Ode to Erma

If you haven't heard of Erma Bombeck, she's worth looking into. She's one funny lady. Or she was, as she's dead now. I think she'd appreciate the humor in the fact that the above picture of her that I found on the internet is barcoded. Perhaps posthumously. Maybe they're getting more tech-savvy and streamlining things in the afterlife. Who knows.

I'm still in Idaho assisting in the recuperation of my mom, who seems to be doing a fine job of it on her own. She makes me feel useful by letting me do a few things around the house that she claims she isn't quite up to doing yet, like scooping the cat box which is frequented by her three skiddish, stinky felines, or cleaning out the oven. Things she doesn't like doing anyway, so why not relive the memories of my teen years and do the dirty work for her?? As long as she doesn't ask me to extract toe jam or reseal the toilets, I'll play along.

Back to Erma. My mom used to read her books in the car on roadtrips and we'd laugh until we cried. A few days ago while my mom was resting I climbed into bed beside her and started reading her some Erma. I think it was her book titled, "Family: The Ties That Bind...and Gag." We were laughing obnoxiously until my mom started to double over. I'd forgotten the effects stomach surgery can have on the laugh muscles. We put Erma away and opted for a nap.

I had to "Ode to Erma" tonight, as I appreciate her perspective on motherhood, domestic entrapment and middle-class suburbia. She's very real and hilariously funny. And a great reminder that there is always (okay, not always...but almost always) humor to be found in almost everything if you're really looking for it.

I must make mention of how much I've enjoyed spending time with my mom. She's very Erma-ish. There is a certain amount of gratification in knowing what buttons to push, to be sure. Like innocently turning on the news during the campaign process of the presidential elections. You never know what'll come out of her mouth, but its always colorful. Or unabashedly bringing up the dilemma of border control in our country. That one is sure to light a firecracker under her butt. I also enjoy riding in the car with her when someone cuts her off (explitives excluded).

But in all seriousness, I love my mom. She's an amazingly spiritual, tender-hearted and brilliant woman. And she gave birth to me, so what's not to love? :)

Nite!