Got It From My Mama
People always tell you that you’re going to turn into your parents some day.
They don’t tell you when.
And they don’t tell you how.
They just say, “Some day, you’re gonna do something. And you’re gonna stop smack-dab in the middle of your sentence and think, ‘Oh my gosh. I am turning into my mother.'”
My mama and I are pretty similar. We’re both emotional. We both like to eat. And talk. And be around people.
But, when I was younger, people would tell me that I would – some day – “turn into my mother.” I used to shrug it off and laugh.
“Yeah right,” I thought.
I’m an original.
The first and last of my kind.
A non-conformist.
But lately, this year, I’ve found myself mid-Mama-moment a number of times.
It happens randomly. When I’m talking to Ankur. When I’m striking up a conversation with a stranger at the grocery store. Or even in the middle of typing up an e-mail.
A few weeks ago…
I flew out to Seattle for Hema’s bachelorette party, I left behind a few notes for Ankur.
I wanted him to know that even though I wasn’t physically there to play “cheerleader” as he studied for his exams, I would be thinking of him and cheering him on from afar.
So I placed a note under his pillow, another on his seat where he studied, and I even threw one in the freezer. (Mainly I was just curious to know how quickly he would dive into the ice cream carton after I left. Spoiler alert: Less than an hour).
I placed them in little strategic places around the house.
It was entertaining for me to make them and think of cabinets or drawers he would open throughout the day. And I’d like to think it was enjoyable for him to receive them. I loved seeing the text messages pop up on my phone as he discovered each new note.
It’s a silly thing.
But I loved doing it.
The funniest thing happened to me though. Right before I left the apartment for the airport.
I stopped at the front door, looked at the post-it peeking out from underneath the chair, and I thought, “Holy. Crap. I AM MY MOTHER.”
I remember my mama doing this for me when she would come visit my apartments in LA and northern California. She’d tuck hundreds of notes away – all over my home. Some more visible than others. Some of the notes were loving sentiments. Others were suggestions on how often to wash something. And others were directions on how long to heat something up in the oven.
She would run through an entire post-it pack leaving these notes behind.
It was her way of keeping her presence around – despite the fact that she’d leave my home to return to hers.
Isn’t it crazy how you pick up on small habits, tendencies, and traditions without even consciously knowing you’re doing it?!
People always warned me.
And now, here I am, in the present moment, very aware of the fact that I’ve got some of my mama running through me.
And, instead of shrugging it off or trying to avoid this transition from happening, I’m embracing it.
Because when you’re a young kid, your mom is the one setting the boundaries, creating the rules, and is so absolutely un-cool.
But, as I’ve gotten older, I realize just how special my mom is.
My mama is the one who raised me, the one who taught me to LOVE other human beings with all of my heart.
These small gestures I do for Ankur and my family and my friends are a direct result of growing up and observing my mama do this for others every single day of her life.
So, I welcome the comments that tell me I’ve got my mama’s tendencies and habits.
It’s one of the highest forms of praise.
Questions of the Day:
- Are you more like your mom or your dad?
- Do you pick up small habits from family members? What are they?
Yes one day I realized I had become my mother. Which isn’t a bad thing at all. Did take me by surprise and my daughter is turning into me.
Leaving a bunch of little notes like that is such a cute idea! I definitely have some traits from my momma.
That is such a lovely idea – leaving notes 🙂
I love this–I too am turning into my mother!
I have a lot of my mama in me. I finally realized when I became a mom that all the enthusiasm she had regarding the home…cooking, decorating, entertaining…and I have a greater appreciation for it now. My mom suffers from late stage Alzheimers so my blog is inspired by her and I find myself enjoying the same passions she did.
I leave little notes for my hubby at times too… The simplest things mean the most! and yes I believe I have my moments where I act like my mother.. sometimes its a good thing, sometimes bad.. lol!!!
Cute! If this is the way your mom is, why not be like her? Thoughtful and hopefully your child will do the same for their kids some day 💕
I know this is a such a happy write up but I got teary eyed reading about it.
So precious, so special:):)
Love You Love You & Love You.
Being told I’m like my mother would be such a compliment! Hoping to continue her legacy. Love this post!
Wow. This is a perfect post. I’m definitely like my mom. The way we talk, people have always mistaken me for her and vice versa, especially on the phone. We sound so similar in fact, that as a teen, I would call the high school and report myself absent pretending to be her.
Hahahhaa, I like your style!
I love this – I agree so much, I know that I’ve become my mother and I take it as a compliment! I have no problem being like my mom because she is pretty awesome!
Such a sweet post! I love the little notes, and love the whole sentiment behind this even more.
What a cute idea! And what a sweet way to take after your mom! I’ve noticed it myself every once in awhile with things I’ve said, though in this moment, I can’t think of a single example. haha
Aw, I love this. My mom has hidden notes in my lunch or backpack growing up (and she puts them in my suitcase if I’m going on a trip). It’s such a sweet gesture, and I love finding them. I think I’m a mix of both of my parents, but I’m definitely CLOSER to my mom – she’s one of my absolute best friends.
-Lauren
Oh my goodness, this is so sweet! It made me smile reading it. What a wonderful tradition to pass on, even if you didn’t realize it at the time 🙂
such a cute thing your mom did!! And I love that you carried on that tradition with Ankur!
This is one of the loveliest gestures a person can do for their partner. Good for you. And kudos to your mom for raising you so well.
Just beautiful, Divvy!! Loved it 😢😢 you are the best !! Your mommy is just like that loving and passionate and most certainly you take after her. Taking after your mom is a big compliment. Love you lots 😘😘❤️❤️💕💕
Okay, this is seriously SO SWEET! That you did that for Ankur AND that your mom did it for YOU. I do and say a lot of things that my mother does too, and I also consider it to be a good thing. 🙂
What a sweet idea! And I love that your mom was keeping her presence with you, even while she was gone! I’m definitely more like my mom, too, and proud of it. 🙂
I love the idea of leaving a bunch of notes around for people to find 🙂 not a bad thing to pick up from your mama! <3