 The other day, a man yelled from his car window “you mother *&%*” as he waved his finger at me. I just smiled. It’s good to be somebody’s mother. Where would the world be without us? I agree that we can sometimes be bossy, overbearing and worry-warts. But I need to interject that it’s in […]  We all make fools of ourselves every so often. Speaking for myself, it’s ‘more often’ than ‘every so’. It would be fair to say; I’ve made it an art form. Misjudgments, mistakes and sheer stupidity account for many of my foibles. The truth is, being mortified is pretty much second nature to me. I hang […] 
We’re all hoping to hear about the rest of the mishaps this weekend We all agree, there is no one in this world like you!!! And, we love you! 
What comes to mind, Tammy, is all the embarrassing moments celebrities have and just get richer and richer in spite of or because of. As George Clooney said….’eveyone has a camera these days, and if you happen to put your finger up your nose…they get it…’ ost people would be embarrassed by the short term marriage (?) Kim Kardashian had. But no, she may run for Governor of California and then who knows? And then there are those politicians. You just need to learn how to make your embarrassments an advantage for you. Joan Cooper 
Mishaps happen, fortunately some of them are humorous after the fact. A few years back I was putting on a Halloween show for some neighborhood kids. It was a “living dissection”. I one point I was supposed to knock out my victim with a mallet. I used a real rubber mallet. The plan was to miss his head (obviously) and slam it into a piece of wood behind him so it would sound as if I had just clunked him. Long story short, I missed him as planned but somehow wound up hitting my own thumb instead of the wood plank. Yep, broken. Still managed to finish the show, though. 🙂 
Hi Trenna, it’s good to be back in Denver! I’m so looking forward to the writer’s conference but looking forward to connecting with old friends even more! I love you too!!!
Hi Rick. Ooooo, ouch! I can hear it crack. That sounds more tragic than embarrassing but I give you a gold star non the less. Funny how we remember stuff like that, isn’t it? For me, it was over 50 years ago. Maybe it’s time I let it go. Still, I’ve gotta confess, it sure taught me a whole hell of a lot. Thanks for being here, Rick, and thanks ever so for the post.
Hi Joan, I wish there was a way I could make money off my embarrassing moments. I’d be a millionaire! Instead I am left mortified but all the wiser. I truly do believe that moments like these in our lives help to define our tolerance for humiliation and thereby define our abilities. Thanks for sharing your insight. So love having you here! 
Oh Tammy, I recall the saran wrap story and still chuckle when I think of it. We all have had embarassing moments, but many of us keep them to ourselves and pretend they never happened….too bad, as they are often humbling experiences that are best shared. Can hardly wait to see you this weekend. 
Tammy, I too remember the saran wrap story and tell it many times to others! I also have a “few” other stories that you failed to mention…i.e. 21 gun salute. I do believe being able to expose and then laugh at our embarrassing moments makes us more apt to venture out of our boxes. Something I’m still working on… but better to work on it than ignore it all! Thank you again for the laugh…it is the best medicine after all!
Hi Cynthia, Some things are pretty darn hard to forget. Darn it. I shared that story with just a few chosen friends and every single one of them remembers it vividly. Me too. I have to say that I am the better for some of the humiliating moments. While I still wish many of them had never happened … I’m grateful for the person they have helped me to become. Thanks for your post. I can’t wait to see you this weekend either!
Hi Jenn, Oh, ouch. Do we have to mention the 21 gun salute? I’m still pretty mortified about that. When the time comes, please tell your dad that I meant no disrespect. I’m just a born goofball and act on survival instinct. I only hope he got a chuckle out of that. Thanks for being here, Jenn, it’s awesome knowing that you are. 
Dear Tammy,
Hi Mel, so happy you enjoyed the read. I’m a lot of things, but cowardly has never been one of them. I might be better off if I had a dash of it in me somewhere. I find it warmly interesting you mentioning how embarrassed you were singing solo in fifth grade. We never quite seem to get over those things, do we? We even remember the queasy feeling in our stomachs. If we don’t own the humiliation, the queasy tummy, we never really learn from it. Thanks so much for your post. I know you tried to post twice and I want you to know how much I appreciate you staying with it. I’m just delighted to have you here. 
