Alpha Mom

Crossing from Rive Gauche to Rive Droite, Paris

Mother's Day, May 2014.

At dinner, my oldest son gifts me a dream that he had when he was four years old.

He remembers dreaming the night of September 11th, 2001. He describes with great accuracy the breakfast place, where we had sauntered happily, only to freeze by the large screen TV as the news of planes striking the twin towers were being played over and over.

"My coolest dream ever mom...and you were in it.  We were in New York and the planes were about to strike the towers. You were not exactly a lion but you were embodying the qualities of a lion. You had these giant guns and you were protecting the towers..."

Later, I get awesome gifts and cards. My middle son has a present for me but no card. It does not matter: he goes for a bold passionate declamation.

"Mom...You are the best. Now, all over the country, kids are saying this to their mother at this very moment but...THEY ARE LYING. You are the best mother. You are the alpha mom."

Lioness. Alpha Mom. I may no longer be the omnipotent mother, from a 4 year old's sleep, who can absolutely kick the butt of a traumatizing world but I do hope that I still offer some protection to my complicated teenagers.

Till Later