Her Momma Didn’t Tell Her

I have used this line for many years now, many times, being mean, but recently the phase has evolved much like my life has.  Growing up my momma was quick to tell me how she felt about everything…how I dressed, the language I used, how I treated others, etc.  There were many times my momma would send me back upstairs after getting ready for school in the morning.  Her line was always, “I wouldn’t wear that to a dog fight” (which I still giggle over this one).  Regardless of how much I liked the outfit I dressed myself in, I always changed it.  Maybe it was because I knew she was right or maybe because I didn’t want to hear about it anymore.  And as I grew older, graduated High School and went off to college, I realized my momma was SOOOOO right.  After sharing my momma’s words of wisdom with my girlfriends, the phrase became somewhat popular.  We were always saying “her momma didn’t tell her” when we spotted a girl dressed horribly or dressed completely wrong for her body type (this was my mom’s biggest peeve, now mine, when someone isn’t aware enough of their body and doesn’t know which area to accentuate or play down).  Or when girls were acting a fool, running around with multiple guys, staying with “Cheater Charlie’s”, the list goes on. 

Although I continue to use this phase for situations like this, it now has new meanings.  Now I look back and can think of the many things my Momma told me, life lessons, how much she loved me everyday, how beautiful I was, how great I was, etc.  She has made me the woman and mother I am today.  I have self worth, self confidence because she uplifted me EVERYDAY.  This was brought to light a few weeks ago when I was having a conversation with one of my friends.  We were discussing breastfeeding and all the ups and downs.  One of her main complaints was that it was so hard going places and breastfeeding.  I was extremely confused because that was one of the benefits I thought.  I could go anywhere, pack only a diaper bag, and be able to feed Crew.  No packing bottles, formula, hot water, etc.  But for her this was a real hassle…she complained of having to pump before leaving the house and then if she ran out of pumped milk she would have to go back home.  I’m thinking you crazy girl…just latch that baby on and carry on!!  Her response to that, what made my heart sink, was “Oh I can’t nurse in public,  I don’t feel comfortable enough”.  It made me want to cry…it made me so sad to think that she probably wouldn’t breastfeed long because of this.  Right then I knew…she didn’t have the confidence she needed.  But why did I?  Why did I think it wasn’t a huge deal to nurse anywhere and everywhere??  It’s because of my momma and what she instilled in me. 

For everything my momma taught me and continues to teach me; I am forever grateful.