Ya mine. Working in downtown Century City. We always walked across Avenue of the Stars to get lunch. This area was known to be a wind storm area. There was an ATM used by all on Santa Monica Blvd. and Ave of the Stars. I went to pull money out of ATM with a male friend. Before I knew it my skirt was over my head stuck to my face like plastic wrap and I was wearing thong undies! The cars are honking giving a thumbs up! I am trying to pull dress down and keep my money from flying away all my friend could do is laugh! Thanks Robert my dear friend!  Unzip and spit it out. There are few things more damaging to any relationship than silence. That’s a fact. Keeping things in has never been a problem I’ve had to deal with (a blessing and a curse). I wear my heart on my sleeve, my opinion on my lips and my mind generally out in […] 
Great insight! I truly believe the lack of communication contributed considerably to the failure of my marriage.
Tammy & Jeffrey, Logic doesn’t always work. You cannot help someone who isn’t able to help themselves. Get over it and move on. No don’t sit down. Stand on your feet. If you can’t do that, you are beyond help. Face to face. Head high. Tears are woman’s greatest defense. If that happens – give up. Don’t be conned. For men – watch the eyes no matter what he says with his mouth. Well, Tammy – I am just not a cuddly teddy bear like you. Joan Joan
Hi Jeffrey, Exactly what I’m talking about. If there is something wrong and you are asked about it … fess the hell up! It’s the ONLY way your issue will have a chance at resolution. Talking things out seems to have lost its luster these days. Probably why we have so much brokenness in our lives. I bet the days when divorce was taboo, people at least made the effort to communicate. People, their feelings and emotions matter. Thanks for your kind words. Whether I write funny or not so funny, I always write what I feel and what I see. Happy you’re on the other end to read it. Thanks for posting!
Hi Joan, It would be a better world if logic did indeed prevail. Pity. I’ve never thought of myself as a cuddle teddy bear, but I’m smiling at the reference. I’m not sure if you’re too cynical or I’m too naive. Perhaps we should go for cocktails one day and decide. Whatever the verdict, I’m delighted to have you here, read your opinions and exchange thoughts. It’s pretty awesome! 
Ive always appreciated your no bullshit up front ways and could not agree more! But mayne im not as nice as you because if a person wont just tell me what I did to piss them off they can go away and play the martyr somewhere else. Honesty first I say…and thank you for yet another good post!
I like things out in the open and agree with what you say….daa…once again! There are so many people that feel lonely and afraid. Do you think if there was more transparenty it might make life easier!? Love you girlfriend and can’t wait for you to come for your visit!!
Hi Maureen, I’ve been called a lot of things but love being called ‘nice’. Thanks for that. I totally understand where you’re coming from. Your stance makes life easier and a more positive environment. Easier said than done, especially when the person/people that choose to withhold are people you love with all your heart. I guess it’s all a process, isn’t it? Thanks so much for posting. Love, love having you here!
Hi Trenna, yes, I think that if people really said what their truth was, their lives would be fuller, with more purpose and with a lot less conflict. Just a hunch. Am so looking forward to being back in Denver for the writing conference and to see my dear old friends. So excited! Thanks for the post, it means a lot.  Or so they say. I’ve spent the better part of a lifetime thinking that being right would render the ultimate satisfaction. I know what you’re thinking; what a pompous patootie! As it turns out I was right far more often than I was wrong. But the satisfaction it brought me was short lived and in […]
You, Tammy, are always right when you say “you are not always right, you never will be always right…” Got that? Respect is a major factor in developing successful relationships and working with people, and animals, in general. I know that I am always right about that.
Hi Jeff, you’re a pretty funny guy. And a smart-alec too. I guess that even writing that post the way I did sounded like I was right and everyone else was wrong. Geesh! Hey, girls gotta take a stand at some point. It’s these life lessons that either get in our way or show us the way. They are so simple yet so critical to the bigger picture. And as you know, I’m always happy to share my opinion whether you asked for it or not. Haa! And yes, you are right about respect being the ultimate playing card when it comes to people and animals. I just wish everyone else thought so too. Thanks for being here and posting. 
