Three little words

As I was carrying my fifth basket of dirty clothes downstairs, it occurred to me that it only took three words to transform me from a carefree-single-gal to a mom-hauling-laundry. It started with "I love you." Then there was "Let's get married." And the biggest change came with "I am pregnant," followed by "It's a girl." Twice. 

Now I'm constantly saying "Drink your milk" or "Do your homework" and the ever popular "Clean your room." I always respond when I hear, "Mom, I'm hungry" or "I feel sick" or "I need help." On the other hand, I flinch when I hear "Mom, I'm bored."

I hope I react properly if my kids ever say "Nobody likes me" or "No I can't" or "I feel scared." I've already blown my top when I heard "I hate school." I should have held my tongue and asked why, but I immediately launched into a lecture on the merits of a good education when I should have just let my kid talk. 

Personally, I wish I said "Yes I can" to myself more often. It seems that I'm the one who stops myself from trying something new. I'm my own worst enemy when it comes to imagining the possibilities. More often than not, I dash my hopes with a "No I can't" or a "That's too scary" whenever I contemplate a new opportunity. Do you do that, too?

I suppose all of us Moms would benefit from saying "No thank you" more often. It sure would lighten the load if we didn't agree to serve on every committee and organize every fundraising event. 

Our self perceptions would improve a hundred-fold if we stopped saying "I'm too fat" and "I'm not pretty." My dearest friends aren't drop dead gorgeous. It's their sense of humor and their bright outlook on life that I find most appealing. Their genuine smiles, warmth and goodness make them stunningly beautiful to me. 

There are three little words that I hope never to hear: "I have cancer" or "Let's get divorced" or "I hate you." I hope I can handle the stunning shift those words would bring. No doubt, I'd need to hear "I love you" and "Yes you can" many times in order to find the strength to prevail. 

Fortunately, the worst I've heard is "The toilet's plugged." On my worst day, my best friend said "I forgive you" when I plowed into her parked car. I dented the back fender, but she never fixed it. I guess she liked the reminder that I was so absorbed by what she was saying that I didn't see her car in the rear view mirror. 

I don't know how I got so lucky, but I do know that my happiness hinges on three little words in three different voices. One sounds small and young, one sounds exactly like me, and one is a low baritone. Quite simply, all is well in my world if I hear them say "I love you."

This is an original post to Philly Moms.  Lynn writes about the lighter side of parenting at For Love or Funny.