Bobbie Proskine, Author Children's Book Author

A few weeks ago, my 9 year old son and I were buying a baby gift in Babies R’ Us.  As we were wandering through the aisles, I could see my son’s wheels turning as he was checking out the items on the shelves.  We were headed down, of all places; the aisles with the breast pumps, when at about 10 decibels higher than the average person speaks, my son says, as he was pointing to the nearest breast pump, “Mommy look, an inhaler for the baby.”  Obviously, he doesn’t know what an inhaler is, but probably just heard mention of it somewhere.  Throughout the aisles, in proximity to where we were standing, I could hear a lot of laughter and a few parents saying, “How cute.”  I was thinking more like, “Awe, kids say the cutest things that can take your breath away, now, where are those breast pumps?” 

This of course, is one of the stories I will remember until my son’s wedding reception when I get to unload all the funny stories from his childhood, in an attempt to embarrass him in front of his new bride.  We all know a chance to embarrass our children is a mommy’s rite of passage, right? 

As I am writing this, my mind meanders into my repertoire of the many funny things my children have said or done that have made mothering so worth it.  Then I had to ask myself, “Wow, would I have anything to talk about if I didn’t have all the funny stories or daily quips to tell about my kids? “

Without my children, I know I would still have stories to tell, but they would probably be more about me and me; oh, did I say me?  I know, that does sound a bit self-centered, which brings me to why I believe God makes us mothers… to save us from ourselves.

I didn’t realize how much I lived in an “all about me” world until I had children.  I feel so blessed for all the things my children have taught me.  The bottom line is they continually make me a smarter person. 

I feel so blessed to be able to share these funny stories with all of you and look forward to hearing all the stories of things your kids have said and done. Feel free to share with us your funny kid moments.

Just recently, I was having a conversation with my 22 year old daughter and we were discussing the exciting things happening in my life, which includes my children’s book being published, but also a brand new business venture.   In the course of our conversation, I was taken aback by the mere fact that, although she was not actually saying it, but implying it, my daughter thought I was getting too old to still be doing all of the things I do. 

Then a few nights ago, I was setting the table for my son and I set my dinner plate in my husband’s place, since he was unable to make it home for dinner.  I watched as my son went over to the table and changed our plates around.  My son then walks up to me and says, “Mommy, I have to sit in Daddy’s place; I am the man of the house when Daddy isn’t here.”  Wow, when he said that to me, it rendered me speechless. With a little giggle, I found comfort in what he said, because I believe his underlying message was that he wants to take care of me.  Then, my son’s words reminded me about the conversation with my daughter and a recent conversation that I had with a friend.  My friend was saying how much she admired me for starting something new at this time in my life. 

All three of these conversations have something in common, even though they came at different times, with different people.  They all made me think about how important it is to stay relevant, no matter our age or where we are in life.  I think that I have always thought this subconsciously, by how I have lived my life thus far. One thing I do to stay relevant is reading self-help, inspirational and motivational books.  As a true follower of Brian Tracy, my favorite Self Development Author and Motivational Speaker, I strive to learn something new every day and to become a better person. 

So I had to ask myself, “Why do I keep visiting these conversations over and over in my head, with an uncomfortable feeling?”  Is it because I am concerned about getting older?  Maybe, but I don’t think so because I feel great and I am very active. As a matter of fact, I have to remind myself of my age.  Then, is the feeling because maybe I think I should be doing more than being a part-time stay at home mom?  That thought did occur to me, but my family and friends are very important to me.  In fact, over the years, my family and friends, past and present, continue to keep me relevant.  I believe we simply get so caught up in what we think society expects from us that we lose sight at how relevant being a wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend really are. 

Corazon Aquino, the 1^st female President of the Philippines, said, “One must be frank to be relevant.” Therefore, let’s be frank girlies, you might be a stay at home mom, work out of the home, do a mix of both or choose to start something new; but, you are also staying relevant by being a great wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. All of the other stuff is the whip cream and cherry on the sundae.  Just remember, it is never too late to start something new or different.  Ask me.  As you go forward, I challenge you to go for the whip cream and cherry on the sundae. Stop and ask yourself, “Am I going for the whip cream and cherry on my sundae; and if not, how can I make it happen? “   

I look forward to your comments because, as anyone who knows me would agree, I love to talk. So let’s talk.