Love the turn of phrase – shades or truth and right – so correct, and another wonderful piece Tammy, Thank you!!
Hi Maureen, thank YOU for reading and sharing your thoughts with me. I love knowing you are on the other side of my rants and ramblings. You, my dear, are awesome!
The worst decisions I have ever made, were made for the best reasons. Go figure. The longer I live, the less I know. Joan Cooper
Hi Joan, your first sentence was a mouthful. I always contend that I may not have always made the right decisions but I made them for the right reasons. I think we get points for that. And I’d like to change your last phrase to read “The longer I live, the more they change the rules.” There you have it. Thanks for posting, we are the wiser for it. 
I think that everything you wrote is righ……nope correct!
Hi Jenny, thanks for the endorsement, (yes, I understand) and for feeding the fishies. Addicting isn’t it? Buahahaha! 
Tammy! What great advice for our daughters. Yes, so much comes from wisdom and don’t we wish we had all that information so much earlier in our lives. Great post!
Hi Nancy, Thanks for stopping by, always good to see you here. Yes, it’s the old “if I knew then what I know now …” the answer would probably be that we’d be scared to death and wouldn’t listen to the advice anyway. And so it goes. Thanks for the post, Missy! 
You’re right. And I hope that brings you happiness for more than a few minutes 🙂
Hi Scott, thanks, us “A” type’s love hearing it. And, yes, it did bring a spurt of self appreciating happiness. Thanks for that! I’ll take it where I can get it. Thanks for the post Mr. Morgan. You rock! 
Loved your post. I, personally, believe that if one has RESPECT for others the need to be “right” is immaterial. I see a world of “it’s all about me and me getting what “I” want—what is best for all is to be damned”——-very sad commentary for our society.
Hi Cheryl, gee, now I’m depressed. Kidding. There is a lot of that kind of mentality. But I’m hoping that is also a lot of people like you and me. You’re right … R.E.S.P.E.C.T. is the name of this game! Thanks for the post!  Someone is in the attic. He’s loud, noisy and an early riser. He’s also uninvited. No, it’s not Uncle Al; it’s a resident squirrel. A little over two weeks ago, we were awakened before sunrise by a loud thumping and bouncing noise in the attic space above our master bedroom. Clearly someone was having a […]
Hmm, I would have loaned you our cat, Angelina for free. She’s this tiny, friendly little thing who also just so happens to e a confirmed murder machine. A while back we had a hole in our room. Before we could patch it, a few squirrels got in. Our attic has various nooks, crannies, and engresses that allow a rodent to travel from there down to the vents in our basement. I have never seen Angelina so happy. Don’t get me wrong, I tried my best to shoo the squirrels outside safe and sound. However, she was simply put just better than me. The worst part was where she left one of them. I had a few plastic bins in front of this one closet. One day the closet door was open. I went to slide it shut. Something was blocking the door. I reached down, past the bins, thinking it was a kids today. I felt something furry. Thinking it a stuffed animal, I picked it up. It wasn’t. Major freakage thus ensued. Stupid cat! 
Knowing you personally, as I read I was totally picturing you with broom in hand banging on the ceiling, making noises and sleuthing around to try to find the entry point to try to get Mr. Peanuts out!! I laughed out loud reading.
Hi Shirlene, well, it wasn’t funny at the time but we are snickering now. Life’s adventures come in all shapes and sizes. And we are rarely prepared. You learn something new every day! Thanks for being here and posting!
