Do I make the “Mom of the Year” list?
Little One and I have received the last of our Christmas presents, ones we have coveted a long time. You may think that needles, blood, and metal are not fun gifts, but we beg to differ. LO is now sporting a ring in her lip and my nose is now adorned with a tiny crystal post.
My nose stud is a gift from the Big Guy, who has been hearing me say I wanted to pierce my nose ever since he’s known me. And if you have been wanting your own nose piercing, let me tell you it much less painful than when I’ve had my ears pierced.
With the money LO’s dad gave her for Christmas, she paid for her own piercing. For some time she’s been waffling between the tongue or the lip, but I discouraged the tongue piercing since the tongue presents so many health risks. In fact, I was against her piercing in general because she doesn’t take care of herself the way she should. But I decided to let her learn for herself, since she’s not adept at accepting advice from others. However, I did tell her I reserve the right to inspect her mouth and confiscate the jewelry at any sign of infection.
Unfortunately for Little One, her father is completely against the idea of piercings. But unfortunately for Ray, he signed away most his parental rights many years ago when he was involved in a love affair with drugs and alcohol. So the man has now resorted to verbal terrorist attacks on his daughter. In his world view, ear piercings are OK but anything else is trashy. If I’d been part of that conversation, I might have mentioned that the mullet he used to wear? Trashy. Oh, and that “rat tail” he used to grow on the back of his head? Trashy. Not being able to see the beautiful uniqueness of his daughter, just because she wears jewelry in her lip? Extra trashy.
But instead of saying those things, I encouraged Little One when she concluded, “He’s never going to accept me for who I am.” And who she is is an emphatically un-trashy young woman, regardless of where she’s pierced.
Published by angelawd on December 29th, 2007 tagged Abnormal Motherhood, Mom of Teens
December 29th, 2007 at 3:44 pm
I’d love to get my nose pierced. After you said it doesn’t hurt so much, I might just consider it some more!
Trashy? Your ex does sound pretty trashy. Good thing he’s your ex.
December 29th, 2007 at 9:13 pm
Yes, you definitely take the award for coolest Mom of the year! Celebrating your daughter’s uniqueness is very lovely. You get my vote.
December 29th, 2007 at 10:25 pm
Coolest mom of the year and then some, Angela… in fact, I gave you a Roar.
I think it’s fairly telling that your ex focuses on outward appearance rather than inside character… kind of tells you where in his own life you falls below par.
December 31st, 2007 at 12:39 pm
Ello, you’re so kind! Thank you!
Merry, I’m honored. Thanks for thinking of me. And you’re right, the ex is definitely lacking in character. I’m glad I’m not him.
December 31st, 2007 at 2:28 pm
Well, alright! Glad you steered away from the tongue. Your sister got it infected. Couldn’t stop playing with it when she talked to people either which I found very distracting and couldn’t remember what she said! I’m not into pain much though so I don’t do it. But the thing is if you lose favor with it, you can always let it grow in.
December 31st, 2007 at 3:19 pm
My pastor just yesterday gave a sermon and included this. How odd I read this today–I hadn’t looked at it that way, and I’m sure, just as my pastor said, that God gets out his photo album, that giant big album with all His children included, and is proud of every single one. No matter. Regardless. That’s cool. xoxo
December 31st, 2007 at 3:56 pm
Mom/Kathleen, I actually asked Beth for her advice on the tongue when Jenn started bringing it up. She gave me a helpful perspective, too. Remember that Beth moved in with me right after she pierced it? She had to change from a metal stud to a flesh-colored one for work.
Stacey, I’m intrigued. What was your sermon about? Piercing or God’s children? I sure wish I could see all of God’s children with the same love that He sees us - but my own irritations get in my way.