November 15, 2015
I remember like it was yesterday…I was 13 years old. I got in an argument with my mama and stormed out of the house. All the way to our little city park, I ranted and raved inside my head. Continuing with the montage of words that had gone unsaid.
I have no recollection what precisely the argument was about, but I remember screaming “I hate you, I want my daddy”. I recall exactly where I was standing when I had the thought that all kids do at some point in their life…”I already know everything there is to know”.
I was 27 years old and a mother myself the first time I regretted that day.
All of the emotions that make up LIFE…Love, Laughter, Pain, Fear, Sorrow, Regret, Grief…each one teaches us a lesson. Sometimes, they are tests that we must repeat until we get it right.
I think it was this day that I learned to hold my words, because you can’t take them back. Saying “I’m sorry” is only a bandaid, the scar will always be there with the wounds resonating in your mind.
My mama taught this foolishly naive girl so very much that day, and the handprint I carried on my face for a month, drove those lessons home.
To this day, there are still times when I have continuing arguments within myself, and out of nowhere I will feel the sting of mamas hand across my face. Only then do I find clarity.
My mom only had an eighth grade education. She got married and had five babies at her feet by the time she was 23. She could ace Jeopardy and knew so much about the world and life that I am still in awe of her. She was the smartest woman I’ve ever known.
From my little brother….
Dear Abby: I think we should meet the Woman you described in your short story reminded me of my mother. That sting across your face would land a loving parent in jail in todays world.
Where have all the good mothers gone. I know God BLESS TEXAS!
