“I want my children to have all the things I couldn’t afford. Then I want to move in with them.”
– Phyllis Diller

The mother of three notoriously unruly youngsters was asked whether or not she’d have children if she had it to do over again. “Yes,” she replied. “But not the same ones.”
– David Finkelstein

You’re Really A Mom When…

  • You count the number of sprinkles on each kid’s cupcake to make sure they are equal.
  • You have time to shave only one leg at a time.
  • You hide in the bathroom to be alone.
  • Your child throws up and you catch it.
  • Someone else’s kid throws up at a party and you keep eating.
  • You consider finger paint to be a controlled substance.
  • Your child insists that you read “Once upon a Potty” out loud in the lobby of the doctor’s office and you do it.
  • You hire a baby sitter because you haven’t been out with your husband in ages, then you spend half the night talking about and checking on the kids.
  • You find yourself cutting your husband’s sandwiches into unusual shapes.
  • You fast-forward through the scene when the hunter shoots Bambi’s mother.
  • You stop criticizing the way your mother raised you.

May’s MIRTH Note is dedicated in memory of Jean “Pee Wee” Butler. She was a Grandmother, Mother, Nurse and my Friend.

The month of April brought me many joys… and delivered them straight to my heart. I saw tulips open and close with the movement of the rising and setting sun. I don’t think I ever noticed that before. My nose was witness to a symphony of garden flower smells. and I have no seasonal allergies! I made time for a sunset picnic.

My husband made it thru his least anticipated 60th birthday. Another grandbaby is on the horizon. I traveled to California to meet up with friends and family ( and our grandson). I celebrated and cheered for my friend and mentor as he was honored for his lifetime contribution to the field of therapeutic humor and laughter.

What joys came into your heart life this past April? Did a smile sneak under your nose? Were you blessed by sharing a laugh with a complete stranger? Did your eyes crinkle as you heard a toddler giggle?

Along with all the joys this past month, came a very sad moment. A co-worker and dear friend died unexpectedly. The details were shocking. As I sat numb in front of the TV, the ending to one of my favorite comedy’s (Bruce Almighty)came across the screen. I felt like God was speaking directly to me.

God (played by Morgan Freeman): Bruce, you have a divine spark. You have a gift for bringing joy and laughter into the world. I know, because I created you.
Bruce (played by Jim Carey): Quit bragging.
God: See, that’s what I am talking about. That’s the spirit.
Bruce: What do you want me to do?
God: Pray.
Bruce: (thoughtful inhale): “Lord, feed the hungry and bring Peace to all of mankind. How’s that?
God: Great…If you want to be Miss America. Now come on… What do you really care about?

I thought about this scene as I sat at her memorial service. I thought about Jean’s divine spark. Nursing was her way of life. She used this gift for all her friends and family, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. She may have had time off from her paid job, yet her nursing duties did not stop there. She brought joy and comfort to those who sought health care. She was not a “formal” person and brushed off compliments. She prayed honest prayers for her patients and family. She lived as God created her. She had a beautiful smile. She laughed loud.

I don’t know about you, but funeral services give me serious time to reflect. Listening to another’s life makes me wonder what I am doing with mine. Simply put; all of us are capable of bringing joy into the world, in myriads of ways, as we live our divine spark. And pray a heartfelt prayer.

With gratitude to all who “ mother” their patients, clients, children and pets.

– Debra Joy Hart