Never Say Never and Whatever the Heck Else Pops Into My Head

Here’s the “whatever else” story –

A mustard stain on her shirt? That triggered a memory that will forever bring me a smile and a regret.

We were at an A’s game. The kids were just old enough to start roaming the stadium on their own. Niels was ready for lunch so we sent him up with a $20 bill to purchase a couple hot dogs. (…”things sure were cheaper back in the day” said the old lady storyteller)

Now everyone knew that Mom hated catsup…especially on her hot dog, but still, as her newly independent son prepared to bolt up the stairs toward the concessions, she gave him a stern reminder that she ONLY wanted mustard on her hot dog. You know where this story is going…when the hot dog conquerer arrived and proudly extended the gourmet meal to his mom, it was slathered in mustard AND catsup.

Now, Mom must have been “in a mood” because she had a bit of a hissy fit. And by a bit…I remember it now as a fit way out of proportion to the “crime”. I mean WAY beyond reasonable. It was one of those low moments in parenting where you have to think…what was REALLY going on for her at that moment…but we won’t try to analyze that all these years later. Just know that it became a part of our family lore.

And Niels loved to tell the story of how his mom “lost it” over some catsup. He always got a good laugh out of it at someone’s expense. And he always started it with…”I love my mom, I love my mom, but…

It’s not a flattering story…and yet it does bring me a smile at remembering the laughs it got as Niels retold it billions of times* (only a slight* exaggeration). It also brings a regret that I went so off the rails at a moment that should have been memorable for more important reasons…like maybe a son’s budding independence and pleasure in “providing” for his family? Sheesh. #mommistake #parentingfauxpas #wtfwasthat

And here’s the “never say never” story –

Guess what today is? It’s “eat my words” day! Yep. Getting a tattoo today. Never in a billion years did I think I’d say those words or do that thing. But…people change. Circumstances change. Thinking changes. And today…I’m getting a tattoo to honor and remember my son…that catsup loving boy who grew into a Star Wars loving man.

Yes, that was a hint…Stay tuned for a photo – but for now know that my tattoo will always bring me a smile remembering Niels.

And no. It’s not a hot dog tattoo.