This essay made me smile. And this focused on the magic Mamas bring for this one month. You capture it with equal parts humor and tenderness. Beautiful ❤️
Oh, Alissa....this poignant vignette fits like a glove...My wife is your identical twin in every way possible - making it happen for our kids with her kindness, with her generosity, accessing stores of energy despite being tired and spent....telling me what gifts are for Aly and which ones are for Bella...for the fifth time...hiding our elf every morning before 5:30 am. And unfortunately for my wife, I’m only the fraternal twin of your husband because even though I’m kind, and secure, I don’t cook (I heat). There needs to be a new word invented that reflects the gratitude we “dadas” feel for you mamas that make it all happen, year round, but especially at Christmas. I honor you and all the mamas like you.
So many stories evoked by this piece-- mine and my mom’s too. The first to pop up, probably because my sister’s advancing dementia is surely erasing it and my brother’s genetic Dada orientation means he never saw it, is my 8 year old memories of tiny bits of silver gray lint appearing in our house in the weeks before Christmas. On my 14 YO sister’s list that year was a fake fur coat. On my Mom’s list was a raging alcoholic husband and no income. Somehow in between multiple jobs and the three of us she secured the fabric for that coat and sewed it while we slept in a two story 30x30 brick bungalow. It emerged gloriously on Christmas. Can’t say that I remember my sister’s many wearings nor did I receive it as a hand-me down. But it was an amazing present the day it emerged from it mysterious wrappings. I had witnessed the lint of its creation unknowing. But was bright enough to put the puzzle together that Christmas morning. As one myth was shattered, the Mama myth was implanted that blessed morn--Mom looked jubilant, exhausted --and started cooking Christmas dinner. 🎄♥️🙏🏾
Janet, this is a deep and beautiful reflection. For some reason it reminds me of the riddle: “Why do women give birth?” Because the men couldn’t handle it. 😊. Same goes for why moms are moms.
Not sure women can always “handle it” either, but it is the path we walk, separately and together, with the beloved men in our lives. Blessings for Christmas!
Hilarious and so true for so many of us no doubt! The elf, oh that darn elf..that "nonsense" has stopped for me (a bit sadly I must say) but now it's just for fun and she can participate. Wishing you & yours an abundance of holiday cheer, peace and much love, k (PS will reach out soon to plan a get together) (PSS I'll be digging out some of my old 1988/89 Christmas pics...)
This essay made me smile. And this focused on the magic Mamas bring for this one month. You capture it with equal parts humor and tenderness. Beautiful ❤️
Thank you so much, Raksha! ❤️
Oh, Alissa....this poignant vignette fits like a glove...My wife is your identical twin in every way possible - making it happen for our kids with her kindness, with her generosity, accessing stores of energy despite being tired and spent....telling me what gifts are for Aly and which ones are for Bella...for the fifth time...hiding our elf every morning before 5:30 am. And unfortunately for my wife, I’m only the fraternal twin of your husband because even though I’m kind, and secure, I don’t cook (I heat). There needs to be a new word invented that reflects the gratitude we “dadas” feel for you mamas that make it all happen, year round, but especially at Christmas. I honor you and all the mamas like you.
Your wife and I need to meet, James! Thank you for all this appreciation. Hoping for lots of joy for you and yours this season, my friend.
So many stories evoked by this piece-- mine and my mom’s too. The first to pop up, probably because my sister’s advancing dementia is surely erasing it and my brother’s genetic Dada orientation means he never saw it, is my 8 year old memories of tiny bits of silver gray lint appearing in our house in the weeks before Christmas. On my 14 YO sister’s list that year was a fake fur coat. On my Mom’s list was a raging alcoholic husband and no income. Somehow in between multiple jobs and the three of us she secured the fabric for that coat and sewed it while we slept in a two story 30x30 brick bungalow. It emerged gloriously on Christmas. Can’t say that I remember my sister’s many wearings nor did I receive it as a hand-me down. But it was an amazing present the day it emerged from it mysterious wrappings. I had witnessed the lint of its creation unknowing. But was bright enough to put the puzzle together that Christmas morning. As one myth was shattered, the Mama myth was implanted that blessed morn--Mom looked jubilant, exhausted --and started cooking Christmas dinner. 🎄♥️🙏🏾
What a story, Janet. The bits of gray lint just about broke my heart. No wonder you’re so exceptional— mythic, really. ❤️
Janet, this is a deep and beautiful reflection. For some reason it reminds me of the riddle: “Why do women give birth?” Because the men couldn’t handle it. 😊. Same goes for why moms are moms.
Not sure women can always “handle it” either, but it is the path we walk, separately and together, with the beloved men in our lives. Blessings for Christmas!
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 brilliant!
Thank you, Emma! I’m glad it hit right ❤️
Hilarious and so true for so many of us no doubt! The elf, oh that darn elf..that "nonsense" has stopped for me (a bit sadly I must say) but now it's just for fun and she can participate. Wishing you & yours an abundance of holiday cheer, peace and much love, k (PS will reach out soon to plan a get together) (PSS I'll be digging out some of my old 1988/89 Christmas pics...)
Oh, please please please dig and send! I can’t wait.
You are, and have always been, more magical than man I know.