Moms remind us to be better humans.

by Nellie Curtiss ….

Mother’s day is tomorrow.

USA Today recently shared some quotes about Moms this Mother’s Day:

Lady Gaga said: “Acceptance, tolerance, bravery, compassion. These are the things my mom taught me.” As I write this week’s column, I’m remembering my mama who once told me that she accepted every little kitten that followed her home from school; as the youngest in the family, no one dared remove the little one once it was in her arms. And my mom was brave, too. Women’s stories and literature authors Alice Walker and Toni Morrison suggest birthing is women’s heroism. Think of women from yesteryear who labored and brought a new person into the world. My mom was a hero too when she bore me and my sisters. That’s brave.

Maya Angelou wrote: “To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Or the climbing, falling colors of a rainbow.” Like a hurricane beats the wind and water, my mother could whip up a meal faster than anyone whether it was fried chicken, meatloaf, or pork chops. Sides were green beans, coleslaw, and sometimes asparagus. I remember how she would also serve the Brussel sprouts that always looked like tiny cabbages. She boiled and mashed potatoes from scratch or instant from a box. After supper one day, she surprised me with her drawing. I was a total comic book nerd especially the Archie kind. I asked her if she liked to sketch. She pulled out her writing pad and drew a version of Veronica from Archie. I was so impressed by her one-two-three done and voila there’s a character.

In a 2022 Today article, Sarah Lemire gathered quotes about mothers. Princess Di said: “A mother’s arms are more comforting than anyone else’s.”  This quote brought up a memory. Mama would come into my room at night when I had a nightmare, or my stomach ached. She would tell me to say my prayers and that everything would be ok. Sometimes she would rub my stomach like only moms can do and then give me a hug to get me through the night. Still, whenever I put a pillow next to my stomach, I am reminded of her gestures, and so thankful for my mama who loved all of three of us so much.

Amy Schumer’s quote about motherhood was a reminder to cherish small but big moments. “Your heart feels like it’s outside your body and you’re too old to drink the feelings away like you used to.”  The first time I saw my son he was bundled beside me as we were brought outsides the operating room toward my room. I did feel euphoric and like my heart was wrapped up in one little human.

One quote shared from Oprah made me think of women in my life who encouraged my journey: “Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother.” My friend Minnie comes to mind when I hear this quote. We were related by friendship, faith and oil painting. I remember painting together and talking about other teachers and techniques. She generously shared her kindness and sometimes fed you from her crock pot and for sure coffee and a slice of triple chocolate cake or a scoop of cobbler.

Tomorrow I’ll remember my mother and her gently carrying one or two fluffy kittens as I encourage others to be soft and love more than ever.

— Nelda Curtiss is a retired college educator and long-time local columnist. Reach her at columnsbynellie.com or email her at columnsbynellie@gmail.com

cutline for photo: Me sharing my son’s portrait for Mother’s Day.