I’m a little late with this week’s message. My youngest daughter had the audacity to celebrate her 16th birthday this week, and that HAS to take precedence. So, on to the blog…
There are two special mothers in my life. One is my wife, Diane, who gave birth to my three wonderful children. The two oldest, Chris and Michelle, are out of the house and on their own. I did not know Diane at the time of their births, but they are still my kids just as much as if I had been there at their inceptions.
I was present for the birth of our third child, Caitlin, who just celebrated the afore-mentioned birthday. Just from being there in the delivery room, I can most assuredly say that mothers deserve our love and respect. If fathers had to go through the birth process, the human race would have died out long ago.
Diane was a trooper through the whole process, right up to the point where she began to levitate six inches above the bed and her head began spinning around. I was doing my best to encourage her, as I was taught in the birthing classes. As I told her that she was doing great, and that things were almost over, she reached up, grabbed me by the surgical scrubs, and in a gravelly, almost demonic voice said, “DON’T BE SO #8% %@^=*% PATRONIZING!”
Things did eventually get better.
I was also present when my mother, Becky, gave birth to her only bouncing baby boy, but my memory of that event is somewhat less clear. ( I was very young at the time.)
Growing up, I never lacked for the necessities of life, and I certainly had quite a few luxuries as well, (although I never did get that minibike I wanted.) Most importantly, Mom taught me to know right from wrong.
If I am a good parent at all, it is because of the example my mother (and father) set for me. Any mistakes I’ve made as a parent, well, I don’t know where they came from. It sure wasn’t from my upbringing.
So, to my wife and to my mother, I love you both, and HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
– Kevin