by Darian

Created on: June 26, 2008

Did you ever wonder, who are these kids? You bring them into this world and teach them manners. You teach them about the important things in life. You love them. Then, one day, your little mini me is a person you don't know.

I don't mean to imply that you stop loving them. Goodness no. We woke up every four hours for those baby bottles. We cried when they got their first baby shots. We cried when they get their second baby shots. We cried when they started school. We cried when they graduated from school.

We teach our beautiful daughter to be a lady, then one day we hear words coming from her mouth that would embarrass a sailor. "Chill, mom. It's only words." What is this chill thing? Mom's don't chill. We overreact, we point fingers, we lecture, but chill? I don't think so.

Do you remember those driving lessons? That's what nightmares are made of. Always stop at rail road crossings. Obey the speed limit. Be a courteous, patient driver. Who was that young man driving 50 in a 30 yelling, go on old man?

I used to tell them they would get spanked if they disobeyed. They would apologize for their behavior and hug me with the promise to do better. Now if I reprimand them, they just pat me on the head and smile.

"I didn't ask to be born!" Did you ever hear that one? "Well, that's a stupid thing to tell me. You couldn't even talk when you were a baby." We're feeling pretty good about that come back. Then, there's the eye rolling. You know what I mean. They roll those eyes, looking upward. I often wonder, are they looking for a higher power? No, their just being a little smart ...!

Potty training. Remember? It's an experience for mom's to teach their boys how to use the bath room. When my son was 15, I accidently opened the bathroom door while he was in there. He screamed like a girl. He was so upset with me. " Please, get over it, I'm the one who taught you how to pee."

kindergarten through college seems so quick a time. I just seem to turn around and my babies are all grown up. Sometimes I miss those sweet, innocent little darlings. They thought mom knew everything. When did that change? Now it's, "mom you just don't know."

The day arrives. College graduation.. You watch with all the pride a parent can feel. Our hearts filled with more love than words can ever express. It was worth it. Those rebellious teen years, just helped shape him into the man he is today. He begins his speech.
"I have many people to thank for my accomplishments."
My chest begins to swell as he talks. Do I stand up when he say's my name? I want everyone here to know I'm his mother. I'm humbled by his gratitude. The speech nears the end.
"I would like to thank Bubbles Larue, for standing beside me."
WHO? Bubbles who? Bubbles what?
"I have only known Bubbles for two weeks, but she has helped me through a very stressful time. I feel as if I have known her all my life."
You have known me all your life. I helped you through stressful times. Remember when you dented your dad's car and I told him I did it? I could go on and on with remember when.

Mother's Day. They buy me cards that say I'm the best mother ever. They give me gifts and take me out to eat. They put their arms around and tell me how much they love me. I told them with all this attention, someone would think I was important. They tell me,
"You are important, you're our mother."

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