The Family Stone

No, I'm not talking about the 60's soul group.
But rather, the cornerstone of every family.
Mom.
Sure, Dad was the one who more often than not, worked outside the home to provide a living for the family.
The money he earned is what Mom used to provide the food on the table, pay the bills to make sure the phone and lights stayed on, and bought the clothes on your backs.
But everyone remembers Mom.
And Dad is OK with that.
Well, he's learned to be, anyway.  But don't worry, he's fine.
Because Mom provided everything I just mentioned...plus more.
She was the first person you went to for comfort.  Whether you scraped your knee in the driveway, or even more complex matters when you arrived with a suitcase, saying your spouse told you over dinner that he or she wanted a divorce.
Dad can't compete with that.
We're the problem solvers.  We don't have the patience to simply listen, and not offer any input unless specifically asked.  We're just not wired that way.
And when Mom is gone forever, we feel a huge hole in ourselves with a stinging pain that just won't go away.
We still rely on Mom.  Even though we may grit our teeth and complain about her later on in life.
She calls and interrupts you at work for something that could have waited until later that evening.
Or she plies your kid with treats when you come over, about an hour after they picked at lunch and ate almost nothing.
She may pick at how you raise your child, why you don't call or come over more often, your relationship with your siblings, how you can leave the house practically naked, why you chose the not-so-lucrative career path you did, why you can't seem to manage your finances to save your life, and even why you chose the person you married.
But you still need her.  Whether you'll admit it or not.
Even those with stormy childhoods, sometimes at the hands of an abusive mother, still feel that ache of what's lacking.  And longing for it.
This person carried you in her body for nine months.  Possibly nursed you afterwards.  Spent the majority of time with you in your youngest years.
And tolerated your teenage rebellion with the patience of a saint.  Whether you sneaked her debit card out of her purse to pay for those concert tickets she wouldn't buy for you, wrecked the brand-new family car less than a week after getting your driver's license, 'borrowed' her best dress to wear to school that day and permanently stained it, or complained about her to your friend on the phone, and within earshot.
Mom was, and still is, a three-letter word for unconditional love.
On this Mother's Day, I ask that you take the time to celebrate your mother.  Give her a call or stop over.  Let her know you care.  And if you too are a mother, celebrate your motherhood.
If you're married to a mother, celebrate your wife and what she's accomplished as a mother.
If your mother has passed on, take some time to reflect.  Think about how she made you the person you are today...whether it's good or bad.  Don't be afraid to cry if it makes you feel better.
You're never too old to love your mother.
Or want her near.
You can reach for that box of tissues now.
It's OK.
Really.


NEXT WEEK:  Legislative Term Limits