Erma Bombeck

A few weeks ago, Mark, some family members, and I walked around the historic
Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum in Dayton, Ohio. If you live nearby, I highly
recommend taking a tour or walking around it on your own. Buried there are the
Wright brothers and their family members, Paul Lawrence Dunbar, and one of my
past favorite columnists, Erma Bombeck. Her writing focused on mothering,
marriage, and everyday life. Erma had a wonderful sense of humor and her
columns brought me, and millions of others, joy and laughter.
Erma’s grave is marked by a large plaque that has one of her quotes which
reads, “I’ve seen the motherhood role played by men, grandparents, friends,
aunts, and even social workers. It doesn’t matter who plays it. What does matter
is that when the curtain goes up each day, someone is there to dazzle, ad-lib,
support, comfort, listen, and fulfill what I feel is the most important role I’ll ever be
offered in my life. It’s the only one I’ll be remembered for.”
Not everyone has or had a mother that loves unconditionally or that gives hugs
that sweep them off their feet. Or, maybe the mother just isn’t able to fulfill that
role for whatever reason. This is where Erma’s quote connects with our lives.
Maybe you’re able to jump into a child’s life even if you’re a man, grandparent,
friend, aunt, or social worker. What if we all do what we can to give a child love,
care, and encouragement in whatever way we’re called?
Erma stated she would only be remembered for her role as mother. We know
that’s not the case, and she continues to remind us to live the way we want to be
remembered!