The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Mother May I

by Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher/Owner

4 May 2005

My most frequent question to my mother, when I was young was, "Mother may I:" and then I would proceed to ask her for something.

It would either be to have a friend over, to make chocolate chip cookies, to play kick the can at the park, go swimming, visit my grandparents and on and on and on. And most always, if it was within reason, my mother would say "Yes".

You have to realize, when you become a teenager, not all your requests are reasonable to your mom. I can remember writing in my diary: "When I become a parent, I am not going to be so mean as to say "no" to my teens and not allow them to go downtown in the evening. I am writing this, so I will never forget what it is like to be young."

I didn't want to fall in the trap of so many moms who just weren't cool. I had seen moms who were a lot worse than mine. They not only forced their kids to clean the house and cook like me, but also had to iron, work in a hot garden, and seldom were allowed to go anywhere.

Funny how your perspective changes as you step into their shoes. You find yourself calling her and asking:

"Mother, may I ask you for a little parenting advice?"

Then you hope she will let you in on her secret, so you can become as good a mom as her. "I love you mom!"