On The Silly Side by Jimmy Del Ponte

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Today is Mother’s Day. The stores are full of gifts and cards. Flower sellers are on street corners. It is a day to honor mom, whether she is still with us or not.

For me it’s a day to remember the woman who gave me life, and at times, threatened to take that life away! She was the person who believed in me enough to push me into going to college. She was the one who saved money and came up with a down payment to buy a cottage down the Cape. She was a strong woman. I felt her strength when she had to give a few “love taps” when I ticked her off. At times, Dad knew enough to just stand back and let her do her thing. She is the one who took three small children on a crowded bus and train to see the Enchanted Village in Boston every Christmas. She dragged me to Zayre’s and Filenes to buy me new winter coats and itchy pants. I remember once she caved, and let me get this hideous yellow suit jacket when I was just starting to play guitar in a band. And did I mention she paid for my piano lessons? It was a good deal. She sent me to lessons and I would play piano for her and her dinner guests. She loved having people over for lunch or dinner. Her favorite song she always asked me to play was Angel of the Morning. She has been an angel since 1986. It took me a long time to finally be able to listen to that song on the radio. Maybe someday I will try to play it again on the piano.

I would like to pay tribute to those very special moms who have to do double duty. The moms who have had to take over the job of dad for one reason or another. I happen to know a few of these remarkable ladies. They have abruptly and unfairly become a one parent family. My heart aches for these families, although they are not missing a beat. Mom does everything for the kids, making sure they never go without, miss a sporting event, or need to be somewhere.They are both mom and dad. They carry the spirit of the family on because it is the right thing to do, although it is difficult. It’s for the kids. It’s for the family.

Let’s not forget those dad’s who for one situation or another are now holding down two parenting jobs. They are both mom and dad. They do the family thing with 100% of the heart and soul needed to pull it off. I know several of these families who have lost a mom or a dad. The family pitches in of course but it is the surviving parent who is there providing the hugs, and drying the tears. They are also making the lunches, picking the kids up after school, and trying to keep the family strong.

To my dad friends who are now the only parent, God bless you. To my lady friends who are now an only parent, I am in awe of you and I pray for you and your families. It breaks my heart, but heart is why you are able to carry on. We who don’t know how devastating it is to have lost one half of the parenting team, can only wish you all the best. You are heroes. This Mothers’ day is especially for you.

For one particular woman close to my heart who lost her mother when she was only 9, you can rest assured of one thing. Your mother has been looking down at you for the past 19 years, smiling at the awesome person you have become. Your grandpa took over a lot of the mothering when your mom passed. Happy Mother’s Day to you also, Grandpa.

Let’s not forget the grown children who are now their mother’s caretakers. They have become the mother and are now returning the care and love their moms gave to them.

Happy Mother’s Day to the moms who are fighting in various parts of the world defending democracy.

This year may be the year I can finally attempt to sit at the piano and plunk out Angel of the Morning for my mother, my sister, grandpa, and all the mothers in heaven. Happy Mother’s Day.