I try to talk to my mom frequently. But it's never enough for her. But that's ok. I still have her.
Awkward Joel Mchale GIF by NETFLIXUnrecognizable...
"She has dementia and has forgotten how to use the phone. Unless an aide is in the room when I call, the phone will just ring and drive her crazy. I visit her in person instead even though sometimes she doesn't know who I am."
Alpacazappa
"The last thing my grandmother said to me before I became totally unrecognizable to her was, 'you’re awfully big to be so little.' Even though I was 22 at the time she remembered me as a little girl."
MeasuredByChopsticks
Never Again
"Last time I saw her she yelled at me to go live with my dad and when I actually started packing my things and leaving she yelled 'you don’t want to take care of your own mother' and proceeded to beat me and call the cops saying I’m the one who hit her even though I had cuts, marks, and bruises all over my face and neck."
"She never got in trouble and she did all this in front of my 3 year old sister. She also told me I would be dead if I ever came back. We haven’t spoke since and I don’t plan to ever speak to her again."
99_problems_bbt
Uninterested
"She doesn't take any interest in my life. She will call me to complain about my siblings and ask nothing about me."
sagicorn2791
"I'm similar, she calls to gripe about all her problems for an hour then goes so what's new with you, but at that point in emotionally drained and I have nothing to say. She doesn't really absorb anything I talk about either so it's a bit wasted?"
vansnagglepuss
Die Phone
Phone Reaction GIF by MOODMANGiphy"We both really hate talking on the phone! We stay in touch vie text etc and I'll go see her, and my dad, in a couple of weeks when I've got some time off work."
Alpaca_Tasty_Picnic
I feel like a lot of moms are waiting by a phone. And we're hanging up.
Bye
Sad Rabbit GIF by Muffin & NutsGiphy"She's a helicopter parent despite not being around when I was a child and leaving me to be raised by my sister."
Special-Latina
same old...
"The last time I spoke with her I got. To update her on what I'm doing for work (yet another crappy entry level job instead of a career she can be proud of). Criticism over a hobby that I picked up and a "'It has to at least make money' warning. Criticism over me and my family still being in the 'same old tiny apartment.'"
"Thanks mom. This is why it's difficult for me to relate to people who had a strong, healthy connection to their parents."
Vidableek
Over It
"I don't want to. If I wanted to backtrack on years of work on my own mental health, maybe I'd pick up the phone. But it turns out that when you're abusive, manipulative, and generally sh*tty to someone for 25 years, maybe they don't want to talk to you anymore."
a**hat123
She never has...
"Phones work 2 ways. I call a few times a year. She never has. I have asked her to come visit. She does not ask me to come up. I have visited her. She has never visited me. Relationships require both to put effort in. After years of only me putting in time and effort I have learned that I am not that important to her."
dogfishshrk
Empty Person
"She is a soulless human being, addled with terrible personality traits, and is addicted not only to specific drugs, but to being not sober. She is a kleptomaniac and will steal from people who are charitable to her. She’s an uncaring mother and an awful person."
"My sister texted me this morning to say she’s been missing for two weeks, and I’m not concerned, because that is completely normal for her. She’s been addicted to hard drugs for at least 20 years now, I don’t see how she’s still alive, and I wish she wasn’t, she’s draining my entire family of love and resources."
michaelthagray
LOLOL
Mothers Day Mom GIF by GIPHY Studios OriginalsGiphy"Nice try, mom."
omgzzwtf
"This literally made me laugh so hard, deserves top comment."
knighttmair
Good Moms
"My mom is a narcissist. It was ok for her to take long weekend trips for days leaving a 5 year old with a 13 year old, however I'm a bad mom for going out on my anniversary and leaving my child with a adult neighbor who I paid for 3 hours... because 'You're a mom now, you aren't allowed to go out.'"
"Helicopter as in going to the school and starting trouble to pretend like she cared over really petty crap. Over dress you for the weather to be seen as a good mom. Dress you up like a doll so no one would even question that she was abusive because in her head if the image is good and she's hovering around, the kid won't be believed."
ChineseChaiTea
her own words...
