The Difference between “Mom” and “Mommy”

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a “mom” and a “mommy”?  The younger children are and the more they are dependent, the likelihood of hearing them call for “mommy” is indeed high.  Unfortunately, as life progresses and they become more independent, “mommy” gets shortened to “mom” as they hastily discard the “-my” as if to say, “Okay, I don’t need you anymore.”

However, isn’t it amazing how the comfort of your mother, no matter how old you are or where life has taken you, is all you need and want when life gets tough?  I distinctly remember an instance from my early college years, calling my mother late at night as I sobbed over a silly breakup: “I’m leaving right now – I’ll be there in an hour!” she said.  No hesitation, just unconditional selflessness and love that only a mother would exude.

And so, just a few days ago as my husband was leaving for a work trip, I found myself (a 36-year-old mother of 2 and an independent business owner) so ill and miserable that all I wanted was my Mommy to come and take care of me and my boys.  Did she drop everything to drive 2.5 hours to come?  Of course.  Did she once mentioned hesitation because she feared getting sick herself?  No. Did she rearrange her whole life to stay as long as I needed her?  Yes.  Did she take care of everything above and beyond what needed to be done?  You know she did, she's my mother.

Yes, it feels strange to have to be taken care of when you yourself have assumed that role in your own life - caretaker of your own children and your own home.  Mommy takes care of Mommy and those who call Mommy “Mommy”, very odd.  But how blessed are we who have mothers such as this who are unimaginably wonderful.

What have I learned these past few rough days?  Mothers are always “Moms”, but once a “Mommy” becomes a “Mom”, she only transforms back into “Mommy” when she becomes needed again… as if the Mommy symbol has been shone into the night’s sky… Mommy will come!
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After being nursed back to health and after saying goodbye to my mother, all I can do is wonder if I will ever be able to be as good a Mommy to my own children whenever the role of “Mommy” is evoked.  Will my cape be as shiny?  Will my flight be as swift?  Will my love be as selfless?  I can only try my best and aspire to like my mother... 

~ For my Mommy: You are my rock.  I love you!