It was almost laughable except for the fact that much needed caffeine was involved. I held a squirming toddler in my lap. She hadn’t been awake long and was currently nursing sporadically, bouncing back and forth between each breast like it was the world’s greatest buffet. I held a full, steaming cup of coffee, and tried in vain to maneuver it around her moving head without scalding us both. I had yet to even taste my first coveted sip, and I watched longingly as the cup traveled all the way around my lap, but never safely found its way to my lips.
My three year old sat beside us, crowded in between my left hip and the chair’s arm. She announced loudly, “I’m thirsty Mom.” All I wanted was a sip of well-deserved java, and I answered back, “Well, go to the bathroom and get yourself a drink of water.”
The bathroom sink was the only place where she could reach the faucet, and I took full advantage of that at the moment. As she padded down the hall I heard her mumble under her breath.
“What’s that?!” I asked. She turned with a huff, one much too moody for a girl of three, and replied in frustration, “Getting you something to drink is what moms are for!” Then she turned dramatically into the bathroom and I was left speechless while the sound of running water issued from the hall bath.
I suppose she was right in a way. Moms came equipped with the wherewithal and innate abilities to perform certain tasks for their offspring, and perform them really well. We were made for it I guess you could say.
For example, when kids are thirsty? That’s what moms are for. Moms have a gift for obtaining the best-tasting and most refreshing drink around. Even if dad can retrieve it, it just seems to taste better at the hands of mom. Moms prevent dehydration across the land, packing cups and coolers for trips, and offering a sip of their own drink on the hottest of days.
When kids are bored and have no idea what to do? That’s what moms are for. Moms are built with a never-ending imagination and a plethora of fun games when most needed. Rainy days, long car trips, a waiting room? That’s what moms are for. They carry special bags with special toys that they pull out of nowhere. Their brain contains crafts, recipes, and stories like no one else. Entertainment is their forte.
When a child slips, trip, or falls there is one who can make it all better. There’s one who can magically kiss boo-boos and make them disappear. When your ouchee is hurting you know just who to call, the woman who can chase it away with her tender arms and generous lap. As she wipes away your tears she also banishes all distress. A healer of sorts, every mom is a nurse in their own way. That’s what moms are for.
Fixing a favorite snack. Reaching things up high. Holding all your stuff! That’s what moms are for.
Dancing in the kitchen. Mom has the best moves. Hide-n-go-seek. Mom knows the best hiding places. Reading a book. Mom knows how to do all the voices. Playing in make-up, and dress-up too. You learn how to be beautiful, but not too overdone by watching Mom use just enough. Moms are good at everything it seems!
Keeping secrets. Protecting you from the mean people. Explaining the hard stuff like where the moon goes and why people die. That’s what moms are for.
To tell you that you’re pretty, that you’re the most beautiful girl in the world! Or to say how handsome and good-looking you are. That’s what moms are for.
To wipe your booty, and pick your nose. To hold back your hair when you vomit or put a cool rag on your sweaty brow. That’s what moms are for.
To hold you when you cry, or calm your anger when it rages. To explain why bad stuff happens, and be the one to tell you that sometimes you won’t know the reason bad things happen to good people. That’s what moms are for.
To give her life to prevent your harm, and hold you tenderly if harm still comes despite her best efforts. That’s what moms are for.
To call when you need a good laugh, or if you need to be mad, and especially when you need to cry. That’s what moms are for.
Because dads are wonderful, and can do all this stuff too, but sometimes you just want mom to do it. She just does it so well.
When an opinion is needed, or a shirt needs mending. When your heart gets broken, and your life needs fixing. God is the one to take care of it all, but He gave you a Momma cause that’s what moms are for.
Sherry says
I love the fact that you leave this open so that it not only applies to mothers of infants & toddlers but also to those of us with grown children. I LOVE the fact that I still get phone calls from my 26 & 32 yo daughters asking for advice, a recipe, or just needing a shoulder to cry on bc that’s what moms are for! My 26 yo just left today, & I’m sitting here reflecting on the last 2 weeks with her; the crafts we did, the projects she helped me complete, the spring cleaning that got done & all the discussions in the middle of it all. And now how a part of me is aching, aching to hold my
baby & rub her head & smootH the hair off her forehead, bc that’s what moms are for.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thanks for the great comment. It definitely was for children young and old. As I wrote it I thought of my own little kids, but I also reflected on my relationship with my own mom. Being able to call her on the phone is what I miss most. Thanks again.