Being Mama’s (Artist) Child

Today, I visited my 75 year old mother, out of town. I took along an invitation that was created by the local Arts Council, announcing an upcoming Art Exhibit. I will be one of the exhibiting artists. A picture of two of my paintings are on the front of the invitation and my name is on the back, along with three other artists. I wanted Mama  to see the card, so she could be proud of me. However, when I handed her the invitation, she took and looked at it, with a question on her face (I had to explain what it was about). She, then quietly laid the card down, looked at my brother and proceeded with their conversation about a TV program!!!
Does that mean Mama doesn't care? No, I doubt it. You see, I've known her for almost 40 years, now. This is the woman who threw my art kit away when I was a child, in an effort to "clean up." She also interrupted many of my piano practices, to remind me to "come clean up!"
You see, Mama, is just a part of a population of many who are just "not into art." But, in my heart, I believe she values ME. She was the one who OK'd my study of art in college, after I came to the conclusion that I was chasing the wrong dream (yeah, MARKETING is NOT my dream.) She still has many of the hand-made gifts I've given her over the years; and, since she hasn't "cleaned up" and thrown them out, I think it's safe to say she treasures them.
Last year, Mama confided with me that, when I was a child, she assumed that I was a little "slow." But, since I have grown up, she understands that I was just "different" from my 10 siblings, because of my gifting as an ARTIST. And, she also added that she now thinks I show a lot of wisdom- beyond others. Thanks, Mom!
I realize, that unlike the parents of doctors, teachers, lawyers, etc., my mother may never exclaim to her peers, "My daughter is an Artist!" (And she probably won't show up at my exhibit) That's o.k. I can live with it. I'm just happy being Mama's child... Now, let me get off this computer and GO CLEAN UP!!!