My Mom made me a superhero

Today I received a wonderful poem from my Mom which touched my heart and reminded me how much pressure we as mothers and women put on ourselves, especially those of us who are perfectionists. Case in point me. I try to be supermom and wife each and every day donning my bright pink super hero cape each morning as I get dressed. I am not sure if it is a good thing or a crazy thing, but it is what I do.

I know it started from a young age, because my Mom (whom I love dearly as my friend too) tells my kids how I hated getting my hands dirty as a little girl. I did and still do, but that doesn't mean I don't each and every day. I also know that I liked things to be in order and run smoothly in every aspect of my life, whether it was in my daily routines in school, relationships with friends, or at home. I must admit though for all my tendencies of wanting everything just perfect, I drove my Dad crazy with my shoes. I was always leaving them everywhere. Unfortunately he was always finding them too! I still have that bad habit to this day. I looked around my home this morning and found not one but three pairs. Oh! Make that four; there is a pair of flip flops, my favorite under my desk. My boys, all three of them (my husband included), has picked up my habit. It is hard to scold them about picking them up and putting them away, when mine are just feet from theirs...but I do. I just try and make sure that I have mine in hand when I do!

My friends have often poked fun at my need for having things in place, doting all my i's and crossing my t's, and being prepared, but they all know it is just the way I am. I try not to become over bearing about it, but sometimes I do. I have lost friends over it and that is hard, even though I know true friends accept you for who you are no matter what. I will apologize when I slip just a bit, even though most people would consider my slip not anything at all. For example, I might apologize for not having a friend's favorite beverage on hand, even though I know she is coming and a diet cola drinker. I know it doesn't change our friendship at all, but I still think to myself, "what an egg head, I know better!"

I am almost sure my Mom's example as a wife and supermom has something to do with my need for perfection. She made it all look so easy...still does! Our home had everything in its place, except for my shoes of course. Dinner was always on the table at five sharp, no cheating either with pre cooked meals or take out. She was always there to help in our classrooms and activities, cheering us on and instilling confidence. And she looked great no matter what the situation. Who could not want to follow in such wonderful footsteps? Funny thing though, if you ask her if she is a perfectionist, she will tell you no. She just puts a little love in everything she does. I can't argue with that one!

I am thankful to and for her. I don't tell her that as often as I should. As are all the little things she did and does that makes up a HUGE part of who I am, who my children are, and where we are all going.

Thanks Mom! I love you!

Learn more about this author, Cynthia Hentz.
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