Hi Rick, I’m still laughing about your story. I know all about major freakage having had cats all my life (still laughing). They love leaving little dead critters around the house, probably for their future amusement or a gift to you. Not awesome. I certainly could have used Angelina, if only to chase them out. I’d be a bit richer right now. The removal of wild varmints isn’t an inexpensive venture and I’ve learned that as smart as I thought I was….this little squirrel was smarter. In the end peanut butter was his “doom” and my savings grace. I’m changing brands from Jiffy just as a support of solidarity. I’m hoping I don’t run into him in a dark alley someday as I think I would be the worse for it. All is well that ends well, right?? Let’s hope all parties involved live happily ever after. Thanks for posting, it’s a pleasure having you here!
Gosh Tammy, and you are not even in ‘open space’ Tree squirrels cannot be touched by law, even if they move into your bedroom. Ground squirrels can. Where I live, I deal with squirrels, possums, racoons and skunks. Maybe also some I have not named. Just like upscale Hidden Hills. It is called “open space”. Like you, I wish them no inconvenience. I suffered watching a ground squirrel in the cage with food but no water for 1 1/2 days. I use Stanley Pest. The guy is so nice and knowledgeable. The cages are clean and not rusted. I lost a canary once to rust in a cage. How to co-exist. That is the problem. Joan Cooper
Oh, what a tail (sorry couldn’t resist). I think I hired the father of that trapper when we lived in the SF Valley in the 1990s. We called him “Trapper Bob” and he was at our house a lot. Our problem was rats, since we had so many fruit trees. Rats are not nearly as cute as squirrels. Thanks for a great post and for holding your ground and taking the lil critter to the park. You done good! Hope you are sleeping well….
Hi Nancy, great minds think alike, was musing to have that as part of my title. I’m telling you, this guy was something else. Not very social, and didn’t seem to have a lot of common sense (coming to the house without calling, etc.) but then again I guess he doesn’t have too much human interaction on a daily basis. We all have something we are good at, right? This morning’s sleep was a dream but as I lay in bed this afternoon (foot surgery has kept me down) I heard some scratching. Yup. I’m pretty mortified and will have to wait to see what I hear tonight and in the morning. Maybe there was a Mrs. Peanuts after all. And so it continues …. good grief! Thanks for visiting and posting!
Hi Joan, well, I guess I live in “open enough space”. We have a few squirrels (could be the same one over and over – they all look alike to me) who are in our backyard and drink from our pool. They cause no problem (until now) and they love the many trees in the open spaces between the houses. Co-existing is never easy on either side. It all seems a bit unfair but it is the way things are. My goal is to be peaceful, and have our attic be squirrel free. As it is, I think I heard some romping and scratching up there this afternoon. Oh, no! Will wait to see. I’m not sure I could tell the difference between a ground squirrel and a tree squirrel. I will assume that one has protection and one does not. No matter, I will stand up for the squirrels right to live happily…. somewhere else!
Speaking as a vegan who digs animals (and has a grudging respect for the highly crafty, if squatter-prone squirrel), I appreciate that you drove him to a nice place in the woods. If I move into your attic some day, pleas extend me the same courtesy 🙂
Scott, dude, consider it done. Even though my truth is that I am crafty impaired I can’t help but admire this little guy. Kind of hated to see him go. I wanted to have a mano to mano conversation with him about the rudeness of moving in to someones home but I thought better of it. When he outfoxed the trap, I almost cheered. I’m hoping it was a happy ending for him. I love the park, it’s lakes and shady trees. At the end of the day, I would wish to be respected and cared for as much. Happy for your visit and thanks oodles for posting! 
A great visual ! Glad that it was a squirrel, and not something bigger and meaner !!
This story illustrates what kind of woman you are…a hysterically funny woman with a heart. Love, tk
Tammy
Hi Susan, OMG that is a terrible story! I’m hoping that he was already dead when that happened. Eeewww. This little squirrel stopped to visit us each night as he climbed the wall past our window and stared at our two cats (who would wait patiently for him). They would all look at each other for a couple of minutes and then he would move up the wall. It was almost like he was a weird part of our family. We have enough weird going on, thank you very much. Hopefully the noise I now hear attic is not Mrs. Peanuts. Good grief! So happy to see you here!!! Thanks for posting!
Hi Trenna, awww, thanks for that kind thought. I’ll take it! I love that you read me and that you stop in once in a while to post a thought. It’s always appreciated, as are you!
