A Mother's Wish for Her Children

I’ve seen them all over. Maybe it was Mother’s Day last weekend. Maybe it is just the over-abundance of social media in my life. Whatever the reason, I’m sure you’ve seen them, too.

From Lee Ann Womack’s “I Hope You Dance,” to Tina Fey’s “A Mother’s Prayer for Its Daughter” (from her Bossy Pants book), there are a wide variety of explanations, prayers, hopes, songs, poems and wish lists a mom has for her children.

I often think, if something ever happened to me, whether I be hit by a bus tomorrow or die in my sleep of old age decades from now, I’d still like to be sure my children know how I feel, what I want for them, what I hope they become.

My real wish is that I’m a communicative mom enough that they already know it. I would hope I tell them enough each day that I love them, that they know I only want them to be happy, and that they follow their dreams.

But, maybe for my own mental health, or maybe for posterity, I’ll jot them down here, too. Maybe someday they’ll forget what I taught them, or they’ll forget all the “I love yous” and hugs. Just in case, here it is.

One Busy Mother’s Hopes for Her Son and Daughter

Always remember you are my baby, no matter how old you grow to be.

I hope you keep your sense of humor. It will get you through life’s tough spots.

If you sneak out in your teenage years for a party, never tell me.

Remember where you got those eye rolls, and that I can slap ‘em straight again.

May you always be at least as sarcastic as your mother.

No matter what age you are, I’ll always pick you up drunk, just please never drive.

If you are good at one thing, let it be communicating.

I hope you never try drugs. If you do, I hope you think drugs means “pot.”

If you think you are big shit, stand by the ocean and remember you aren’t.

Find someone you love, and love them with everything you have.

Try new things. Remember all those years I made you peanut butter sandwiches and branch out.

Don’t give up on your dreams. Ever. And don’t let anyone take them from you, either.

Every minute I spent on a computer, phone or tablet, I wish I had back to hold you.

Remember a messy house is better than a mom too busy to play.

Remember our night talks, our songs and all the protections from bed bugs.

Don’t pick a fight. But don’t back down from one either.

Nothing is ever over.

Aim to be perfect, but remember that is, of course, impossible.

Being broke and happy is better than rich and sad.

If you are not happy, change it.

Remember your mother’s determination stubbornness. It’s all in you, too.

Money will come and go, but that epic vacation may only come once.

Wear spandex while you can, because someday, please be aware, you shouldn’t.

Stick with sports. They'll teach you things you'll never learn otherwise.

No matter how wealthy you get, keep eating hot dogs just because you like them.

If you miss me someday, head to Beaver Stadium and remember a part of my soul lives there.

Love those freckles on your face. I do, and remember where they came from.

Have fun. And, if it isn’t fun, don’t do it more than once.

Eat and drink what makes you happy. Happiness means more than being skinny.

Love yourself. You are the most amazing thing I’ve ever done.