Gulf Coast Family

My mother taught me about patience... “Just wait until your father gets home!”

My mother taught me about receiving... “You are really going to get it when we get home!”

My mother taught me to meet a challenge... “What were you thinking? Answer me when I talk to you! Don’t you talk back to me!”

My mother taught me logic... “If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you’re not going shopping with me!”

My mother taught me medical science... “If you sit too close to the TV, you will become cross-eyed!”

My mother taught me to think long-term... “If you don’t pass your spelling test, you’ll never get a good job.”

My mother taught me about ESP... “Put your sweater on; don’t you think I know when you’re cold?”

My mother taught me about humor... “When you break a leg, don’t come running to me.”

My mother taught me about genetics... “You’re just like your father.”

My mother taught me about the wisdom of age... “When you get to be my age, you will understand!”

My mother taught me about justice... “One day you’ll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like... Then you’ll see what it’s like.”

It’s a “Mom” Thing

“When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts... A mother always has to think twice: once for herself and once for her child.”

– Sophia Loren

We all know there’s a certain behavior unique to mothers. It defies logic, it’s beyond explanation, and there’s only one way to describe it: it’s a “Mom” thing.

Allow me to give you a little advice.

When she insists that you put on your overcoat... even after you point out that none of the other kids on the beach are wearing one, don’t sweat it. It’s a “Mom” thing.

When you’ve been a vegetarian for six years and she still doesn’t think you’re getting enough vegetables in your diet, don’t let it chew on you. It’s a “Mom” thing.

When, after slamming on her car brakes, she stretches her hand out in front of you to block your thrust (even though you’re safe in your seatbelt), relax. It’s a “Mom” thing, and you’ll never get her to break it.

When she still gives you a 10:00 P.M. curfew (which you don’t mind, but your wife’s getting a little annoyed with it), don’t fret. It’s just a “Mom” thing.

When she insists on holding your hand while crossing the street, even though you’re needing to hold your kids’ hands while crossing the street, work it out somehow. It’s a “Mom” thing.

When she has on display locks of your hair from your very first haircut, don’t be embarrassed. It’s a “Mom” thing. And besides, who knows? When your hairline starts receding someday, you just might want to ask for them back.

When she calls you at five o’clock in the morning to say that she doesn’t think you’re getting enough rest, don’t lose any sleep over it. It’s a “Mom” thing.

When you’re sick and she makes enough chicken soup to nurse the entire Mayo clinic, don’t let it get you down. It’s a “Mom” thing.

When she still insists on walking you to the school bus (which wouldn’t be so bad if you were not the driver now), go with it. It’s a “Mom” thing.

And finally, when she shows your baby picture to everyone she meets, just smile. Sure, it’s 16” x 20” and you’re afraid she’ll throw out her back by hauling it around in that solid oak frame, but it’s a “Mom” thing — and it’s bigger than both of you!

By Martha Bolton, author of Honey, the Carpet Needs Weeding Again!