Hi Kellie, I can see you chuckling now. Yeah, it wasn’t far from it. What a not so awesome experience. I’m not a fan of trapping wild animals and relocating them far from their known home. Feel terrible about it. I know he is wild and he will do fine but still, even animals have and love their family. Of that I am strongly convinced. Thanks for the post, always love hearing from you! 
I thought I had a squirrel in my attic, turns out it was a tree branch hitting the roof. It made me so paranoid! I can totally understand having something over your head like that scampering away – and going through your Christmas ornaments too! lol. Good story!
Hi Jan, welcome! So glad you enjoyed the read. Knowing that I was sharing my home with furry critters doing God knows what up there was a bit nerve wracking. How could a tiny little squirrel make so much noise?! I mean, it sounded like a herd of elephants up there. You’re right … it made me paranoid. I kept thinking that at any moment it would come crashing down into our bedroom. But the havoc the noise caused every morning was just crazy. I had to do something. Drastic times call for drastic measures. I can only hope he is as happy in his new surroundings as we are in our newly found peace and quiet. That is … until next time. So happy to have you here and hope you come back again. Thanks for posting! 
Love this! I could never be intentionally cruel to a wild animal. Although there was this one time… I honestly didn’t know what I was doing, I’d never had any experiences with mice before. Oh, I will never forget it though. It still makes me feel awful. To be honest, I was pretty thoroughly provoked. After all, the mouse did decide one night he was going to bed down in my hair at three o’clock in the morning. Right by my ear. And invite his friends. Not a very good idea in my opinion. What would you do if you woke up with mice literally staring at you in your bed? I screamed, they squeaked and went helter-skelter in every direction. After a month of not getting any sleep, I admit to making a rather hasty decision. The maintenance man hid mouse traps all over the house. You know, the kind with the sticky tape? That night I awoke to the most awful shrieks. I thought it was my daughter at first. Nope, it was a mouse. I’m pretty sure it was my bed buddy. That poor little sucker put up a ruckus, let me tell you. He’d managed to get stuck on a trap behind the refrigerator – probably went there looking for food and warmth. I tried to help him, really I did, but every time he shrieked and thrashed made me jump and cringe and I just couldn’t figure out how to free his four little paws. He was stuck but good. So I did the only thing I could think to do… I took him outside and dropped him into the trash can and put the lid on tight. Suffice to say, shortly thereafter I moved and have never laid another mouse trap. I kinda figure if they’re willing to fight that hard for the space, they can have it.
Hi Charity, OMG I’m cringing at your mouse escapade. How awful. For the mouse and for you. I think if I had done that it would haunt me for years. I imagine I would hear a high squeaky voice in the middle of the night saying “save me … save me”. No thanks! That’s when I get on the phone to a neighbor and bring in outside help. Once there was a mouse stuck in my dryer vent. I could hear it and was unable to run the dryer for days. Finally got my neighbors to take it all apart and set it free. I was so relieved. They freak me out big time, but I just couldn’t bring myself to be the cause of a mouse death. I don’t have the same feelings about roaches. A girls gotta draw the line. I spray those suckers and hope they will eventually die. Since it is the only insect that dies of starvation 8 days after having it’s head cut off, I’m not so sure….and don’t really want to know. I don’t lay traps either, or poison, but I say a prayer and put it out in the universe that they all bypass my little house and move in with my neighbors. After all, what are neighbors for? Loved hearing your story, thanks oodles for sharing! 
I loved these images captured with the pretty and cute squirrel |
mercyn - So well stated and have a wonderful Mother’s day!
Liz - Thanks for the reminder on how awesome we moms are! Sometimes we forget that we are doing a good job. Have a wonderful Mother’s Day Tammy.
Tammy - Hi Liz, we ARE awesome, aren’t we?! Many wonderful returns of the day to you. As my daughter has repeatedly told me throughout the years, “Every day is mother’s day”! Funny, I thought every day was “kids” day! Have a great one and thanks for posting!