"Last time she was in front of me she told me that I am weird because I was born a few days after Tchernobyl and the radiations must have done something to my head (her own words). Mind you, she says I am weird because I am not emotional, I prefer remaining calm and not succumb to stress."
"Because I have some depression, social anxiety and some undiagnosed social difficulties, I'm an overthinker/overanalyzer. It surely has nothing to do with my father being an alcoholic and extremely violent to her and his children. Nothing at all."
"So, I will not call her because I know that talking about it will not help with anything. I just act busy since this month began. I'll have to call her one day. I'm not even upset. I just don't want to talk to her and throw away all those years of therapy. Fortunately, we live in different towns."
Zestyclose-Ad-5439
Not Ready
Sorry Lebron James GIF by UninterruptedGiphy"She was extremely neglectful to me when I was kid and now that I'm an adult she tries to guilt trip me into seeing her and calling her. She wanted nothing to do with me as a kid/teenager and now she wants a relationship. Sorry, but I'm not ready yet."
The_truth_may_hurt
The Lineup...
"Went to her for the first time about being severely depressed and suicidal for the past ~10 years of my life. She made it completely about herself. I was crying in fetal position as a 25 year old man on her bedroom floor. She asked me something, but I was in an almost frozen state and couldn't think of speak."
"She got pissed off at me and started berating me for not answering when I was the one who went to her. Somehow I've kept her in my life. No I don't call first, but do not avoid contact. I'm not sure if that's a healthy move. My excuse is having a huge lineup of past events that show me just how selfish she is despite her words contradicting her actions."
PM_UR_BUTTHOL3
Victims
"She’s always the victim. She leads such a boring life that all she has to talk about is unimportant crap in the lives of others. She suffers from PTSD, and gets SSI, so she’s always broke. She can’t handle the slightest criticism."
clever80username
I tried that...
"Every phone call is three hours long and I do not ever have that much time to myself, let alone for another human. And no, the length of the phone call doesn’t decrease if I call more frequently, I tried that. Texting with her was great but she hated her smart phone so went back to a clam shell that makes it hard for her to text."
sebthelodge
Facades
"She's manipulative and controlling. I wish she was just like any other mom. We would've been a great team (dad's never around). I just want someone in my family to know me for me. But apparently that's not the case. So I shall keep up the facade."
livingonramen27
"Cut her off. We may not be able to choose our family but we can choose our friends. I surround myself with 'big brothers, adopted moms, loving fathers, encouraging sisters.' To me they are the family that I should have had and everyone deserves. The 'real' family was never that real."
Phrogme1
Last Straws
"She's an alcoholic and relapsed about a year or two ago and despite us getting her in a position to get proper help several times, she chose booze + moving in with random dudes over and over again. The last straw was her getting blackout drunk and passing out on a public sidewalk and then getting picked up by the cops."
"My sister took her to the ER after that and then uninvited her from her wedding and we all blocked her telling her to call us when she's sober. Hasn't called us, but did text me happy birthday ten days after my birthday. Last I heard she's working in a liquor store."
cranialgrainofsalt
For the Best
Out Of Office Summer GIF by Merge MansionGiphy"I just got off the phone with her & my Dad about 5 minutes ago, so I figure they deserve a break."
justduett
Not enough time for sanity...
"Because I can't afford extra sessions with my therapist, and my mom won't consent to mediated conversations with my therapist because she thinks mental health professionals are in league with Satan. My mom has 4 children. 2 of us cut her out of our lives entirely. One of us decided to see what happened if he stopped calling her, and now they haven't spoken in 3 years."
"My half brother that she abandoned as a child still talks to her occasionally because she's somehow less awful than his father, and he's desperate to have a parent in some fashion, but their relationship is entirely superficial. Untreated mental illness can be pretty awful."
paladiumsteve
Not all relationships, including blood, are meant to be. But if you can and if it's healthy... call your mom.
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One Reddit user asked:
So obviously there's no way this doesn't turn into full on momwars, right? Absolutely. Yes. Total wholesome comment-carnage.
Crumble
Gestures solemnly to my username.
