How Could My Mother Stand Me?

Every once in awhile I remember the way "I saw saw it" when I was a very little girl and when I made my comments, acted upon or asked questions to my Mother, I remember her giggling, screaming or looking at me like I had three heads.

Perhaps these memories come to surface when we have our own children & grandchildren.

We realize that in a world of constant change, many things remain the same.

Here are some of the things I remember thinking, saying, doing or asking all between the ages of three to seven years of age:

#1

The Addams Family was a big hit in the early to mid sixties and I wanted my long hair to be styled just like Cousin It's. I was thoroughly convinced that all I had to do was bend over, comb all my hair to cover my face, hold it in place and just cut two holes out of my hair around my eyes. 

It was so simple, so easy and I couldn't wait to perform my masterpiece.

However....

I had the unfortunate experience of having the scissors I so cleverly found ripped out of my tiny hands when I announced my intentions to Mommy. I was shocked and dismayed!

When I tried to explain to her why this would work and what a great idea it was, all she did was

tell me never, ever shall I take any scissors to any part of my hair-Ever.

I was very upset with her. She wouldn't even consider for a second how great this hairstyle would look. 

I remember having the sneaky suspicion that she thought it was a stupid idea, but I guess she didn't want to damage my self esteem.

#2
(It should be noted that my Mother always answered any questions I had with only what my little mind could comprehend at that particular time. This would explain how I knew about certain things but couldn't remember how I knew them)

When I was 3 years old and my Mother was pregnant with my brother.
One day I just walked up to her and nonchalantly stated "I wish you were a black Mommy"
(This would be one of the many occasions her jaw dropped)
After a few seconds, she asked "Why Honey?"
"Because then I could have had chocolate milk when you fed me when I was a baby"
(I was a breastfed baby)
Hey, it made perfect sense to me!

#3

I believe I was four years old when I was absolutely convinced that I could speak fluent Chinese.

Chinese at that time was any language other than my native English.

I proudly walked into my parents' bedroom and announced this sudden ability of mine.

(At this point Mommy giggles)

Since my declaring such a milestone was not enough to convince her, I stood in front of her full length mirror, took a deep breath and proceeded to speak clear, fluent Chinese-

BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH 

with my tongue darting in and out of my mouth.

My Mother was amazed! 

I could tell she was both impressed and proud by the ear to ear smile on her face!

(Another sneaky suspicion that inside, she was actually laughing her ass off) 

There's definitely many more memories, but I'll save those for another time.