"I knoooooooow, Mom"

Every time I get together with my mom I hear it escaping my lips "I know mom." Especially when I get together with my whole family I hear the phrase come out of my mouth over and over again - probably because we are barely listening to each other in the first place. And I hear my sister say it, and I hear my brothers say it. We know, mom.

And you know who sings this song, don't you? And you know what movie they're in? And you know who they were married to?

I know, mom.

Did I ever tell you about the belly flops we did? And what I said to my sister that I'll never forget? And how you should never say anything at all if you can't say anything nice?

I knooooow, mom.

Diet Dr. Pepper with a Cobb Salad. You used to be my little waitress. You used to ask me what I wanted to order and that's what I'd order every time.

I knooooooooooooow, mom.

I just loved my babies, that's all I ever wanted was to be your mom.

We know, mom.

My mother might be one of the very best conversationalist that I have ever met. She doesn't talk too much or pry too deep, say anything awkward or unkind. She says just the right thing and asks just the right question. She has something to say to everyone about everything. Not only does she have something to say, she has something good to say. Quite a feat indeed. If I have picked up just a bit of her warmth I will consider myself a lucky and fortunate child. Her ability to put someone at ease is unmatched by anyone I have ever seen. Disarming. Genuine. Real. I like my mom.

And really, hearing her stories over and over isn't so bad. I have a terrible memory. I think I am starting to forget the stories as she retells them. It's working well for both of us. I want to hear more. I want to listen more and talk less as I get a little older. I'll always be a smart ass at heart, but I want to know what my mom has to say. It's getting through, still. It always has. It always will. Keep on talking mom, we're listening.

To steal one of your favorite quotes seems appropriate.

"We were together. I forget the rest." - Walt Whitman