Mother’s Day means so many things to so many different people. Ahead of the day when we honor those who brought us into this world, allow me to reflect on some powerful parenting perspective that came from an unlikely source
Parenting advice is never hard to find. Whether you’re scrolling on Instagram or speaking with an aunt, everyone is quick to share their thoughts about how you should raise your child. It can be overwhelming.
Of all the advice I’ve heard over the last five years, one seems to be used the most. “The days are long, but the years are short.” It perfectly encapsulates the grueling day-to-day nature of parenting, while also noting that each moment is fleeting.
It’s hard to characterize exactly what that meant until I stumbled upon a conversation with Weird Al Yankovic. It’s not something you’d expect from the guy who lampooned Michael Jackson and Chamillionaire, but the self-described nerd hits the nail on the head.
The 65-year-old was asked by Rachel Martin on an NPR podcast, “What period of your life do you often daydream about?” It did not take him long to answer. “My daughter’s childhood.”
Weird Al has a 22-year-old daughter, Nina. Like so many parents, he often stumbles across old pictures on his phone. Even though he loves her dearly to this day, he finds himself often reminiscing about her younger years.
“It would be great if we had a Nina at every age living in our house, one through 22; 22 Ninas,” he said. “Each one is so special and so beautiful and so lovely. There’s something unique about every age. It’s such a sense of loss when that person becomes something else, equally good, but you’re missing the other person.”
Twenty-two children in the house at once is a little over the top, but his point hits the nail on the head, especially for a parent with young children. It’s wonderful to see them gain independence and use the toilet by themselves, and yet I can’t help but get a little teary-eyed anytime I see an old video of that wobbly-legged toddler blabbering through his words.
Parenting a child presents new challenges every day, some that will make your hair turn gray. Even so, on this Mother’s Day, enjoy the present. Soak up everything. Before you know it, you’ll be the 65-year-old who’s wistfully daydreaming about those precious, innocuous moments.
Finally, to all the Moms, well done. Even when it doesn’t feel like it, you’re doing a great job. Thanks for everything you do and Happy Mother’s Day.
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