Too Much Power

Mother's Day is always on a Sunday. Why is that? Sunday mornings are very full and very early for our family. As such, if I don't get a Sunday afternoon nap, Sunday evening is not pretty. Without proper rest, one might mistake my behavior for that of a cranky toddler.

One Mother's Day a few years back, I told the girls I was going to lay down for a nap. They were old enough by that time to keep themselves occupied for a couple of hours, so I retreated to my bedroom for some much needed rest.

After about 20 minutes, and just as I was settling in to my nappage, Megan came in to tattle on Amanda. I don't remember Amanda's offense, but I do remember it didn't compare to the irritation of her interruption. I dealt with Amanda (yelling from my bedroom, if I recall) and tried to resume the slumber position.

After another 20 minutes or so, Megan came back in whining about something else. Again, I don't remember what she was whining about, but I do remember whining myself afterwards.

Yet another 20 minutes later, Megan came in yelling and crying about something Amanda had done. Something I truly didn't care about AT ALL. It was at this moment I realized I was not going to get the one and only thing I wanted on Mother's Day ... REST. But rather than suck it up like a mature adult, I went off the deep end and (get this) thanked Megan for ruining my Mother's Day!! I KNOW!! What mother does that?! Sooo unnecessary, so uncalled for, so un-motherly!! Ugh!!!

Later that day I was talking to my mom on the phone, and I told her what I had said to Megan ...

Mom: Oh Honey, you can't tell her that.

Me: I know. I feel terrible. How could I say something so cruel to my daughter? And on MOTHER'S DAY no less?!

That's when my mom came through with this classic Judi-ism.

Mom: No, no, no. You can never let her know she has that much power! To ruin your whole Mother's Day?! Oh no.

Now that's a pearl of wisdom for ya.