(1) Aurora Greenway, Terms of Endearment: I believe in pharmaceuticals. If a member of The Trifecta is suffering from an ailment that can be cured with a drug, I want it. I'm not interested in what nature may or may not heal in time. Sometimes doctors say things to me like, "It doesn't look like an infection," or "It must be a virus." These are not words that ring well with me. Because when my little ladies are suffering, I WANT TO MAKE IT BETTER. That is when I transform into
Aurora Greenway from “Terms of
Endearment.” If you are not familiar with the fabulous Mrs. Greenway, please
watch the clip below. And also try to picture my face on Shirley MacLaine’s
head screaming, “GIVE MY DAUGHTER AN ANTIBIOTIC!” I love Aurora's character for
many reasons in this moving picture, but mostly because of her total
willingness to unleash her inner crazy in order to stop her daughter's pain.
(2) Mrs. Parker, The Christmas Story: When I need patience and a glassy eyed
acceptance in order to dull the chaos in my household I play Mrs. Parker from, “The
Christmas Story.” Because that lady laughs
and remains emotionally unabridged even when her son consumes his dinner like a
“piggy in a trough.” Mary Ellis loves to
slather her body in tempura paint from head to toe. She has an addiction to showers and she knows
I cannot refuse her if she is covered in Crayola colors. Instead of crying, screaming, and running
from our house I just find my Mrs. Parker voice.
http://www.tcm.com/mediaroom/video/62365/Christmas-Story-A-Movie-Clip-Mommy-s-Little-Piggy-.html
(3) M'Lynn Eatenton, Steel Magnolias: If you know me, you know I love me some Steel Magnolias. It is my favorite movie of all time ever made in the history of all screenplays. Sally Field's character, M'Lynn is the epitome of all Southern Mamas. I think one of the reasons I love her is because she reminds me so much of my own Mommy; as delicate as a magnolia and as strong as steel. I relate to M'Lynn because of her control issues. Throughout the story she's as solid as a rock. Host a picture perfect wedding in her home? She's the hostess with the mostess. Daughter needs a kidney? She's got one to give! I have not had the need to access my inner M'Lynn yet. However, I have three little girls with the big personalities. The day will come. And when it does I'm going to say, "Cooperate, please."
(4) Professor (Minerva) McGonagall, Harry Potter: I know, I know, Professor McGonagall did not have children. Technically. I look at her as the mother to many. All those little witches and wizards living at Hogwarts. I need a little more McGonagall in my Mamahood. I need her fairness and her sterness. I need her courage. Also, it would be awesome if I had a magic wand that I could wave around my house and say things like, "Clean my house!" and "Stop that tantrum!" and "Fall asleep!" and "Shower my body and blow dry my hair and put make-up on my face!"
(5) Edwina, Raising Arizona: I am not a police officer and Chris Jackson does not have a criminal record. But we there was a time when I didn't think we would be able to have children. And I wanted to steal one. I really, really wanted to steal one. But I didn't. At the time I wanted to steal a baby, this movie gave me the hope that I would someday have a family of my own. At the end of the movie Edwina's husband H.I., played by Nicholas Cage, has a dream. He dreams of a baby that they someday adopt. At the end of his dream sequence he says, " It seemed like us and it seemed like, well, our home. If not Arizona, then a land not too far away. This whole dream. Was it wishful thinking? Where all parents are strong and wise and capable and all children are happy and beloved."
Maybe that's why I love motherhood in motion pictures. Because I want a world where all parents are strong and wise and all children are happy and beloved.
Happy Mother's Day, y'all.
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