03.10.15
I hardly remember the title of the song or the memorized line of the solo I sang in the junior high chorus concert. I can’t recall how I sang it or the applause at the end. What I do remember was my mom (carnations in hand) waiting for me afterwards – hugging me tight and her words, whispering into my hair, “I am so proud of you.” The moment, ending abruptly as my best girl friends ran up screeching, their moms in tow. As we giggled about nothing, the moms surprised us with the words, “Let’s go to Friendly’s for ice cream.” A school night? It was late and a dark-black sky, that matched our choir skirts, surrounded the full moon. We arrived and noticed the clock hands inching towards nine. When we were escorted to our seats, the moms motioned us to sit at one table, alone. This was too much for us giggling and screeching and squealing girls. We were in a state of exhilaration, still on high from the concert and in complete amazement that we were eating ice cream past bedtime. My peanut butter cup sundae arrived and my mom stole glances at me, smile plastered on her face. I wanted her to be sitting beside me, but the lure of girl independence held strong to my bones. That night, peanut butter and fudge smell on my skin, mom said goodnight, telling me once again, how very proud she was of me. We hugged, holding each other longer than usual – she wanting to hold onto her baby – me, wanting to never let go of my mother’s pride.
Lovely tribute to your mom–such an important reminder of the power of our words and out support, even when it feels unnoticed. Thank you for this. I will be sure to hug my girls today, and tell them how proud of them I am.
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Yessssss! Such a pleasant, warm feel to your slice. Makes me think of (and I am butchering the quote) the idea that people don’t remember what you taught them but how you treated them. So many of my memories and connections of family–even though I have stories to tell–is always rooted in how the experience made me feel. Loved your slice. It was such a pleasing experience. I wanted to smell things and feel textures…
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It’s the love that came through your words. The fact that you wanted to be by your mom speaks to me. Loved the warmth in this.
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I really love this. I teared up at this line: What I do remember was my mom (carnations in hand) waiting for me afterwards – hugging me tight and her words, whispering into my hair, “I am so proud of you.” So touching.
I love how you managed to capture here those moments in the ice cream shop. The silliness, the wanted to be near your mom, her pride, you starting to find your independence… it’s all here, so beautifully captured. Great Slice.
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Such a sweet memory! I bet that was hard for your mom to let you go, let you have your independence, but that gesture is pure love! 🙂
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Loved this slice into your childhood. I am not sure who I want to find and hug first, my daughter or my mom.
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