mothers

One of my favorite movies is Mother with Albert Brooks and Debbie Reynolds. It came out in 1996...the year after I became a mother. 

The story centers on Brooks as he returns to his childhood home hoping to understand what went wrong in his relationships with women. What ensues is brilliant comedy between a mother and son. One of my favorite scenes is when Reynolds and Brooks are on the phone and her call waiting interrupts. She attempts to put him on hold only to return to him several times before Brooks asks why she even pays for call waiting. It's a scene those of us with technology-challenged moms relate to and appreciate. Of course I've never had a similar experience with my mom.

If you have your mom into your adult life, changes in them and in your relationship take place. You may hear many of the same stories again and again, and even when you think you can't listen once more, you may begin to find these stories a bit comforting. Topics may include: past family events, disagreements with friends or family members, movie themes, theater revivals, and most likely your childhood.

Moms are usually the only person in the world who can bring the adult you back to the 16 year old you faster than running into your high school boyfriend. They can also be the one to embarrass, humiliate and frustrate you more than anyone. I was at a dinner the other night and two of the guests brought along their mothers. It was fascinating to see how each of the daughters interacted, excused, and reacted to their moms.

Later that night I wondered if I'll embarrass Zach when he's older and I'm older. Then I realized, it's not if it's when, realizing I've already started. So I'll go on record now, I'm sorry for asking too many questions, repeating myself at every opportunity, and just generally bugging you. Know it all comes from a place of love.

I know you've got a good mother story....and I'd love to hear it.

like heaven

It's in one of the busiest neighborhoods of New York City. Through a maze of construction barricades. In and out of open tunnels. And after many security check points, I am pushed out into this open area. It's almost too large to take in. The grass is perfectly mowed. The trees are all lined up, with each similar in size. It feels very controlled.

Until you see the waterfalls. The water first rolls through a metal comb and then pours freely into a pool so deep and peaceful. The pools are massive in size...each surrounded by metal with names in an elegant font. It's the combination of perfect nature and flawless design that makes it look so solid.

This place is peaceful, some call it sacred. It isn't until I raise my eyes and look up only to see massive buildings, that I remember I'm in New York. I haven't been here since December 2001. It makes me proud that an almost indescribable monument is now here forever. Seeing the heaven that was built on hell...