Had a rough afternoon. And the following conversation with Will on the way home from preschool.
Will: Can we go to McDonalds?
me: Sorry, honey–mommy just wants to go home tonight.
Will: But why?
me: I had a rough day.
Will: How come you had a rough day?
me: Oh–it’s okay, sweetie. People just hurt my feelings a little.
Will: Did they say “No thanks, I don’t want you to take my picture?”
(Will knows that I get bummed after a failed consult.)
me: No, sweetie. It’s okay. I’m happy because you’re home now.
Will: But it’s hurts my feelings when they’re mean to you!
And there it is. The root of all ‘your mama’ insults. The cord never really gets cut. You hurt my mommy, by extension you hurt me.