I have been thinking about Mother’s Day this past week. Not about my mother, but about the kind of mother I have been and continue to be. I have been thinking about my children, where they are in their lives and consciously trying to stay out of their boat. They have their own oars to row. I can help them navigate the river of life but it is not my job to steer their boat. I want my children to find that small voice that lives within them, that will guide them far better than I ever could. Such magic happens when we search our soul and listen. One thing is for certain, I love being their mother and thank them on a regular basis for being my kids.
I was the mother who at times was a real drag. I would call the parents who were hosting a birthday party to find out what movies were being rented and voice my disapproval if necessary. My kids never complained, but the other kids sure did! They thought I was strict, but I never saw it like that. I saw it more like this…
I loved you enough...to ask where you were going, with whom, and what time you would be home.
I loved you enough…to insist that you save your money and buy a bike for yourself even though we could afford to buy one for you.
I loved you enough…to be silent and let you discover that your new best friend was a creep.
I loved you enough…to make you go pay for the bubble gum you had taken and tell the clerk, “I stole this yesterday and want to pay for it.”
I loved you enough…to stand over you for two hours while you cleaned your room, a job that should have taken 15 minutes.
I loved you enough…to let you see anger, disappointment, and tears in my eyes. Children must learn that their parents aren’t perfect.
I loved you enough…to let you assume the responsibility for your actions even when the penalties were so harsh they almost broke my heart. But most of all,
I loved you enough…to say NO when I knew you would hate me for it. Those were the most difficult battles of all. I’m glad I won them because in the end you won, too. And someday when your children are old enough to understand the logic that motivates parents, you will tell them…. Was your Mom mean? I know mine was.
I think that is what’s wrong with the world today. It just doesn’t have enough mean moms.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Thanks for stopping by. ‘Til next time…Stay Gru-v!
Tish
