It seems like most kids think their moms and dads are superheroes, then grow up and realize they’re just people.
I had the opposite experience, and I’m still trying to make sense of it.
My mom worked part time, then full time outside the home when my younger sister and I were growing up. Always on top of the laundry, always had homemade meals, she made Halloween costumes, altered dance recital costumes, hosted dinner parties, you name it, she did it. And I thought that was totally normal. When I was in my 20’s and working my first full time job I asked a coworker (and a mom) how early you have to wake up to do laundry BEFORE leaving for work to get through the spin cycle. The look on her face and her reply shocked me. “Who does laundry before work?” Um, my mom did, so I guess I will call her.
It was shocking, that not all moms did laundry before a full day at the office. A year or two later I was trying to keep my small condo dog hair free and clean, again, while working full time and going to grad school. On a ride to a family party I asked my mom how she kept up with everything, I mean, I didn’t even have kids (just that furry dog!) and I couldn’t keep up. What’s the secret? She didn’t know. She informed me ‘I just made it happen’ or something along those lines.
Thanks mom, because that helps me unlock the secret to nothing!
So, it was around my mid twenties that I decided, officially and without question that my mother is a ‘freak of nature’. Yes, she knows this is what I call her, and it’s mostly okay, since I really mean it in the most loving way possible.
Almost ten years, two kids, and a bigger house later, I still don’t know how to keep up with everything. I certainly try, and I think it’s getting a little better, but man, if superhero abilities could be genetic I would be so set! Despite not having a cape, my superhero freak of nature is super appreciated, probably more than she will know, but hopefully since she is a mom and ‘knows everything’ that she really does know how much we love her!
