The situation may be different each time, but the answer would always be the same. I would ask to ride my bike just a little further down the street, cut up a brand new pair of jeans so that they look beat up and trendy, or run around behind the bleachers at a football game.
Me: "Can I _____________?"
My Mom: "No." (Or some variation: Not today. Absolutely not. Etc.)
Me: "But *Jessica's Mom is letting her!"
My Mom: "Well. I'm not *Jessica's Mom."
And that would end the discussion. Every darn time.
All these years later, I still don't think that all Moms are created equal. But my viewpoint is a lot different. I know I'm pretty partial, but I'm quite sure I have one of the best moms in the entire world. She was tough when she needed to be, but she is (and always was) one of the most caring and kind women I know.
I'm very lucky to still be able to talk to her every day. And I do. Whether she likes it or not (and I know Linda loves it), I call her every day just to say hello. Sometimes it's not just once. But I know she's always there with advice if I need it.
As you've read from my previous writing, my mom is very strict about the power of lipstick (Girl Power). She taught me that sometimes you have to get dirty (Dumpster Diver). And she values saving money by cutting your own hair (Don't Fence Me In). And as you can see, she did a mighty fine job on my bangs as a little girl. I'm sure Jessica's Mom would have splurged on a professional.
However, now my best friends even call my mom to ask her advice on raising their kids. Yes, even Jessica. Funny how ironic that is. My cousins and friends have even coined the phrase (which is now its own hashtag): #WWLD
When in doubt, just ask yourself: What Would Linda Do?
And do that. Every time.
I think back to all those things my mom used to tell me as I grew from a tiny little girl into a just slightly taller lady and I can't help but smile. Because as much as I absolutely hated hearing it come out of my mom's lips- I'm really glad she wasn't Jessica's Mom. I'm so lucky she is mine.
"I'm not asking you. I'm telling you." -Jenny
"When we would take pictures, my mom would always say- If you can't look good, at least look intelligent." -Sheila
"Put it away or I'll throw it away." -John
I heard that come from my own mother a time or two. More so directed at my dad than me, but still.
"If you can't take no for an answer, why are you asking the question?" -Amy
"You talk like a sausage." - Judy
I have no idea what that meant and neither did Judy when we asked her. But I would love to have long chats about life with Judy's mom, no doubt.
"I brought you into this world and I can take you out." -both Tammy & Paula
These two ladies did not share the same mom, just the same Momism that I'm sure goes through most mother's minds on a regular basis.
"Better days are coming." -Mary
"Just wait till you have kids." -Sam
While my mom always knew that I would rather just have cats, she would use the same strategy with the walls. "Just wait till you have a house of your own and you won't want holes pounded all over your walls, either," she'd say. Oh my god, she was right. I still use that weird sticky tack stuff.
"Don't jump on the couch. You will get a spring in your kidney." -Tonia
"We didn't have a lot of money growing up and so we rarely had nice clothes to wear but my mom always said, "Put a smile on your face and no one will notice." -Kim
Kim, she sounds like a wonderful lady.
And Happy Mother's Day to all of you.
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