How did she always know?

Mama Told Me

The moments when I realized my Mom was right. Again.

“Mama told me”. These are the first three words of the song, Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd. These words — “Mama told me”, have echoed in my head- hundreds of times throughout my life. If there was one thing my mama always did — whether I wanted her to or not, she told me.

Mama told me.

When I was in the 4th grade, a rude little boy convinced our teacher that I had been using swear words. As I sulked on the splintery bench of doom I was tormented by the sight of my friends laughing playing for an entire session of recess. I was wrongfully defeated. I whispered to myself.

“Mama told me not to trust that boy! She was right.”

Mama told me.

When I got my first traffic violation, it was for rolling through a stop sign on an empty road. When I heard the chirp of the police car behind me, my heart sank and I hissed a familiar sentiment.

“Mama told me this was going to happen if I didn’t make a full stop! She was right!”

Mama told me

When I lost my husband our son was only two months old. I was filled with sorrow that nothing could ease. I thought to myself angrily.

“Mama told me it will get better.” And even though it took a long time, eventually, it did get better. Once again, Mom was right.

As a mom, I sometimes search my memories, recalling the way my own mother would have handled things. When I get it right I will silently thank her for telling me so much.

Mama Keeps Telling Me

The last few years I have been less attentive than I should be with my Mom. She sadly says to me “Lori, call me more often. There will be a day when you will not be able to.” I don’t want her to be right on this one. Not too soon.

I am going to call her now.

If you have a Mother who is still alive, you should call her too.

First, listen to Simple Man By Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Dedicated to you, Mom. With so much love.