A few years ago, after the first of many “dramatic” conversations with my only daughter, I posted the timeline-chart (see below) on teenage attitudes. Unbeknownst to me at the time, there would be more challenges than I ever could have imagined. Some so incredibly unsettling it is hard to understand how I am even here right now. But I am.
I’m humbled and blessed that I have had so many opportunities while raising my children.
Although, it has not been easy, it has been a unique learning experience. Lately, I find myself thinking, “If I knew then what I know now.” An old cliché, but forever in the minds of many who might have crossed over into another age group; from friend–to parent–to O. M. G.!
Mother’s Day is a day where restaurants and florists score huge profits, but for others like me, it is not about the annual “gift fest.” It is about the time we spend and how little of it we really have left with our children.
Only now, I realize that I am also a statistic on this chart. I am one that wishes my mom was here now; if only for a short while. Long enough for me to tell her that I understand how hard she worked for me and all my siblings.
Now, I like to say as a mother myself, I did my job. My plan is to be here and comfort my own daughter when she realizes how “communicative” she has been. I suppose God does work in mysterious ways.
How bittersweet today is, the cycle of life continues through generations. Attitudes, social change, and fashion trends adjust but the premise is the same. I’ve been blessed with a terrific independent daughter and best friend. Luckily, it seems I only have about 7 more years to go until my “mom” efforts take effect. In the meantime, well, I still have plenty of wine on tap.
–Dedicated to Elizabeth Malloy; a kind and patient mother. Thank you.
At 6 years old, “Mommy, I love you.”
At 10 years old, “Mom, whatever.”
At 16 years old, “My mom is so annoying.”
At 18 years old, “I want to get out of this house.”
At 25 years old, “Mom, you were right.”
At 40 years old, “I don’t want to lose my mom.”
At 60 years old, “I would give anything for my mom to be here with me.”
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