When the Parents Speak

I remember smooching with Mr. Pete in the car, in the driveway, outside the back door of the farmhouse.

I also remember my mom, switching on the light and waiting – that was her way of letting me know that it was time to come into the house. Most of the time, that’s what I did.

A couple of times though, I didn’t. And Mr. Pete and I continued our little make out session until the door opened. Then I KNEW it was time to come into the house.

But one time, we waited way past the light coming on and the door opening a crack, until my mother appeared in the doorway, in her night gown and robe and yelling out the door, “Elena, it’s time to come into the house!” so that’s what I did. And after that I never let it get to that point again, because seeing my mother in her night gown and robe yelling my name was not a pleasant thing. I did this out of respect for her, but also because I knew she was right and I understood that she was trying to protect my virtue.

Mama was so protective of my virtue that a week before my wedding, when I was alone in my soon-to-be duplex, with Mr. Pete, she drove clear across town to pick me up! because she did not like the idea of me being alone with my fiance, even a week before the wedding. We sort of laughed at her then (although I obediently went with her), but I appreciate her persistence and her courage now!

I have been going through similar things with my boys for the past couple of years. And I hate to be Debbie Downer, or Mama No, but

• No you can’t go camping alone with your girlfriend,
• No, you can’t share a hotel room with your girlfriend when we travel as a family to a wedding.
• No I do not approve of your spending the night somewhere with your girlfriend.
• No I do not appreciate you moving out of the family house into the home of your girlfriend.