Fool’s Paradise

During a recent conversation about life, love, and relationships, my mother’s reflective pearls of wisdom felt refreshing, loving, and supportive which caught me off-guard. Despite our closeness, I do not discuss my trials and tribulations, hopes and desires about love and relationships with my mother. Indeed, I steer clear of her hopes and expectations of my personal life most of the time.

Although there is more to my glibness, my mother’s wishes for my happiness have significantly clashed with my own brand of happiness in the past yet on rare occasions we have found ourselves on familiar ground – her belated understanding and support of my relationship with L. came a day late and a dollar short after his death. In those days, my mother wanted an Armenian match for me and her traditional values and focus on cultural preferences clouded her judgment.

However, the times are a changin’ as Dylan still reminds us.

Indeed, times are changing and I felt a breeze blowing during that candid conversation between us. A definite smile curled at the sides of my mouth as I listened to my mother’s precious advice about the hindrance of settling for a man who is good enough, but who may not calm the storm within. How strange to think the generational gap had muddled our thought processes and diverging perspectives. In fact, I do things my own way and my mother has finally understood it. Instead of lamenting how things are, she accepts my wishes, values, and priorities. Instead, she encourages me to create my own happiness and above all, to find a strong and loving man whether he is Armenian or not.

It is a good thing because I tend to fall for Odars.