I disagree. My mom is better at that than your mom
- ylurt
Oh man. Yeah, growing up my mom made the best blackberry crumble, with fresh berries my dad spent a lifetime cultivating specific varieties from seed into a thriving family farm. She pretty much stopped baking when they divorced... I'm bummed now.
Korean Moms
My mom's Korean. She makes a korean oxtail soup called seollangtang.
It's my favorite meal and I'd want it as my last meal if I had to pick.
Nope, MY mom makes the best seollongtang!
And kimchi. And dakjuk. And mandu. And japhae.
Just kidding. I feel like all Korean kids think their mom makes the best kimchi.
- Arriety
Holy sh*t my Korean mom also makes amazing seolleongtang too!!! Her kimchi is also the absolute BOMB.
Thank you so so much for saying that, on behalf of all Korean moms out here.
I'm a Korean mom of a little wee baby in the UK and if my daughter says anything remotely like this when she grow up, I would die a happy Korean mom.
Potato Potahto
potato GIFGiphyMy Mum can make the single best roast potatoes I've ever had.
That's nice, but I'm still a little sad that you've clearly never had my mum's roast potatoes. That's okay.
Oh man I feel so bad for both of you because neither of you have had my mum's roasties. I'm sorry for you.
It Isn't The Same
Banana bread. I use the same recipe and it just isn't the same. Miss you Mum x
I don't use cups (UK here) always weigh the ingredients. I think it's the baking time or maybe just the fact that things tasted better as a kid and/or when things are baked for you.
It's still good and I love it, just always comes with the pang of missing Mum 💖
I came here to also say banana bread. Same thing! I used the same recipe and it just isn't the same.
- dlstelly
It's The Love
Literally everything. Even toast. I think it's the love.
Love really does make a difference in cooking. When my mom cooks I really can taste the disdain and resentment.
My mother is in her 80s and is still the best cook to ever live. No Michelin-starred restaurant can compare because they just don't love me, despite my repeated pleading for them to.
- viremia
Roux Rules
Gumbo.
My mom made the absolute best gumbo and I've spent the last 10 years trying to get it right because she never wrote down the recipe for me before she died despite me practically begging her to do so.
God I miss her (and her gumbo!)
I make a pretty damn good gumbo, and the biggest "trick" is to get the roux dark dark dark.
Cook it as long as you think it needs, then keep going until you want to give up and amputate an arm.
Then keep going.
When it looks almost inedible and has a slight popcorn smell, keep going. It'll then get smooth, creamy, and look like chocolate.
That's when it's ready.
And scoop off the excess fat as the gumbo cooks. That extra fat doesn't add the flavor you think it would.
Edit to add: if your roux smells like actual popcorn (not just a slight hint of it), it's burnt and will not taste good in your gumbo.
- kgb0484
Yep, it's all about that roux! My husband makes the best gumbo and his roux looks like motor oil. You literally almost burn it. It's delicious. Now, I want gumbo.
My grandpa made the best gumbo in the world (sorry, everyone else in this thread). He died 2 weeks ago from COVID.
I couldn't travel to his memorial, so I decided to try my hand at making gumbo and I studied countless recipes. I worked so damn hard on that roux. It got this delicious nutty smell, so I decided to put the trinity in.
MAH. GAWD.
I ain't never smelled anything so wonderful in my life. And it was immediate! I was very surprised. I still have a long way to go until I'm as good as Big Dad though.
Filipino Flan Fight
doodle deal with it GIFGiphyLeche flan.
Even the stuff from the local Filipino bakery is spongey scrambled eggs compared to my mom's. Hers is thick, smooth custard. No bubbles. Her secret ingredient is the tiniest splash of lemon extract.
Sometimes she'll put a layer of flan on top of cassava cake (shredded cassava cooked with macapuno coconut). Lord, so good.
Oh dude! I've had Leche Flan from the store which is decent. And then I've had some made by Flipino moms/sisters. It's like night and day. The homemade stuff is on another level.
My mom's leche flan is better than your mom's leche flan!
My mother should challenge your mother in a Leche flan-off. Mom wars.
