A Letter To My Mother

Dear Mom,

Well, you are right. About a lot of things.

After 40, I did get braver. After 45, I really got brave. The world did not end if I opted to play with my babies instead of doing the dishes right after dinner. Oh, and you were right about being firm with them. They still love me and brag on how I was tough, but they learned a lesson.

The thing you said about having a dream and following it, well I’m still working on that, but you were right, there was still time – and is still time. Remember when you told me to stick to my guns and I would respect myself later. You guessed it – right once again.

Honestly Mom, if you were here it would be “Winner,Winner; Chicken Dinner” and “Give the lady a cigar” because you were on the money with so many things.

As a little girl you taught me, “If you aren’t pretty on the inside, then you aren’t pretty on the outside” I didn’t clearly understand that until now. Actions really do speak louder than words. Neatness in appearance does count.

OH, and that night I got home past curfew (to be fair it was only 15 minutes) and you told me I wouldn’t understand until I was a mother – I got it now.
Watching my children be adults in this crazy world and seeing them do things that are good, right, fair and responsible…wow my heart really does swell and I really do feel it pull like an invisible cord is still tied to them.

Most of all Mom…most of all…I wish you were here so I could once again see your face and say,“Momma, how did you get so smart?” And then your mouth would give that sideways grin and your green eyes would sparkle and you would laugh with your whole body.

Someday Mom, you’ll tell me…until “someday” gets here, I’ll just keep on keeping track. 
Mom: 5,789,432 Susan: 10 
(I wonder if I can round up?)