I'm Becoming Just Like Her

I used to think my mom was crazy when, before going out of town, she wanted the whole house clean. Now I understand the method to her madness. Who wants to come home to a dirty house after vacation?

I used to think my mom was crazy when, heading to the pool as a child; it took her an hour to get read. Now I understand that not only was she getting herself ready, but also three little ones which meant a lot of pool supplies. Things like towels water and snacks so we wouldn’t shrivel. She knew we couldn’t walk out of the door in just our swimsuit and flip flops.

I used to think my mom was crazy when she was so late everywhere that people would tell her a different time so that she’d actually be on time. Now I understand, as I have taken after her in my time management. I’m not the most on time person.

I used to think my mom was crazy when she wouldn’t say no to anything and we spent all our time at the church volunteering. Now I understand that she was serving the body of Christ not out of obligation, but out of enjoyment.

I used to think my mom was crazy when she would cry after a bird hit our windshield or when our pet turtle ran away. (I use the word ran lightly as turtles don’t really run.) Now I understand that gentleness is a fruit of the spirit and she posses this fruit in its purest form. She’s one of the most gentle and sensitive people I know.

I used to think my mom was crazy when she wouldn’t buy anything unless it was on sale. Now I understand the benefits of bargain shopping and realize that nothing is really worth its full value. It has saved me a lot of money in my adulthood.

I used to think my mom was crazy when all she ever wanted to drive was a huge car. Now I understand that not only is it safer, but a bigger car means more people you can pile in to tote around.

I used to think my mom was crazy when she was always the last one to leave a party or event. Now I understand that leaving someone with a huge mess to clean up by themselves is unfair and that people are flat out fun to be around. Once a sanguine, always a sanguine.

I used to think my mom was crazy when she’d make us sit through two hour, sometimes three, piano recitals. Now I understand that she’s easily one of the greatest piano teacher’s around, and the length of her piano recitals, means that many students want to learn from her.

I used to think my mom was crazy, until I realized I am becoming just like her. And that’s not such a bad thing.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom! I love you!