I'm filipino and my mom is insane but she's known as the best Filipino cook in our town.
I made leche flan for Christmas one year, but so did she. Mine was a hit, hers flopped. She didn't speak to me for 2 months.
It was the best compliment she might've ever given me.
- annamel
Lasagna
My mom makes hands down the absolute best lasagna ever
My mom's lasagna was the best too! She would make homemade spaghetti sauce, from fresh tomatoes + cans of tomato paste, then cook the meatballs in the sauce, scooping the grease off the top over the course of the day. She would also parboil italian sausage. When the sausage and meatballs were cooked she would slice them into 1/2 inch pieces. Then she would make the lasagna with alternating layers of sausage, meatballs and ricotta cheese. All of us kids always requested this for our birthday dinner!
My mom used to make a "10 lasagna" 5 meats 5 cheeses and home made sauce. She even had to buy a special deep dish pan to make it
- 4DDtank
That sounds like a challenge sir, as I decree my mother makes a better lasagna than your mother.
I decree that why yo shoes raggedy
I'm sorry to have to tell you this but, it's actually my mum that makes the best lasagna.
I'm sure it's really hard to hear this but it's best you understand the truth now, than continue living a lie.
Piergori Pride
I married into a Ukrainian family and my mother in law and wife make potato/cheese perogies for Christmas and Thanksgiving each year from scratch and there's nothing like them.
You think you like perogies and then you have a homemade one and suddenly you can hear colours.
My ex wife and her family were polish. The pierogies she made were the best thing I've ever had.
Until I met her, I didn't even know that pierogies existed. We've remained in good terms and now when she makes them, she always sends me a dozen or so.
Wrong my polish mother made the best
- oli686
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When you've got a mom like that, there are things it's easier to just not tell them. Even if you've got an amazing mother, there are things you're probably not lining up to confess.
One Reddit user asked:
What's one thing your mom doesn't know about you?
It's a little surreal to realize you now know this personal detail about someone that their own mother does not, but that's exactly the situation we're all in after reading these confessions.
Master Forger
My handwriting was so bad when I was in middle school that she would help me write it she saw me struggling so I 'practiced' writing her name near her so she would sign her signature on a piece of paper and I traced it on a detention slip LOL
I too had awful handwriting! Then I also became a delinquent and needed to be able to forge mom's signature. So I practiced every day until I had it perfect.
Now, my mom has amazing script level handwriting and I got my forged signature near identical to hers. To this day I have incredible handwriting that stems directly from hours spent practicing forwarding her name.
Grandma's Funeral
season 5 ghost GIF by PowerGiphyI missed my grandmothers funeral because I was locked up facing ten years for armed robbery.
Eventually family had to hire two lawyers for me. Any other black kid that didn't have a well off family would be f*cked. My parents are architects and I never lived up to them.
Locked up a few years then had five years house arrest. That's why I have so much Reddit karma.
Let's talk real karma though... because you better believe in it. I was an a**hole the year before, and look what happened.
When I walked in the bullpen it was all us black men. The animosity in the air was palpable. I could feel them sizing me up.
I eventually got back in after sitting with a review board. I was able to graduate. But having a degree in sociology isn't lucrative.
I worked call centers until my most recent as a supervisor at a non-profit.
We moved all the homeless into hotels. My office was a hotel room and my coworkers just watch TV all day.
Some days are dangerous, though. I've had guns pulled on me, drug dealers moving in. It's bad.
And I just got fired after a year. Anyways pray I get my job back or find something soon. I'm tempted to go back to my old self.
Letting Someone Else Own The Fart
I farted at her and my dad's vow renewal.
It was one of those farts where the entire room took notice and started gagging. Someone else got blamed for it and I never corrected anyone and admitted that it was actually me.
Up Until A Year Ago
That I nearly lost my job in March, but Covid actually spun me into keeping my job and the benefit of working from home indefinitely.
That I had my heart broken once again. That I feel very lonely. That my depression was the worst it has ever been in July and that I have finally found a medication that is helping.
