Mom to the rescue!

This evening, I was feeling a bit overwhelmed with life.

I had worked later than usual, and when I arrived home around 7:30, one thing after another seemed to be going wrong.

The down coat I've been missing since we moved in June? Rachel and I finally remembered its location- buried beneath furniture and a Christmas tree in the basement storage room. As hard as I tried, I just couldn't get the coat out. Very unfortunate timing for my upcoming weekend trip to blustery Cleveland.

My face had broken out terribly, and I wanted to stick a paper bag over my head.

An evening writing project was looming over me, suggesting a late night.

Oh, and then Mother Nature decided to say bonjour!

Of course, I did what all mature and practical grown women do when times get tough. I called home.

Unfortunately for both of us, my poor dad answered the phone.

I began to ramble off my woes, my voice breaking as I neared the end, hysteria seeping through the phone line.

Even though my dad is a wonderful and caring father, he is still a man. And was totally freaked out by my overly emotional state.

"Just go do what you need to do then!" he said, being very unhelpful.

I hung up the phone. And cried. No- mewed. I mewed pathetically.

Seconds later, the phone rang. It was my mom.

"What's the matter?" she asked, her voice reassuring and calm.

I rattled off my list of problems once again.

And then the most miraculous thing happened. My mom rattled off a list of solutions.

Wonderful, real solutions.

And suddenly, all of my problems seemed manageable and...well...not such big deals after all.

I love you, Mom. Thank you for always calming me down and keeping me sane.

I have no idea what I'd do without you.