Happy Mother's Day

The biggest compliment Sheena ever overheard her father give her & her sister was spoken in the heat of an argument many years ago.

"I pity the men who end up with those two bitches because they're turning out just like you".

I think about these words often. I realized yesterday during my weekly hair appointment in Bloor Village that Sunday was Mother's Day and no I hadn't sent a card, or flowers or a gift. So in lieu of any of that crap, I will write this blog entry and then go phone Mom and read it to her (because Sheena's Mom doesn't do the innerdnets).

Thank you Mom for being the single largest influence in my life during the most crucial formative years.

For raising me in a house full of books and magazines and respecting the power of words.

For exposing me to a circle of strong funny women and demanding we develop a quick wit and sense of humour if we were going to sit at the grownup's table at dinner. (All my female friends are jealous when I tell them I was raised by a coven).

For reminding me that money and good taste have nothing to do with each other.

For teaching me that just because one was poor, doesn't mean one needs to look it.

For letting me trust my judgement and make decisions for myself.

For allowing me to leave when I needed to be on my own.

For not crying in front of me the day I packed up all my possessions and bought a 1-way Greyhound bus ticket.

For teaching me the basic comfort foods like homemade stuffing, bread from scratch and forgiving my utter complete failure with pie crusts.

For instilling the fundamental commandment of never counting on anyone to look after your security and financial stability. Especially a man.

For encouraging to reach beyond my station.

The first time I bought a pair of Gucci loafers (at a SAKS season-end-clear-out sale) and slapped down my credit card to buy them, I said "thanks mom" in my head.

The first time I wore them in business class, I said "thanks mom".

The first time I flew on a private corporate jet, the only woman in a sea of testosterone, and held my own in conversation, I said "thanks mom".

When I have 10 minutes to myself and get to explore the world, sitting in front of the White House, touching the Conde Nast building in NYC, at the payphone outside the Eiffel Tower, I pick up the phone and say "thanks mom". But rest assured I say it in my head much more often.

Ok, gonna call you now.