Tammy - Hi Mercyn, thanks so much for the good review. Every once in a while (once a year to be precise) I sputter a few words of wisdom. Of course, I am a bit biased. Have a graciously wonderful Mama’s Day! And thanks for stopping by and posting!
Laura Lee Carter aka the Midlife Crisis Queen - Hi Tammy:
Ain’t it the truth! Especially the part about being all in!
I’m so looking forward to your appearance in the new Blogging Boomers’ Carnivals!
-Laura Lee
Tammy - Hi Laura Lee, yup the lifetime gig, aka known as the gift that keeps on giving! Hope you have a smashing Mother’s Day. Oh my goodness, I have to get busy on my Blogging Boomers Carnival submission. If only there were more hours in the day! Thanks so much for being here and posting!
mickey - Tammy- thank you! for sharing some of those drama filled mom years with me. And sharing so many memories. Our girls turned out great, didn’t they? Love you.
Tammy - Hi Mickey, drama was the key word back then … I don’t miss that! So many memories, tears, worries and fears. But it is the friendships that stand the test of time. And those friends that stood beside us as we did the best we could for our kids are our friends for life, for only they know how hard it was and how much it meant. You, my lovely, are one of those friends. Color me grateful. Thanks for sharing little Mickey. I love you right back!
Joan Cooper - Have a wonderful Mother’s Day, Tammy, but do not forget – that selfless act of bringing a person into this imperfect world has a difficult act attached – you have to let go and let the child become an individual.
I have friends that are the most perfect parents. They even plan scenerios of situations to train their two boys. In spite of all the care they took, the Mom discovered that her eldest was trying drugs. He goes to an upscale school – nothing but the best. It took a lot of talking, but he finally gave in and confessed and has thanked them ever since. But their fine parenting couldn’t stop the peer pressure. They still have to live in the world as it is.
Thanks for giving me a time out in my difficult world of dealing with adults.
Joan Cooper
Tammy - Hi Joan, I agree. It is the only job I know of that requires every moment of your day for 18-21 years only to reach the ultimate goal of setting them sailing their own course without you there. From a mother’s perspective it’s tough business letting go. But we do, and they fly the nest. And then we are left to rediscover ourselves. Necessity is truly the mother of invention. I feel for your friends, but they were vigilant enough to see the problem and rescue their child. Kudos for that. So happy you popped in and shared. You are pretty wonderful.
Jeffrey Davidson - Moms are in a class by themselves. Kudos to all of those who became mothers and gave of themselves unselfishly with love.
Nice commentary!
Rick - I once rolled my eyes when my Mom would give me advice and even into my older years, say I will never be too old and will never stop being her “little boy”. Now with grandchildren my Moms comments to me are welcomed, because over the years I see the same thing happening. I will just smile and say thanks Mom. Today, I treasure my son coming to me and asking for advice, encouragement and understanding. He will never be too old, but also has been an incredible blessing. Growing never stops. Thanks Tammy.
Tammy - Hi Rick, you are not alone, my friend. We have all rolled our eyes, lost our patience, became disgruntled with our moms. And then it happens; we become parents. That’s the time we learn that they were right to guide us, that they couldn’t help but worry and that they never stopped praying for our safety. I always tell my daughter that she will understand me clearly when she becomes a mom. Something happens to us when we become parents. We suddenly “get it”. We respect and welcome all that our mom and dad tried to share with us. You’re right … growing never stops. Thank YOU, Rick.
Tammy - Hi Jeffrey, ditto your sentiment. Simple but oh so sincere. I don’t think that there is a being on earth that will give more for a child than a mom. Appreciate your post … and you!
Cynthia - What truth lies in those words Tammy. Being a mother of sons, I can also relate to the words I gave my sons and those given to them by their (now deceased) father….so different and yet so valuable. It was so wonderful to see you last weekend. You, my dearest, are a fabulous mother and mentor. Your daughter is a very lucky young woman.
