Over lunch today Tim and I started talking about why our moms are so great and neat things they did for us growing up. Most of the reasons I think my mom is amazing have to do with the way our relationship has developed over the last 5 or 6 years, but as I look back, I can see traces of what we have now that appeared a long time ago.

When I was in 5th or 6th grade (I think), my dad still read to my brother and me every night, but my mom would come to tuck me in too. I never wanted her to leave. Somehow I convinced her to sit with me for a while, scratching my back and telling me about her day. I don't remember anything she said being particularly fascinating, but I remember feeling so lucky to get those moments with her alone. I know she must have been tired after a day of teaching kindergarten, and I doubt she wanted to recount the details to her preteen. I'm glad she made the sacrifice.

Years later when I was a senior in high school and battling through my first round of a persistent depression, I started asking my mom late(ish) at night on school nights if we could go out to Starbucks. I think at first I just wanted a free raspberry cappuccino. I could have driven there alone, after all. Why did she fall for my trick? I don't know, but I'm glad she did. Those are some of my strongest memories of that season-- sitting with my mom drinking coffee late on a school night. It was a new feeling having my mom be my friend. She gave me her undivided attention for half an hour, and I wouldn't have traded it for the world.

2 comments

1. novice101 on May 13, 2009 at 11:11 PM

   It's great to hear of your deep appreciation for what your mom has done. It's rare nowadays to hear youngsters openly wishing appreciation for what they have received from their parents.

    
2. novice101 on May 13, 2009 at 11:12 PM

   sorry should be '...openly expressing...'