That there is a Marilyn Manson song now that my dad and I both are convinced that even she would like. That I miss her more than I ever thought possible. That I'm sorry for being upset with her last year on November 20th and I've been having nightmares for weeks now where she hates me so much she won't even speak to me.
Saturday will make it a full year since I lost my mom and my best friend in this entire world. There are so many things I want to share with her and so many things I want her advice on. My mom knew everything about me up until a year ago..
Squad
the wire car GIF by Scorpion DaggerGiphyI once went drinking with some gang members I had just met.
During the summer, the city holds free jazz concerts in a park and my roommate's sister asked me to go because safety. We listened in a distant part of the park, so we could drink without getting hassled.
There was a group of 3 or 4 shady looking guys a bit down the path from us, and she decided to go over to bum a cigarette off of them. We shared some of our vodka with them and after talking for them for a few minutes, we learned that they were Gangster Disciples.
We pretty much spent the rest of the night partying with them. We went to one of their apartments to get more mixer and smoke, then later we went out to a bar.
That's about all to tell, they were actually very friendly guys, to be honest.
I Tell Her Everything ... But This
My mom doesn't know that I'm bisexual and I have known for 8 years.
I've never felt comfortable coming out to anyone in my family due to being raised super conservative Christian. I've only told 5 people.
It sucks not being able to talk to her about this especially since I tell her everything, she's my best friend.
A Failed Weekend Threesome
My mom doesn't know that the trip I took to San Diego wasn't with "my friend and her family."
I was 22 and old enough to know better, but I met a couple online and spent the weekend with them.
I drove 1.5 hours to LA to meet the guy, then we took an Uber to the bus station that was 20 mins away. We took a bus all the way up to Oakland where his girlfriend picked us up.
Weekend was decent I guess (he cheated in the past. They were soooo not ready to add another person. Awkward). Then at the last minute, he decided he wanted to stay longer.
So rather than having him with me for safety as planned, I got on the 8 hour bus ride home by MYSELF. I didn't get back to LA until 1am.
Then had to call an Uber and waited 20 minutes, was dropped off at his house to get my car, only to speed home to make it home by 2:15am so I could sleep for a few hours before going to work at 6am.
Except I didn't get any sleep cause my mom was upset that I got home so late from my trip with "my friend."
2/10, would not recommend.
- HMB43
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Lwaxana Troi said it best:
"No parent should expect to be paid back for the love they have given their children." - Timicin
"Well, why the hell not?!" - Lwaxana Troi.
I know you love your mom more than anything in the galaxy, but finding a perfect gift can be hard. So, I'm making it easy for you.
These are the ultimate Mother's Day gift ideas for the best mom in the quadrant.
Star Trek Vulcan Salute Live Long And Prosper Coffee Mug
We all want our moms to "live long and prosper," not just Vulcans. This mug is just a reminder of that.
In My Head, I'm Piloting the Enterprise Mug
Moms have a lot on their minds and on their plates. So, it makes sense they want to get away every now and then. You might think they're listening to you complain about your coworker, but really they're picturing themselves in the Captain's chair.
Live Long And Prosper Star Trek-Inspired Stemless Wine Glasses
If your mom is more of a wine person, these glasses are perfect. After a long day, they'll come home, get some dinner, pour their favorite wine in these iconic glasses, and watch their favorite show in their favorite streaming service.
It sounds like the perfect night.
CafePress Future Starship Captain Maternity Dark T-Shirt
Future moms deserve gifts too. This maternity shirt is adorable, and lets others know that your kid will be smart and talented.
Although, it does put some pressure on the baby.
Star Trek Trekkie Cool Mug
Your mom never lets you forget that they were into Star Trek before you could pronounce Kirk.
Now, she doesn't have to say it because her mug does all the talking for her.
CafePress STARFLEET COMMAND Stainless Steel Travel Mug
If she's always on the go, she needs a good travel mug. She will appreciate this stainless steel insulated travel mug. Plus, it's Federation approved.
Captain Janeway Mug
Although she's not technically a mom, Captain Janeway is an inspiration for many women. She was like a mother to the whole crew in Voyager.
And, her love for coffee is incredibly relatable. The finest organic suspension deserves the finest cup.
