Bon Journal

Like mother, like daughter

There's an old saying - like mother, like daughter. When you choose a bride, meet her mother. She may turn out just like her. If that's true, I am sure that I will never become fat, stupid, or ugly.

When I was growing up, I looked up to my mom. She was so beautiful, talented and well-liked. Whatever she learned to do, she mastered at it. And she was interested in so many things, always wanting to expand her horizons and never giving up.

Those were the happiest times of my youth -- when I was playing house and learning to sew, cook, and do all those things that my mom was good at.

When I grew up, I didn't get married in my early twenties like she did. I chose to see the world instead. Sometimes I'd bring my mother along. We've gotten together in Singapore, Taiwan, New York, Houston, Charlotte, New Orleans, London, and Montreal. In spite of our age difference, she was more like a sister to me.

Being apart and leading separate lives have made getting together more precious. But it has also made us more different. She now tells me to pay attention to what I eat, to go to bed early, and to stop spending so much time in cyberspace.

Had I followed in her footsteps, I would have three teenage kids by now. Instead, I'm as free as a bird.

18 September 2003 Thursday