Mother. There Is No Other. LIke Mother. So Treat Her Right.

The busiest day of the year for accountants is April 15.  The busiest day of the year for retailers is the day after Thanksgiving.  And the busiest day of the year for phone companies?  Mother's Day. 

It's easy to scoff at Hallmark holidays, but it's entirely appropriate for us to set aside a day to reach out and tell dem dat birthed us we love them.  I'm as guilty as anyone at neglecting to do this (last year I was particularly bad)* but despite this (or perhaps because of this) I've accepted Kara's invitation to say a few words about the mother's in our lives.  I know you're thinking, "Gosh, Tony, what can you say about mothers that Mr. T hasn't already?"  And the answer is...not much, and I've never been good at sappy stuff anyway.  But I'll do my best.

There are actually two mothers I want to share my thoughts on.  The first, of course, is my own mother, a lively and good-hearted woman who raised four kids at night while teaching hundreds during the day.  I was the first born, and I'm told (by her) that I was born on the hottest day of the year, and that she nearly died giving birth to me.  She repeatedly read the story of the Three Billy Goats Gruff to me (because I liked the troll) and was always patient in helping me learn.  That's why I'm so smart.  She took me bowling with her, let me play in the teacher's lounge, and indulged (some would say over-indulged) my sweet tooth.  My mother was always incredibly loving, and we always felt like we were the most important people in the world when we were with her.  As I've grown older our relationship has matured, and I've grown to appreciate her in different ways.  She tends to create drama in every situation, and I get frustrated at how she treats everything outside our hometown like a hostile nation (except Las Vegas)  But we're friends as well as family, and even though our attitudes and opinions don't always match up (sorry, Mom, but I'm never using a playpen) I still respect the way she approaches everything with kindness.  Thanks for everything, Mom...you're the best!

My Mom had help with all those kids, and especially with me, thanks to my Grandma.  She passed away a few years ago, but it would be remiss of me not to take the opportunity to say a few things about her, too.  While my Mom worked my Grandma would take care of me, and I loved her dearly.  She immigrated to America from Italy when she was a child, and raised my Mom and her sister on a truck farm outside of Spokane.  By the time I was born most of the farm was gone, but she had an enormous vegetable garden she'd spend hours in.  Some of my fondest memories are at her house, with it's giant player-piano, the Frosted Flakes in the bottom cabinet (very convenient for a pudgy child), and the Yahtzee games we would play.  We'd always spend Christmas Eve in front of her fireplace, eating sticky Italian cookies which I think are pronounced "krathadadas" but are almost certainly not spelled that way.  And her hugs...I'll always remember the immense bear hugs she gave me.  You may never feel as safe in your life as you are in your grandmother's arms.

I like to think I'm so well-adjusted now because I had two such wonderful people in my life who made me feel valued, supported and loved.  I owe both my Mom and my Grandma the deepest, most hear-felt gratitude in the world.  This day (whenever it is...it's in a week or so, right?) is for you. 

* Ha! I'll bet you didn't know I had a blog before this one!  Don't worry...you didn't miss anything.

Comments

[Mom]

I think that is the nicest thing you have ever said. Thank you. I am saving it for those days when you are busy with "other things" and I can take it out and read in again and again. I love you, too. It was a joy and, "It was fun."

[Jennifer]

I love that you acknowledged your grandma, too--we are all the products of long lines of strong, resilient women. And my grandma had the packs of Big Red in her secret hiding place--I chewed enough one day to puke red all over the restaurant table one afternoon. Hmmmm...not sure I've been able to chew it since!

Loved reading your mom's comment, too.

[Melissa]

I so knew you had a blog before today. But you knew that.

Great post. I might steal it for mine. Ha.

What is it with play-pens? My step-mother is always trying to put my kid in one.

[Kara]

That was amazing and your MOM commented. ARGH...am..dying..from cuteness..of..it allllllllll (dead now).

[Geoff]

dude, the mr. t video traumatized me. please issue a warning in the future.

[Aunt Mary]

Very nice things to say about your mom and my mom. By the way what's wrong with playpens they keep little ones safe and out of trouble you wait they can really get into mischief. Aunt Mary

[Metrodad]

Dude...I was already all sappy from your post and then I saw that your mom commented. She's so sweet! I love it!

By the way, whoever said you were well-adjusted? Only a sick man would find the brilliant links that you post!

[Kristen]

That was great. Brought back memories of my grandmothers, their kitchens, and their cuteness.

[misfithausfrau]

What is it about Grammas and Yahtzee?! Some of my favorite memories of my grandmothers invole that game. The best memory was the "Gramma Smackdown" when one Gramma busted the other for cheating" after being silent about it for about 5 years. She just ciuldn't take it anymore!

Great tribute to yor mother and grandmother!

[Andie D.]

Great post! How cool that you recognize not only your mom, but your grandma too. I can only hope that one day my son will have some of the same memories.