Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Momredemption - Saved By A Bubble

We recently took a trip to Niagara Falls with the extended Brandriss Family. Our vacation coincided with a very healthy heat wave and we were all very happy to jump on the Maid of the Mist. As the boat approached the falls, and we were absolutely melting in our pretty blue hoody bags, the entire boat moved towards the rails to be drenched in the monster spray of the falls. Just what we needed!


We waddled off the boat, our clothes sticking to us with river water. Don’t get me wrong, I love this stuff. I am the tourist whom souvenir picture takers and trinket store owners long for. I quickly ducked into a gift store; with the entire family waiting outside in the heat, the pressure to find a Maid of the Mist bath toy was on! After a 2 minute hunt for any boat that would float, I became frantic; with my son in hand I quickly talked him into a fun mug for his bedside table. Both of us were content. I had completed my task within a short amount of time, knowing the family would still be drying out.

During lunch, I pulled out the mug for my son. “SARA”, my husband said with a puzzled look. He spotted it immediately…the name SARA was big and bold on the front of the mug! I gasped as we both laughed. How could I have missed that? Oh No! This would be another regrettable mom moment, you know, the small details you miss that may emotionally scar your child for life. My husband finds them amusing but they remind me that I am an impossibly imperfect parent, no matter how hard I try. He quietly whispered, “Put it in your bag and put a Name Bubble on it when we get home.” I smiled and got over my feelings of being a bad mom. I would find my “Momredemption” after all, the crisis would be avoided.

Over the next few days of vacation my son forgot about the mug. When we arrived at home, I carved off the name SARA and quickly stuck on one of his Dishwasher Safe Mini Bubbles. I presented the mug with his name label on the front…which of course, made it extra special. Every night for the last week, my son has asked for his special cup before bedtime. Whooosh… my “Momredemption” was a success, and with his name on it, I know the mug will be with us for many years to come.