Lord, help my Momma...

There are so many things I have learned from my mom, whether it was from her pearls of wisdom or from her mistakes...

I have learned that maternal instincts and 'grandmaternal instincts' are not one in the same. As a mother, she was a WONDERFUL protector, GREAT teacher, and the best friend I could ever ask for.

She raised me to love myself, have faith in GOD, and to do the best I can. Because of her, I realized I am a great person because I said so and treat others the way they better treat me. She has a way of making me feel like, "ok, you did something SO stupid, i dont know what to say, but I love you"

I use this philosophy with my children as does my sister. I know now how hard it is to teach and guide a young person and for her strength and courage I am truly grateful. Even with mistakes, my mom handled it (no matter how long it took) and put her best foot forward.

She has never run from a problem and may not have done EVERYTHING right but if I can be 1/2 as good of a person as she is, I will be GREAT. Now, dont get it twisted... mistakes were a plenty but she never lied to us, never misinterpreted a situation, and never turned her back.

I do know that as I got older and with her being my only Guidance Counselor persay, I had a lot of freedom to make all of the mistakes most kids wait to do when they leave home.

She told me the consequences of things and although I had to verify that on my own, I was the only one out of all of my friends that could call home at 10:30pm and say, "mom, I had a few drinks and I want to come home"

I could always count on, "stay right there and SOMEBODY will be there in 10 minutes" Now, this is the funny part, she worked for the MPD (Memphis Police Department) and I knew that SOMEBODY would mean the 'Po-Po'.

There were times that she took alot of criticism from family because her ways were so unorthodox (what does that mean anyways) but looking at those folks now and their kids- my sister and I came out on top. We dont have records (not for lack of being stupid), we arent junkies, we arent alcoholics, we dont abuse out kids, we dont have 6-7 kids all 9-12 months apart (at age 21), and we have great jobs, full lives, and are well rounded.

My mom is the most honest person I know (unless she tells you she is almost there, or on the way).

I thank her and although the only time I really asked for a pet (a puppy when i was 4) I got a little sister (go figure)... she has made me responsible, honest, and caring. I can talk to her about anything, everything, or nothing but most importantly, I can talk to her.

She isnt scared to tell me, " that is absolutely the dumbest shit I have ever heard" or "what were you thinking? Obviously nothing".

Now the 'grandmaternal instincts'

I know things change from generation to generation but things like:

What can the baby eat?
What age should she start walking?
How do you check the temperature?Is 100 degree temperature considered high?
WHERE ARE THE KIDS? (while I surf the 'net)
What do you mean, they need to eat dinner?

I wonder sometimes, ok- did she have a nanny that I dont remember and if not how in the HELL did I survive... She is a great grandmother, my kids cant seem to go 2 days without seeing her or they will get plum dumb.

However, I know that her version of 'watching' them means just that, 'watching' them (while they eat wax fruit or stick their heads in the toilet) and that choking sound- what ever could that be...oh well, let me check my email....ho hummmm