Someone asked me once what I want my kids to remember, when they are grown, about the kind of mother they had. I have thought about this many times, and I’ve come to the conclusion that there are things I know they’ll remember, things I hope they’ll remember, and things I fear they’ll say about me. That last category is terrifying.
Here goes:
Dear Kids,
When your baby cheeks have thinned and your excitement for 6 a.m. has waned and you’re a boring old grownup who pays bills and growls about taxes, what will you say when people ask you about your mother? What was she like? First, here are things I am sure you’ll recall.
- You’ll remember that your mom almost always wore a ponytail and hardly ever wore makeup.
- You’ll recall that she, far more than Daddy, made you eat fruit and vegetables and go to bed at a real “bedtime.”
- You’ll say your mom was a writer. (You better, anyway.)
- You’ll say that your mom drove you to school, and to practice, and to games, and to the library, and to your friends’ houses…
- And your mom always picked you up.
- Unfortunately, you’ll also recall that your mother lost her patience. And she yelled. And once in a while cried on a really bad day.
But here are some things I truly hope you remember about me as well: Continue Reading