Suerae Stein - You are my hero, Tammy! Your post is so perfect and so wise, witty, and funny. Yet it made me cry. How do you do that? That’s what makes you such a great writer – you’ve been there and you know. You bring out all the emotions that we need to feel. So beautiful – thank you! ~ Suerae
Ande Lyons - Tammy!
I la la LOVE this post… how it starts all the way through to the ah-mazing finish. BRILLIANT!
I agree with you re: the hairy eyeball approach. With two boys, it’s been key. That and teaching them to open doors, kill bugs, take out trash, lift heavy objects, put down toilet seats, come when I call them from across the house… and to worship their Mother.
In case they forget that last part… I wear my heavy, jewel encrusted tiara… just to remind them.
Thanks for always uplifting my day and making me smile Tammy!
Happy Mother’s Day!
Ande
Susan - A delicious post ! I have lost my mother, but am myself a mother, mother in law and grandma. I never take it for granted, and am blessed with those in my life, including my very precious son, who I almost lost years ago to a car accident. You made me feel even more blessed….your gift to us all. Yes, your daughter is indeed a lucky woman. May she always be grateful to have you in her life, as she is to you in yours.
Blessings….
Tammy - Hi Cynthia, motherhood is bond that holds all of humanity together. If you aren’t a mom, you had one, if you didn’t have one, you’ll be one or marry and make your bride one. Mothers are indeed that hand that rocks the cradle that inevitably rules the world. I loved seeing you again last weekend…thanks for driving to Denver. It seemed like it hadn’t been years but rather just weeks since we had our last “sit down”; the mark of true friends. I miss you. But it’s good to know we are there…just a phone call away. Thanks for reading … and moreover, thanks for posting.
Tammy - Hi Suerae, aw shucks, thanks. I loved this post, it was so joyful to write and if it makes you feel any better, it made me cry too. Bet you can guess which parts. When my daughter went off to college I told her I felt like I had just lost the best job of my life; one I had for 18 years. It crushed me. I was wrong. The job continues … in a different vein with different working hours. But what every mom knows is that we are ever vigilant with our worry, our love and our prayers for our children, no matter how they behave. A mom’s love is enduring through all fire. A lifetime gig that ends at the moment we lose our life. That is commitment. Of course it’s not really like we have a choice. I think we were just made for the job. Thanks so much for being here, and thanks for sharing your kind and loving thoughts.
Tammy - Hi Ande, thanks for the awesome review! I loved the hairy eyeball approach. It spared a lot of probably discussion or punishment along the way. I also love how your boys are taught to worship their mother. Great going there! I think I should go buy a tiara tomorrow. Is it too late to start? My kid is soon to be 27. I’m so thrilled to be part of your week and even more thrilled to know that I’ve made you smile. Excellent! Happy returns of the very special day to you, my friend, Ande!
Tammy - Hi Sweet Susan, Having an only child is a different and special experience. It is a double edged sword to have only one. I was an only child and went on to have an only child. It wasn’t intentional. Amanda always asked Santa for a big brother. Clearly not in the cards. I cherish the years we’ve had together, and while we sometimes go through rough patches, I know that she knows that I’m here for her. Always have been, always will be. It’s a “mom” thing that I know you know all about. The only job on earth that never, ever ends … motherhood. We are all lucky to be one … and to have one who loves us unconditionally. Blessings to you, my dear friend, and thanks so much for posting here.
maureen - Happy Mothers Day Tammy – another great piece. I absolutely would not trade one minute for any amount of money. Its the one thing I’ve done that I’m most proud of and have never been disappointed by. And knowing you and your daughter I know you agree – we done good!
Betsy - Happy Mother’s Day, Tammy. And for the affirmation of what Motherhood really is!!! You wrote a beautiful piece and yes, Motherhood does go on forever. The old adage “once a Mother, always a Mother” is so true, and one that I, for one, am grateful for. Being a Mother is the hardest job a woman will ever have; but also, the one with the greatest satisfaction. I am so glad that my daughter shared your piece with me. It added to my joy this Mother’s day. Thank you.
Jenny - Happy Mom’s Day to you!
