did well in sports, and I know I made her mad when I acted like a selfish brat – like when I complained about the type of car she had bought for me after my previous vehicle was wrecked in an accident. She still reminds me of that. That’s what moms do.
Fortunately, a mom’s long memory tends to focus on the good times. She has watched her baby become a little boy and a teenager and a college student and now an adult. Her mom was once the grandma and now she is playing that role – with joy.
I have given my mom plenty of reasons to get upset over the years, but I do thank her for believing in me … again, that’s what moms do. She has been there for all of my birthdays so I want to thank her publicly – since today is her birthday – for making me possible.
