Is That Your Mommy?

My parents were just here for a short visit. One day I called my mom, "Mom," instead of "Grandma."

If we were in a cartoon, a light bulb would have appeared over Amelia's head.

"Is she your mommy?" asked Amelia.

I explained that yes, Grandma Alice was my mom and Grandpa Ernie was my dad. We've been working on this concept for a while, but it's a tough one. I thought Amelia was going to get it now.

Amelia with Grandma Alice and Grandpa Ernie. Sept. 2009.

But she looked at all of us and said, "Don't be silly! She's not mom. She's grandma!"

We tried to explain that I used to be a little girl and that her Grandma Alice was my mom, but Amelia was having none of it.

Still, something soaked in.

Today when Grandma Alice and Grandpa Ernie were pulling out of the driveway, Amelia asked if my mommy and daddy were leaving. I said yes, they were.

Then she asked why I don't live with my mommy and daddy anymore.

So, I explained that I used to live with them when I was little like her and her brothers, but I got all grown up and married her daddy. Now we live together with our own family instead of with our mommies and daddies.

Amelia pondered that for a minute then said, "I don't want to be all growed up. I want to live here with you and Daddy."

I told her that she wouldn't be "all growed up" anytime soon, and she'd live with Mommy and Daddy for a long time still.

She responded with a dramatic, "Phew! That's a relief!" and made me laugh out loud.