Utopia Sport Spock I Find Your Argument Highly Illogical T-Shirt
Any mom with teenagers has felt this. She will wear this t-shirt and give you the biggest eye roll, but she still loves you.
CafePress Star Trek Alpha Quadrant Mom
You know your mom is the greatest mom. And, just calling her the best mom in the world is not enough.
The alpha quadrant is more accurate.
Star Trek Stainless Steel Flask
Moms need to unwind too. And, some are more into cocktails than wine. If that's your mom's case, this flask is a great gift. Just make sure she doesn't sneak it into parent-teacher conferences.
Entertainment Earth Star Trek: TNG Kataan Probe Pendant
If there is an episode that highlights the importance of family in TNG is "The Inner Light". This beautiful pendant will remind your mom of all the beautiful memories your family has created, and how much you treasure them.
Star Trek Next Generation Enterprise-D Pewter Necklace
If she likes to wear her heart on her sleeve maybe she can wear the Enterprise around her neck. It's another way for her to keep her favorite series close at all times. And, jewelry is more special coming from family.
Happy Mother's Day!
happy birthday GIF by Cheezburger
Giphy
Jade Brown, 24, went into labor in the middle of the night and it happened so quickly she had to give birth at home on the sofa.
Rhys Darby's left arm was in a huge plaster cast because he had just broken his thumb in three places, leaving him unable to use it at all.
But that didn't stop Rhys, 28, who safely caught baby Ariana in one had - while also juggling towels and a phone.
Paramedics arrived minutes later and Rhys quipped "I've done your job for you" before they cut the cord and took mom and baby to the hospital.
The family are now safely back home in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, England - and Rhys joked changing diapers with one hand was just as hard as delivering babies one-armed.
Alex Cousins/SWNS
He said:
"I had the cast on one hand and a phone in the other - trying to deliver a baby! I was running around trying to find towels while the woman on the line was trying to give me instructions."
"I bent down and stuck my hand out and the baby just came out. The ambulance arrived two minutes later and they cut the umbilical cord. I said: 'It's alright - I've done your job for you!'"
"It's funny - Jade was adamant in the run up that she didn't want me near the business area during the birth. I should have brought my baseball glove - then it would have been fine! But it was quite scary."
Alex Cousins/SWNS
Jade said:
"I was so glad that Rhys got to be so involved with the birth of our baby girl and I am so proud of him for delivering her - especially with a cast on his arm."
"He was amazing during and after the birth and he's an amazing dad to Ariana."
Rhys broke his thumb when he fell backwards playing five-on-five soccer for the first time in six years.
His arm was put into a bright blue plaster cast from his knuckles to the middle of his forearm for eight weeks.
A week later girlfriend Jade's water broke when she bent down to pick up a sock, and they went to the hospital, but she wasn't dilated enough and they were sent home, on June 19.
Alex Cousins/SWNS
Rhys added:
"We were told to come back the next afternoon if nothing happened and they would start her off, so we went home. Jade tried to get some sleep, but by 2am the pain was overwhelming."
Jade said:
"I was trying to just breathe through [the contractions], but they were getting more intense so I went downstairs and sat with Rhys."
"I was squeezing his hand every time I got a contraction but as time went on I couldn't cope with the pain and told Rhys we needed to go to the hospital."
They called for a taxi, but when things got more serious Rhys dialed 999 and was connected to an operator who told him the ambulance was on the way.
But the situation escalated and he had to get involved.
"After a few pushes, our baby girl Ariana was born on the settee," said Jade.
"I remember lying with her on my chest and I couldn't believe how quick it all happened."
Ariana's official time of birth was 4:23am.
Alex Cousins/SWNS
Rhys said:
"Jade had no pain relief apart from a couple of paracetamol and some gas and air in the ambulance."
"I had wanted to do the honor of cutting the umbilical cord but the paramedics said I shouldn't, because of the situation."
"Apparently we were quite lucky. Lots of stuff could have gone wrong. Ariana is a miracle, really. She was conceived two months after Jade had a miscarriage."
A spokesperson for North East Ambulance Service confirmed a crew attended.