We had a hamster named Gravy. She was brown and would sit in her white bedding all day. This is how she received her name. One cold winter day Gravy died. We put her and her bedding into a box, secured it with duct tape and put her in the freezer. The ground was frozen and there was no way to dig a proper hole. Gravy stayed with us until late into the spring and then we were able to have the official goodbye.
Being Mom means sharing your heart and freezer space too.
Tammy - Hi Maureen, I DO agree. Yup, we done good! I can’t tell you how marvelous it is to have you on the other end of my weekly rants, reasoning’s and radical opinions. Thanks for that!
Tammy - Hi Betsy, awesome to see you here! Your daughter shared my piece with you? I love her!! (chuckle) I have always said that if I could be a good mom, raise a responsible, loving, giving and gracious child, well, then I could probably do anything. Hard job? Heck, yeah! Worth every moment of grief, fear, worry and sadness. Children are the gift that keeps on giving … and giving … and giving. Pretty awesome stuff. I’m so happy to have added a little extra smile to your Mom’s day. Sounds like you had a pretty good head start. Say hello to that beautiful daughter of yours for me! Thanks for the post, love having you here!
Tammy - Hi Jenny, every mom knows that a proper funeral is in order for the family’s furry “children”. I also had to freeze a little hamster named Cinnamon (are they all named after food?), as we lived in Colorado and little Cinnamon had the bad timing of dieing in February. A proper funeral was had in May with a hand painted stone marking the spot. I love your statement “being mom means sharing your heart and freezer space too”. Yes! Yes, it does. Loved your post, thanks for stopping in and sharing. Hope your Mama’s day was awesome!
Kellie - Yes mother’s are a special breed of human beings. I recently found a diary my mother kept for years. Inserting and writing several pages on each grandchild and when they were born. I requested if I could keep the diary and copy for every their own special page. My mother agreed. I keep the diary in my own bedroom on my writing desk. I never knew mom kept this diary and was fascinated. Got to love a mom.
Tammy - Hi Kellie, yup, ya gotta give a mom her due! Each and every single one of them. I would venture to think that most of us had no idea what we were getting in to. But I can guarantee that it didn’t take long for us to figure out that this was probably the biggest most important task of our lives. No pressure. It’s been a joyful worry-fest ever since. I started keeping a journal when Amanda was in my womb. I made entries for a few years and then stopped. A big regret of mine. I still have it and wish to gift it to her someday for what it’s worth. I’m thinking it’s not too late to start up again. Hope your day with your mom was wonderful. Thanks for sharing and for posting.
Tamie - Tammy,
What a great name! I just found and read your tribute to Mom while searching for “how to write a tribute to Mom.” I want to write something meaningful to express to her how much she means to me. Her 80th birthday is a couple weeks away and I want to give her my tribute instead of a store-bought card. I found a number of things I want to say to my Mom in your tribute. (I always have a hard time finding the right words) You truely have a gift! Thank you for putting words to those feelings. I also have 2 daughters, I raised by myself, both are now Moms, who I could not be more proud of also, so I join you with those sentiments as well! It is totally the best job, and hardest, in all creation!
Blessings to you and your daughter!
P.S. I can’t wait to read more of your material!
Tammy - Hi Tamie, welcome! (LOVE your name too!) Thanks for the good review. I’m happy to be of some help to you in your tribute to your mom. Remember those cards we would make for our moms when we were in grade school? Those were the “keepers”. How lovely for your mom that you are creating a hand written, handmade tribute for her, on her 80th. As a mom yourself, you know how much more it means. Wish her a blessed birthday from a fellow mom, won’t you? Blessing to you too, my new friend, and to your beautiful daughters, who will one day be hand crafting a card for you on your 80th! Hope you subscribed for my weekly rants, wisdom’s and wackiness. Love to have you on board. Thanks for posting, great to hear from you!
Eugene Ashrifie - Little could men achieve without the aid of mothers.
Tammy - Haaa! Just read this response, Eugene. It is wonderfully classic. Thank you for sharing it with me! Happy to have you here.