Sunday, May 8, 2011

Mom Day

I'm not sure of another role in life that can make a person feel so proud yet feel totally out of control at the same time. I love being a Mom. I love every part of it, even the crazy stuff that makes the-crazy-stream-of-run-on-jumbled-words spew from my lips. Even though it scares the hell out of me sometimes, the whole "on the job training" aspect of it all keeps life interesting.

It seems like just when I'd get a handle on things, life would get more challenging. Like being "leveled" up in a video game. Life's way of saying, "Yea! You did it! By the way, duck!" I open my eyes and darned if the kids aren't teenagers already. 

What I love about Momhood is that no matter how far advanced our world gets it's always the simple things that make all the difference in the world. I love that in spite of there being a book or video on every aspect of parenting, the stuff that really works is what's been learned on the job. Sometimes it's the most simple action that makes the biggest difference. Other parents share their experiences and it's like magic. 

I've lost count of how many moments I've relayed something to my Mom and after a bit of a pause she'll say, "Uh huh." It's never been a snarky "uh huh" either. It's been a subtle, "Oh honey, I've been there" kind of uh huh. 

Those frazzled mom moments are really unmatched by the awe of seeing the world again through someone else's sight, smell, taste, hearing and touch. Leaves are beautiful. Orange Sorbet really does hit the spot on a hot day. Hearing your favorite song on the radio can lift your mood. And nothing's better than a wonka wonka hug at the end of a long day.

So I'd like to say that I think I get it. The pride, the angst, the elation, the worry...I understand it all so very much. It's with this understanding that I have to take a moment to say how very grateful I am to my mother. I'm very grateful for all you have given us.