Wednesday, August 4, 2010

The Hard Way Cafe (table for one please)...

Mama's Losin' It

WRITER'S WORKSHOP PROMPT:
DESCRIBE THE FIRST DATE YOU WENT ON IN A BOY'S CAR


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"You learned things the hard way." The random elderly library patron said to me as I played puppets with my kids one afternoon.

"And that's why you're such a good mom now because you know how important it is to watch over and guide your children." He seemed to peer into my soul as he spoke and though I didn't know him (was he a psychic... an angel?) I wanted to cry back, "Yes random elderly library patron, yes I did learn things the hard way and yes I would throw myself under a bus if needs be to protect my children from doing the same."

Fortunately for me I haven't needed to throw myself under a bus because I've been blessed with good, smart kids with a heck of a lot more common sense than their mom had at their age.

I bring this up because after reading my post about my motorcycle ride, a family member told me that because of my shenanigans growing up I was lucky that I didn't have daughters who did stuff like that. You know... Carma.

But the idea behind "Carma" is that it's one of those "what goes around comes around" kind of things and in general I'd have to say that I wasn't a bad kid
(I used to listen to "Afterglow" (a group who sings church hymns) on my Walkman for heck sakes (and said things like "heck sakes" for heck sakes)) I didn't want to stir up trouble, walk on the wild side or stick it to the man (if you will) I was just a naïve kid who blindly walked through life letting whatever happened happen much of the time.

Which is why I got on the back of that motorcycle that night and why I can't remember my first date in a boy's car. Hmm... I think my first "official" date in a boy's car was with a super cute guy who was visiting from out of state, but I can't say for sure because boys were my folly. Yes they were.

A folly that my daughters have managed to avoid because unlike me (at their age) they have goals, they have direction, they have dreams and aspirations, and if me having to stumble down that "hard way" has helped get them to this point I'd gladly do it again.

After all, it's far less painful than being thrown under a bus.

Well... maybe.

P.S. I am no longer a naive gal and I know good and well that someday one of my children or even the whole lot of 'um could decide to go frolicking down that "hard way" for themselves. I get that. I do. But for now I'll continue--as the random elderly library patron observed--to look after, guide and love them the best I can.

14 comments:

Pumpkin Delight (Kimberly) said...

Is it bad that boys are still my folly. :)

I like your writing style...I'm off to peruse some more!

stopped by from mama kat's

Swati said...

Loved your post...I admire your style of writing...I m following you now :)

Dumb Mom said...

I distinctly recall my first date in a boy's car. Not because it was eventful, just because I remember loving it. The car, not the date! Your daughters are gorgeous by the way so good for them for not letting boys get in their way!

4boyzmdmom said...

You were (and are) a good girl...and you deserve those great kids that you got! And in the end, the "hard way" definitely got you to a good place.

Sugar Bear said...

You learned the lessons you needed to in order to steer your children in the right direction. I love your strength, it shines through. Stopping by from Mama Kats. Have a great day.

M.Jay. said...

Leave it to having kids to all of a sudden clean up our not so squeeky images from when we were kids. My kids are still young and hopefully my "shenanigans" (sp) is ancient history by they time they are your kids age...lol

Marcie Ashton said...

Unfortunately, boys were my folly as well. I've tried to convince my girls that they have cooties :) but they aren't believing me. I just hope that my experiences help me guide my kids through the bumps of growing up. And that I survive it-it's much harder being the mom than the kid!

Stacey said...

I loved boys too! But I tell my kids that girls or boys can have cooties for as long as humanly possible. That's A-OK with me! I'm visiting from Mama Kat's.

melissa said...

Hey I just wanted to say how much I love your blog!! Thanks for your posts. I am now a follower here. I will be back for more updates. :-)

Mandi Miller said...

I loved your post! And you have a beautiful family!
Stopping by from Mama Kat's...

Mommylebron said...

I remember those "boy crazy" days! I'm so glad my daughter still believes boys have cooties!
Stopping in from Mama Kat's!

HisBell said...

Yes... bad boys. I hated and avoided the cocky jocks growing up... and now I'm married to one! Oh don't you love life? I love your writing... glad I found ya through Mama Kat's!

hanna (kmcaldwell) said...

haha thats funny. im glad you have smart kids, that i can look to!

MaryRC said...

i only hope my kids learn from my mistakes as i learned from my mothers. i love the lyric in peter gabriel's shaking the tree "you dont have to do what your mother has done, this is your life, this new life has begun."