It wasn’t the first time I’d told Lyla & Owen that their Dad was my little boy. But one day, it finally “clicked” for Lyla. We were on the phone FaceTiming, and I was reading her a story I’d made a picture book out of about her Mom & Dad. It included photos from when they were in high school together, then their engagement, their wedding, and finally when Lyla was born. Then I showed her pictures of her Dad when he was little and I was young. All of a sudden, her eyes opened really big, she gasped, dropped the phone, and all I could hear was her running to the kitchen yelling, “Dad!!!! Gummy is your MOM!!!!!”
Well, we all nearly died laughing, but really there’s probably a lesson in it all. Never forget where you came from.
Never forget how nervous you were on that first day on the job, and the employee who made you feel welcome. Welcome new faces. (I remember you, Linda C! My MICUBFFAW)
Don’t forget what it was like when you had to cut coupons or buy your kids’ clothes at the Salvation Army or garage sales. Share your hand-me-downs with others who might be struggling. (I remember you, Joan B!)
Remember the neighbor who gave you her son’s hand-me-downs, and the friend who watched your kids so you could get a break and just go the grocery store alone. (AGAIN, thank you Joan B!)
Don’t forget your first waitress job and how bad your legs ached after 8 hours. (Thank you, Palace & Ram’s Horn, for some of life’s most valuable lessons! And thank you Lisa for our life-long friendship!)
When a new employee comes to work, remember how nervous you were on your first day. Make them feel welcome. (Ain’t that right, Pood?! We pinky promised!)
I feel pretty lucky as Mother’s Day approaches. Lyla and Owen don’t realize yet how lucky they are to have three generations of women in their corner who love them, but I plan to remind them often of where they came from, and encourage them on to where they’ll grow.
I’m also going to keep recording all the sweet and funny things they say!
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