Melinda "The Mushy".

Admittedly, I do have a “mushiness” streak. I love sappy movies and stories that make me cry, albeit happy or sad. I love Lifetime movies and old Hallmark commercials, books that I can leave tear-stained and sappy feature articles in the local paper.


Some of the greatest movies are the ones that make you cry. Don’t get me wrong, I love all sorts of movies--comedies and dramas, children’s movies and action flicks. They all have their time and place. When I feel like a comedy nothing else will do. However, if I leave a theater with no makeup left on my face, red eyes and swollen eyelids, there is no doubt that I wholeheartedly enjoyed it. Or at least it ended well.


I’m mushy in my every day life too. If you are a close friend of mine, you already know this. I’m not shy to tell someone how I feel. Anyone I love knows quite clearly how much I love them. They REALLY know. I am sure they wish that there were times when it was left up to the imagination a little more.

I'm an emotional person. With me you'll always know how I feel. If I am angry, annoyed, happy or if I just have a different opinion, you'll know. But most importantly, if I love you, you'll know that as well. If you are my friend, expect this. That’s what I have to say. You knew what you were getting.


I’m sure I’m going to be "that mom” that doesn't just love her children but really loooooves her children. You know her. Her kids are the ones you hear moaning and groaning, “MOOOOOOOOM!!!!” in disgust as they try to break through the barrier that is their mothers' arms in attempt to escape. Yep. That’s going to be me.

I am quite aware of this fault and to be completely honest, I’m not concerned about it in the least. When it’s all said and done and my children are grown up and living on their own in their own little houses, they will know that their momma loves them. They will probably catch themselves even MISSING the smothering. Perhaps they will even catch themselves doing it to their kids one day and roll their eyes in disgust. But underneath it all, deeeeeeep down inside, there is going to be that warm, lovely, mushy feeling. And they will love it.

I am totally for children being independent thinkers. I do want my children to be their own people without me and without their father. I’m big on being the best you that you can be. The truth is, you can still love your children this much and encourage them to be themselves. I’ll smother you and send you out the door to face the big, bad world on your own the best way you know how. Spread your wings and fly, little ones.


I may get angry. I may not agree with decisions you make. I may have a few things to say along the way. But I will always love you. Just remember that you always have a place to land. You can always come home. I’ll be standing at the door with my arms wide open to smother you some more.