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Nov 1, 201207:14 AMChina Mom

The Mum Mom

The following story is true, however it did not take place in Tulsa. It didn’t even take place in Oklahoma. It didn’t happen to me or anyone I know. This happened to a friend of a friend. Seriously! Let it be a cautionary tale to us all.

Once upon a time, in a land not so far away lived a woman and her high-school-aged daughter. One day, the daughter came home in tears, explaining to her mother that her life was ruined and her reputation at school was at stake. The family had recently moved to this city from a farther away land and – as we all know – reputation in high school is important to many young girls.

Concerned, her mother asked her to explain. What tragedy had fallen on her sweet and lovely child?

“You didn’t order a homecoming mum for me! You’ve ruined everything!” wailed her daughter.

Confused, but still concerned, her mother asked her to clarify. Surely there was a mistake. A mum? Granted, drama is to be expected in high school, but a simple flower couldn’t wield this much power as to ruin her daughter’s life.

And that, my friends is where this poor hapless mother was so wrong. For homecoming mums in this far away land are not “simple”…nor are they even flowers, really. They are gigantic, ribbon, bell and teddy bear-covered…spectacles that defy explanation. See?

The bigger and more bedecked, the better - and the more you love your child. Or so I was told. And if you don’t even order one? Well…what does that say about you? But back to our cautionary tale, for this story isn’t about maternal love.

The daughter wailed at her mother, “You didn’t order my mum in time! You were supposed to, but you didn’t! Now everyone will have a mum but me!”

(Record screech) I don't need to remind you what happens when everyone has doing something in high school except you, right? Okay...back to the story.

Eventually, the mom determined that there was another parent - a grown up! - that she could speak to regarding the mum situation. Surely calmer heads would prevail if she could contact another adult. So she called The Mum Mom.  (cue dramatic music.)

Unfortunately, calmer heads did not prevail. The Mum Mom was about as hysterical as her daughter. She berated the woman for not ordering a mum in time, as well. She chided her for not reading the numerous mum emails that had gone out with detailed information on the mum deadline. She all but accused the poor woman of being an unfit mother because “everyone knows in the world knows how important this is and how hard we all work on this every year!”

At the end of her tirade, the girl’s mother calmly asked, “Do I get my mum or not?” She did. Albeit not the “fancy” kind. She received the “basic model” which her daughter wore as a Scarlett Letter for all the school to see.

Moral of the Story Time! The young girl? She'll survive. As my mom would say, "these things build character." Besides, it sounds like her mom is pretty calm and down to earth so she has a good role model to know what's important in the long run.

But...Mum Mom? A word? I know it’s hard work to coordinate big projects like homecoming mums. But you know it’s hard work to be a mom, too. I know you sent out emails and flyers and all kinds of reminders. But you have to remember that life is busy and we’re all doing the best we can with homework and soccer and gymnastics and just plain getting through the day. Also, some people are new to your community. Try to make them feel welcome. Remember, you're essentially in sales with this mum project and these parents are your customers.

Finally, let this be a cautionary tale for all of us. Come on moms. We’re all in this together. Support one another. Encourage each other. Don’t be the Mum Mom.