Mothers are sacred! When the name calling started, whether in the schoolyard or prison yard; the workplace or the retirement home card room; even if the fists clenched or the guns were drawn, all combatants instinctively knew and adhered to the single commandment of arguing: “No Mothers!” Violating the rule was equivalent to a “made man” in the mafia breaking the code of Omerta. There are consequences. Even the proverbial 90 lb. weakling would risk a life-altering beating to pummel a bully in defense of his mother. We instinctively know Mothers are special.
For those of us whose Mothers are long gone the memories remain. One of my favorite is when I was 8 years old in Chicago. One afternoon, for no special reason, no birthday or holiday, my mother came home and brought me an ice cream maker, the toy of my dreams (It was a Wham-o or Tyco…one of the “O” related toy companies). I was so excited I hugged her and said “I love you!” These were not words one heard frequently in our home.
So today, Mom’s Day. Show her how you feel. I hope you create a memory to last 60 years. Throw in an extra hug, even if it’s delivered by Zoom. And if I catch you saying anything bad about my Mom or yours, I’m gonna throw you a beatin’ you won’t soon forget.