My Mommy

What little girl doesn't need her mommy? For that matter, what grown-up girl doesn't need her mommy?

I am very thankful that I have such a wonderful mother. Growing up, she worked nights so that she could leave when we went to bed, (I think she usually left and dad put us to bed) and then come home in the morning to sleep. By the time we got home from school, she would be awake and spend time with us. It also worked well because she was able to drive us on field trips. I could always count on her to be willing to drive as well. I would get a field trip notice, and it didn't seem to matter if it was driving right downtown Vancouver to Science World, I knew that going home, 99% likely that mom would sign right up.

Mom was always really good and keeping a tidy house growing up. Well, she still is. I'm not sure how I didn't quite get all of those skills and desire to wash dishes every night, but I didn't. Don't worry though, she is still trying to work on me.

Of course there are our favourite things to tease my mom about, like when she bought mustard and baking soda, when she already had several extras in the basement. Or really if she said anything wrong, she could never live it down. I think it was because we see her as this beacon of near-perfection, so when its altered even slightly we are in disbelief.

Another one of our favourite stories to recall is one not to distant in the history books. For mothers day, she had asked for a wind chime. She had told us where we could find them. We went out and got her a metal and wood wind chime that the notes were tuned to Amazing Grace, and it was a nice medium size. We knew she'd love it. However, we also decided it would be amusing to get her a little more decorative one, with blue glass beadings and small chimes. We hid the "real" one under the couch and beautifully wrapped the small one. She openned it up, and you could almost see her face twist in turmoil. She forced a fake smile and tried to sound exuberant with comments like "oh, thank-you, what beautiful colours..." It was painstakingly hilarious to watch. You could see she was thinking, "How stupid are my girls to not be able to follow very clear instructions, this is not what I wanted at all, I'm so disappointed". We then proceeded to give her the real one, and laughed for quite awhile. We weren't 5 anymore and could fall for the "oh what beautiful macaroni art work" as the parents scramble to discreetly throw it out when you aren't looking.

I'm glad I still live less than 5 min away from my mom. She was with me in the birth of my daughter, she has helped in so many ways with Zoe, and even helped out when I was sick a couple of weeks ago.

No matter how old you get, your mom should be an invaluable friend. I know mine is.