Whenever I introduce someone to my mom, I always get the same reaction, “That’s your mom?!” She stopped aging decades ago, her olive complexion creaseless, her bright eyes and full smile effortless.
She really is stunning. However, the best part of introducing my mom to someone isn’t showing off her Hollywood beauty (yes, that really is her maiden name). Rather, it’s knowing that someone new-to-her has the opportunity to experience her radiating warmth and dazzling kindness, sure to make them feel like Hollywood gold.
A giver of hospitality, my mom’s front door is always open. She keeps her fridge stocked with our favorites: Diet Coke, sparkling water and Capri Suns, but we regularly gather at my mom’s house because we crave her company, not the drinks. She’s housed family members long-term, hosted my sister’s backyard wedding and reception and been the initiator of so many grandkid play dates and slumber parties that the kids have standing fixtures in her home - bicycles, board games, favorite snacks, extra clothes and phone chargers in every outlet.
Speaking of the grandkids, my mom, who they call Oma, shows up to everything. She sits front row at the soccer games and dance classes, at football, tennis, robotics, swim, band, cheer and on and on. Heck, she was offended that I didn’t invite her to Henry’s BMV appointment when he took his test for a driver’s permit. If she has to miss an event, the kids look at me confused, “What do you mean Oma isn’t here?” I don’t know kid. I know she’s ours but we have to share.
Beyond her beautiful heart, my mom has an at-the-ready sense of humor, a product of putting up with my dad, sister and me for all these years. We speak in sarcasm and wit and tell behind-closed-door jokes. We can be ruthless, and we spare no one, my innocent mom included. (Sorry mom, the pretty ones are always the easiest targets.) It’s sink or swim with us, so laugh or drown, I guess.
When it comes to my mom’s flawless beauty, the fact is she’s never had any work done. No botox. No fillers. No lifting. No tucking. As my dad would say, “She’s a totally far-out, foxy babe.” And while I’m sure the geneticists and biologists and fancy lab people have their research and theories about her fountain of youth, I know the truth. My mom radiates beauty because she is beautiful - her spirit generous, her heart open, her smile pure. Being around my mom means you will leave feeling more lovely on the inside, better than you could ever look on the outside.
So throw out your lotions, potions and caviar creams, and tap into a guaranteed-to-transform Hollywood beauty secret compliments of my amazing mom: Be generous. Show up. And laugh, for crying out loud.
(Pictures are taken from my mom’s 70th birthday party weekend, including a surprise visit from one of her besties, an intimate dinner party with her dearest loved ones and a pizza party bash with the beloveds who call her Oma. It’s been a 72-hour laugh fest, and I’ve never felt so young.)
