Lucky Besties

Right after Mother’s Day weekend, I read this excellent post by author Elizabeth Gilbert: “What we, as a culture, expect from our mothers is merely that they not be human. Mothers are meant to be some combination of Mother Mary, Mother Theresa, Superwoman, and Gaia. It’s a merciless standard of perfection. Merciless!” I sat at lunch with my good friend Lesa the same day I read this, and I told her about it. She couldn’t wrap her head around having mercy on her mom because they have such a volatile relationship, but she heard me out because she knows my relationship with my mom non-existent. I told her that Elizabeth’s post made me see my mom with mercy, and that changed so much for me.

Elizabeth went on to say, “God help your mother, if she ever fell short. God help your mother, if she was exhausted & overwhelmed. God help her if she didn’t understand her kids. God help her if she [had] no gift for raising children. God help her if she had desires and longings. God help her if she …