My Mom

On Sunday after reading my "Predictability" blog, my Mom called me. To compliment me. She said it was quite a departure from what I normally write. She said she had to look to make sure it really was my blog. Wait. Is that a compliment? Whatever, I'll take it. Funny how a compliment like this from my Mom can really make my night. However, it also sets the bar for the next blog. And the one after that. I guess no matter how old I get I still look for appreciation, validation and admiration from my mother. She gives it freely, but you can tell the difference from when she is 'just being mom" to when she is genuinely impressed with something I've done. Funny the hold a mother has over us. My Mom and I have always had a very good relationship. I could always ask her anything, including the time I was quite young and asked her what a "blow job" was. Yes, I asked my mothter and yes, she told me. Crazy stuff, I know.

Now that I have two daughters I am hoping against all odds that I foster the type of relationship with them that my Mom and I have always had. I remember getting mad at my Mom, of course, and swearing I wouldn't speak to her for days (Ha, as much as I can talk I'm sure she'd have been ok with that) and only lasting a few hours, if that. She has always been there for me. I have very strong memories of my childhood and most include my Mother. I can hear her voice when I read 'Charlotte's Web' to my daughter or when I hear 'Yes, Virginia there is a Santa Claus'. I remember when my Mom read that to me, where she sat, how my room was arranged, everything so clearly.

I have learned how to love, how to let go and how to grieve from my Mom. I have learned to appreciate books, music, history, musicals and wine from my Mom. If I have a question about anything (well, almost) she is the first person I call. She is who I want in my corner, who I want to impress, who I want to please and the last person I would ever want to disappoint. I guess that's all part of what happens when you are a good Mom. I respect her. I love her. I hope I can be the Mom to my kids that she has always been to me.

As I've gotten older our relationship has changed. We go out together, drink wine together and, of course, shop together. We have a good time. I enjoy being with her and seeing her with my kids. I want them to know her the way I do. To see all the amazing qualities she has, to see how smart she is, to see all that she has to offer them and all that they can learn from her.