May 11, 2008 - Sunday
 | It was Chay's Australian Birthday. Chay baby and I dropped off Kenna at school and headed to Chatswood to pick up a birthday treat and a few things for her little party ! It was a lovely morning. The sun was shining, the leaves were falling, and the town was bustling. Heaven. My bliss was interrupted by a large camera, a boom mic and a smallish woman with a clipboard. "Hello, we are from the Today Show (AU) and we are asking people to give shout outs to their mums. Would you like to say something to your mum?" Slightly stunned by the opportunity, I explained that my "mum" lives in the US and so I may not be the best candidate. They instructed me to "have a go" anyway. They had no idea what it was they were asking me to do. Before I was able to utter a single syllable, a lump the size of a melon emerged in my throat. I knew I was in trouble. "Crap," I said. "I don't know if I can do this. I am crying already." They appeared moved. "Go on", the smallish one said. "What do you love about your mum?" "What don't I love....." It was a strong start, but what began as a moving tribute became an unintelligible slew of guttural utterances. You see, I am completely incapable of crying and speaking simultaneously. Those of you who know me know this is true. It is sort of a cross between Yoda and Sloth from Goonies. The tears were magnificent. You would have thought I had just returned from her memorial. The crew seemed more concerned then moved at this point and so I brought my deluge of emotion to an end and walked away. Much to my chagrin, the tears continued. I looked very unstable as I navigated the streets of Chatswood. Mom, it appears I love you. And evidently I miss you more than is normal. I pray that one day when my daughters are older and asked to express how they feel about me, they too will crumble publicly. It is an honor to be yours. You are the kind of woman I am trying to become and....it appears I cannot type and cry all at once either. Happy Mother's Day Mummy. Your baby girl, Flow Pow |
