Memories for Mother's Day

My top memories for Mother's Day...

5. You know that boy I fell madly in love with in high school? The free spirit that eschews conformity and now lives on a bus (or so I've heard)? Well, remember when he ditched me on prom night to go hang out with his new girlfriend? You and dad were out of town that night. I had strict instructions to spend the night with a friend and her physically present parents. But I skipped out on the adult supervision and went back to our empty house to sob and watch "Who's the Boss" reruns on TBS. You came home earlier than expected and I was sure that I'd be in trouble. Instead you took one look at my face and just gave me a hug. Thanks mom. 

4. One time--during my "Bread and Jam for Frances" phase--you let me make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with no peanut butter and ALL jelly. That was awesome.

3. You pretended not to notice all those nights I stayed up past my bedtime to read books by my nightlight.

2. You and dad kissing and dancing in the kitchen, walks around Green Lake, toys that encouraged imaginary play, bike rides around the neighborhood, no more than 30 minutes of PBS after school, vegetables with every dinner, no sugar cereal or soda, limits, high expectations, three amazing sisters for playmates, consistency, and unconditional love. Because of you I had an amazing childhood.

1. Remember when I gave birth to my son? He came out red-faced, screaming, and completely perfect? The nurse whisked him away to be weighed, swaddled, etc. Everyone ran off to admire that amazing little baby. Except you. You stayed next to me and held my hand while the midwife put me back together. I love you, mom.

Penny Got Knocked Up By Robby the Creep--What?

Dirty Dancing really spoke to my third grade soul. I never understood what was going on with that Penny character, but I can't say that I cared. I only had eyes for Baby. I  pretended that my Payless canvas knock-offs were real Keds. I put on my denim shorts and tied my white mandarin collared blouse from China (thanks Gramps!) in a knot above my bellybutton. I dreamed of a boy lifting me in the air by my delicate waist. I forced my youngest sister to watch me dance gracefully to "The Time of My Life" and cheer at all the dramatic pauses. I persuaded the neighbor boy to meet me in the hedge. I kissed him. He screamed and ran away. Johnny he was most decidedly not.