So this is a completely spontaneous column about Mother’s Day as recommended by my mother.
“All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That’s his.” — Oscar Wilde
Now here’s the thing – when she makes a suggestion it carries weight. Maybe it’s some sort of latent guilt over the fact that she carried me for more than nine months.
I think the story goes, I had set up camp and wasn’t planning on leaving any time soon with a due-date around the first of November. The obstetrician had other ideas and on Dec. 5 1980 I sprang forth into this world. She’s been holding those extra weeks of residence inside her belly over my head ever since.
Mother’s Day, as a holiday, dates back to 1905 and was officially recognized in 1910 with the first state being West Virginia.
In 1914 Woodrow Wilson signed the proclamation creating Mother’s Day nationally and dedicating the second Sunday in May as the day to stop and honor our mothers.
My mom is a great woman with a big personality and no fear. I’m really blessed that I have two great parents that have sacrificed so I could have the best and could grow and blossom into the person I am today.
“Most mothers are instinctive philosophers.” — Harriet Beecher Stowe
I talk to my mom on the phone more than my dad. I don’t know why. I don’t choose one over the other. They are both awesome and amazing and there to provide a swift northbound kick to the southern portion of my pants when the situation calls for it.
Stowe is right about mothers being philosophers.
She uses a mix of wit and wisdom and has been ending conversations with “it’s that simple” long before I ever named my first column. She always knows the right thing to say especially when I have reached a point where I’m about to go jump off a bridge. She’s always ready with kind words. She’ll cock her head and look at me as I explain what’s going on or why I’m in a tizzy (as she describes it): “Son, get over it. Life’s not fair. Move on.” That is one comforting piece of advice. The other: “I think you need a therapist. Maybe he can get you some of that Xanax and help you chill out.”
She and my dad celebrated 40 years of wedded bliss last month in Alex City and I learned something about them during their party.
My dad is tough. He has to be to put with the perfectionist social butterfly soloist that he married. And that he is comfortable letting Mom have her moment in the spotlight as she floated about the room.
She also recommended that I give a totally spontaneous toast honoring them as part of their anniversary celebration. I did.
Because that’s what a son does, especially when you are the only.
My mom has only gained confidence as she’s aged. And it’s interesting to see her still growing as a person. And through that, she’s still encouraging me to grow as a person.
My parents are pretty terrific people. They are good to the people around them. They are good to each other and they are good to me.
That’s all you can really ask for.
It’s that simple.
