Dorothy Brush "Random Thoughts" Published May 5, 2004

What is being a mother all about?

Mother's Day is almost upon us. I doubt that many women who have known motherhood will get hung up on that fragile pink cloud of well-meant flattery spun with sentimental words, fragrant flowers or tempting candies without a parachute to bring them down from their one-day ego trip.

But after enjoying many years of that special day I am passing on my own private means of descent that might prove helpful to younger mothers. I learned to conjure up memories and take a good hard look at what being a mother was all about.

BEING A MOTHER is a minute by minute threat to tranquility; it is the unexpected becoming the commonplace. Who but a mother could deliver the morning papers at 5:30 a.m. after being awakened at 5 by her son, the paper boy, beside her bed and in obvious pain from a scalded foot just suffered when he poured boiling water over his foot instead of into the cup of chocolate.

BEING A MOTHER is making like a chef extraordinare one minute and a short-order cook the next, always anticipating any wandering hungry multitudes that might storm through the doors; keeping the cupboards and refrigerator stocked with enough emergency rations to qualify as the nearest emergency disaster center.

BEING A MOTHER is knowing when to verbally press an issue and when to keep your mouth shut. And there is no better time to seal your lips than during your first ride with the newly licensed driver in your family.

BEING A MOTHER is holding court on the spot and handing down monumental decisions without batting an eyelash, false or natural, all the time knowing that the next day the decision may be thrown out if you're called back to officiate as the chief justice in the court of appeals.

BEING A MOTHER is admitting openly that you don't know everything and you do make mistakes. Accept that as fact and don't wallow in a guilt bath bubbling with your imperfections.

BEING A MOTHER is having an auditory system that is plugged in for careful listening and an acute awareness of the difference between what is said and what is left unsaid.

BEING A MOTHER is a plus-and-minus experience but after the nest empties the minuses dim as you watch their lives unfold as adults. And no matter their age you know they will remain, in your heart, a child.

On this Mother's Day I say, thanks, kids, for the memories. You stretched my mind, gave me rare insights and led me on a merry chase down the path to maturity. Everything I am I owe to you!

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Dorothy Copus Brush is a Fairfield Glade resident and Crossville Chronicle staffwriter whose column is published each Wednesday.