Okay, for those of us 'mothers' out here who think we know it all and find ourselves frustrated when our mothers are trying to impart their wisdom on us, I wanted to share a little story with you. As most of you know, I'm a single mother raising my precious daughter Kajal, now 10... yes, double digit, very emotional, ten. My mother moved in with us a few years ago. I always wanted to be able to take care of my mom but some days, there is no question... she helps take care of us. I work like a maniac and my mother throws meals together, literally it seems sometimes... out of thin air. When I'd be thawing out a frozen pizza she is pulling off a three course meal. She's raised 5 children and Kajal is her tenth grandchild. It's taken practice for me to sit back and listen to her when she offers advice, because more often than not... I think I know better, after all, she's my daughter right? My mother finds herself walking on eggshells some times, wanting to impart her experience but also wanting to give me room to make my own choices.

Kajals had a cold for the last few weeks. Runny nose, congestion... just when I think it's getting better she seems to take another turn for the worse. Her nose has been blown so many times the edge's are chapped and raw.

Last night, Kajal came out into the room with a look or terror on her face. Mom, she whispered, I need you. What's wrong? I asked, fear creeping into my heart.

Mom, my nose was bleeding and I couldn't stop it. I tried to use kleenex but I lost some.

Lost some?

Mom, it's up my nose, it disappeared. I can't get it out.

Okay, honey, let's take a look, I'm sure I can get it.

I looked, no sign of kleenex.

Kajal, are you sure it's in your nose?

She looks at me, very, very seriouslly. Oh yes, Mom, it's definitely up there.

I look again... no sign of anything. I'm ready with tweezers but, nada. My mind starts racing, where would it go? Is it up her nasal cavadee? Would it be sucked back into her throat, her lungs.. her brain????? My heart starts beating faster... I grab the phone. Kajal, it's okay, I'm going to call the doctor, everything's going to be okay. I starting dialing the doctor, considering racing her to the emergency room.

My mother calls out to me.

Did you ask her to blow?

What, Mom? Blow? Oh, hmmmm... no... blow...

Kajal, hm, could you try blowing your nose.

Kajal blows, nothing.

My mother calls out, Do it again!

She blows again, nothing.

Mom: hold one side and blow hard.

She blows, out comes the wadded up ball of Kleenex.

Pure relief spreads on her face and I can breathe again.

I look at my mother with pure gratitude.

Next time my mother tries to tell  me something or offer up her advice I pray I take a breath and remember that very simple, single word.

Blow.