was small her first words were “Do it self”… well actually her first
word was “sock” but that doesn’t fit with my story. From a very young
age she was extremely independent. She tried to take over the management
of the house and the mothering of Phillip. OK, the management of the
house sometimes worked for her but Phillip held quietly to his own
independence. Phillip was always smiling
but offered his own challenges. He escaped from the back yard when he
was two and a neighbor found him heading for the freeway on his push car
determined to find his own freedom. It was one of many moments where I
questioned my ability to be a good mother.
I had an image of
mothering before I became pregnant. It some how looked a lot like a 60’s
sitcom and in my imagination my children were always tidy and clean and
I dispensed loving wisdom to their willing minds. The reality has been
much messier and much more interesting.
I remember a story I
heard about Kid Rock taking his son and his son’s friend to the movies.
When they got to the movie theater, his son insisted on sitting rows
away from his father, embarrassed to be seen with him. He looked at his
son with hurt and said “Seriously, I’m the coolest guy in this place”.
When you are a child your parent is uncool, regardless of who you are.
Now I’m sure that it’s different for me… awww who am I kidding. I tell
corny jokes, make up lyrics to songs, cry at sentimental movies and I’m ridiculously proud of my
kids. I’m a poster Mom of uncool and proud of it! I’m told that when I
get really old (or is it when they get really old?) I’ll be cool to
them again.
I love being a Mom. I’m really grateful that I
married a man who is a great husband, father and friend. Our daughter is
26 this month and our son was 23 last month. They are bright,
independent, kind, trustworthy… I could go on to their embarrassment,
(see way uncool) but suffice to say we’re really proud of them both. As I
celebrate another Mothers Day I want to thank them for giving me the
privilege of being part of a great club. To all my other friends who are
Mothers, Happy Mothers Day. May you be equally blessed.
Lea, what a wonderful article! I've written you a little poem:
Lea, Lea, come work with me.
Do more writing and you will see
That friends adore you and fans will rave
To see you speak about being brave.
OK it was really hard to think of something that rhymes with emotional intelligence 🙂