Last year I wrote a hateful, whiny, anti-mother screech for mother’s day. But this year I am older and wiser and a little bit less angry, so I am going to try again.
Mother’s Day is important even if you don’t have a mom around. Maybe it’s even more important and here’s why.
If we are lucky in our lives, a lot of people love us, and some of us in mothering ways. If we’re smart, we let them. And if we’re really smart, we thank them. Our own original moms may have had a choice whether or not to become a mother, especially in the 50 years since the pill came out, but they didn’t choose to mother us specifically unless we’re adopted. But many of us get mothering love from people who chose us and who love us even when we’re not perfect.
So now I want to thank all of the real life and internet moms and aunts who love me even though they don’t have to. Thanks to my brother, who was my first substitute mom, and thanks to Hazel’s mom, Agnes, Uncle Dave, Aunt Betsy, Auntie Sue, Mrs. B, Bob, all of the Beach House moms & aunts, and Grandma K. One day I will be a great mom because of all of you.
May 8, 2010 at 9:08 pm
Love you, sweetheart. I’m very proud of you!
May 9, 2010 at 1:44 am
Cassie, very touching and very true.
May 9, 2010 at 4:45 pm
Beautiful and cool, and thank you
May 11, 2010 at 9:29 am
Cassie,
First, it’s great to see you back. I was getting worried.
You might be surprised at how many people who looked like they grew up in perfectly stable families had the same experience you are talking about–only outside their immediate family did they find the parenting they really needed. Like so much else, it’s a crapshoot.
You probably will be a very good mother because those of us who didn’t get what we needed seem to understand instinctively what our own children might need.
D
July 27, 2010 at 10:44 pm
If only more people had the wisdom you have
July 2, 2011 at 3:59 am
5 Department of row sketch show. Boys: “We two have been good this thing, are forced to let your mom.” Girl: “your mother is forced to!” Boys: “Your mother forced to!” Girl: “your mother forced to!! “Boys:” To your mother, do not row, not row, and what lines called Son ?!!” Dr Dre Kopfh? rer
July 2, 2011 at 3:34 pm
You know who else is a mother we all should celebrate? Gaia.
August 18, 2011 at 8:24 pm
to understand instinctively what our own children might need.