Oh Mom, I Get IT Now

There were so many instances growing up when I just didn’t get it.  My mom would ramble on, and it just went over my head.  But now that I’m a mom, I’m starting to get it.  There are those feelings, reactions, and thoughts that only come with being a mom.  All of these expressions my mom used to say and things she used to do keep coming on like tiny light bulbs above my head — NOW I get it.  For example…

My mom would remark, “I know where every bathroom is in a tri-county area.”  This was mostly due to my sister’s strong sense of thirst (or smallish bladder).  At the time, it seemed as though she was overreacting.  However, I am quickly learning where every bathroom is in the greater Fox Valley region.  Okay–you HAVE to pee, I get it.

On more than one occasion, my mom threatened to run away. At the time, it scared us into getting along.  I laugh at it now… only because I have thought this same thing.  I have yet to say it out loud, but I know it’s coming.  {Sigh} I get it.  

My sister and I would whine when my mom would play Saturday at the Seventies on the radio as we were out shopping.  We couldn’t understand at that time that there is something soothing and nostalgic about listening to music of your time. I get it now (cue Destiny’s Child).

While watching The Christmas Story one year, I remember my mom saying, “I’m just like that mom.”  Huh? We didn’t eat cabbage soup or have a leg lamp in the window.  But, for some reason, the following quote resonates through my head at most dinners: My mother had not had a hot meal for herself in 15 years. Or, it may have been the part where she repeated “You’ll shoot your eye out” ump-teen times, and Ralphie STILL nearly shot his eye out. Yup, I get it.

I couldn’t understand why my mom would go out for a walk at the crack of dawn — only her and the dog.  How lonely, quiet, and dark was that?  Oh, wait, I totally get it.  

I remember my mom saying, “I didn’t mind when my kids were sick because that was the only time they cuddled.”  What?  Who wants their kids to be sick?  Clearly, no one.  But those snuggles go by the wayside way too quickly in my book.  Sometimes you have to take the cuddles any way you can.  I {sniffle} get it.

My mom will still say, “My heart is full. I have all my chicks home.”  I loathe the day my chicks move away.  Even now, when one of them is gone, my house is far too quiet.  I wish I hadn’t gotten it.  

There are so many it(s) that I have left to experience.  I’m sure I will find the right time to use the phrase “life’s not fair,” and I will understand why grandkids are better than my own kids.  But until then, if you see a cartoon-like light bulb above my head, don’t worry.  It’s just me getting it.

Original post by Nicki on 12/5/16