Reply #8: oh, IF this were the 1700's , IF we didn't have 6.5 Billion people

[Duppers]

on the face of this planet

If the earth had UN-limited resources,

If there were no population explosion,

If there were no energy crisis,

IF there was no such thing as global warming,

Then, yes, perhaps. Besides, it is my thinking that no couple can possible have any depth of a relationship with 18 different children.

http://extweb.discovery.com/viewerrelations


Do you honestly think that any mother with 18 children can possible have the resources and passion to treat each child with the care and concern that Mr. Keillor describes below? For that matter, she cannot even know her children that well.


"The cruel injustice of motherhood is that, out of devotion to her brood, she sacrifices so much of her own life that her children grow up to find her a little boring in comparison to the maiden aunt who is a little rebellious and more fun to be around, whereas Mom is just the lady who runs the vacuum. As Erma Bombeck said, the kids walk in and ask her, "Is anybody home?"

But she loves you. You could come home with snakes tattooed on your face and she still would see the good in you. Most great men were mama's boys. She encouraged them long before anybody else could see any talent there.

Your mother is on top of the situation. Your father has a hard time remembering your birthday or even your Christian name, but your mother knows you by scent, thanks to years of doing your laundry. She knows when you're in trouble. And you will get into deep trouble someday. Count on it.

Someone will file a lawsuit against you and subpoena your e-mail and it will all come flooding out, your dark secrets, your nefarious dealings, and your friends will cross the street to avoid you and your brothers and sisters will fade into the woodwork, but your mother will still love you. Like an old lioness, she'll come running even if you're two thousand miles away.

That is why you pay homage to the old lady on Mother's Day. You entered this cold world causing her more pain than she thought possible and now she won't ever give up on you. Those old ladies you see being wheeled onto airliners are the mothers of children facing imminent indictment for terrible things. Mama will be in the courtroom for you, baby. She will look the jury in the eye and her look may get you acquitted.

Buy her something nice for Mother's Day this spring, like a set of gold ingots. Or a black car with a chauffeur. She's your mama, honeybuns. At least you could write her a note."

- Garrison Keillor


With 18 children, I am sure the father will have "a hard time remembering your birthday or even your Christian name.."