"We're Doomed"

As we spoke outside, surrounded by her lush garden, my daughter's (alias daughter-in-law) tomato plants and other herbal entities were flourishing while others had not. Too many in a pot, not enough rain this past summer, cold temperatures or something else? I asked her what she thought. Why was this happening? Even she did not know. Oh my, I remarked. ... If you do not know, we're doomed.

From the time I first met this winsome young lady, as a university grad, I knew there was something brilliant, wise, glamorous and special about her. She stood apart from everyone I knew or had ever known. We bonded immediately, if not sooner. After a few months of her dating my son, I asked her to marry me. We laughed. My intentions were made clear. I wanted her in my life!

Over their 9 year marriage, this incredible young woman, one of three such dynamos I belong to, has shown remarkable qualities of courage, patience and stamina. Kindness is second nature to her. She is now a most sought after French Immersion elementary school teacher, with a masters degree, on maternity leave.

Her 20 month-old miracle arrived last year after a very challenging journey, lasting years. He is a bundle of boundless energy and love, teaching all who dare to learn from this little professor, the miracle of miracles. He is continually doing, thinking and being, in love with life. His parents are teachers of the most incredible funny kind. The world does not have enough funny in it. I am in awe of them.

Mom took an extra long maternity leave. The love of her life finally debuted. Each day, this remarkable mom sets up different centers of learning. While sitting in his car seat, recently, the door to the truck was left open. We see a toddler human holding a book, turning the pages with complete abandon while smiling and glancing at the people surveying him. He acknowledges his people then smiles. He knows stuff. He just does.

My 'daughter' thinks about everyone while worrying less about herself. Even when under the weather, she carries her burden with grace and aplomb. How does she do it? . ....'Molly' dresses as if meeting with professionals. A day at the beach seems like a photo shoot to her. Every occasion is treated special. Where did you get that, I seem to ask more frequently. She buys deals at unlikely places and looks like a million dollars in the process.

Our first meeting was timeless. A brief introduction turned into a 2-hour visit which ended with me saying, “I think I'd better go now. My son won't tolerate this much longer." This was not a play date for mom.

My 'daughter' makes glamour look easy as she embarks on her mission to re-invent learning. She could be a Vogue magazine model in pyjamas while looking glamorous. She works hard to enhance her students' learning. She's a gem. She possesses wisdom beyond her years and smiles whenever we meet. She endeavours to help at every opportunity and makes me feel like I'm doing the right thing - at all times.

One day, as she was leaving for home, I commented on her heavy bag. It seemed more than she should be carrying. I threatened to tell her mom. “But you are my mom” she replied. What more can I say?