motherly criticism 4

Elana sent me a video of my niece, Emma, performing in one of her guitar concerts.  My mother-in-law wonders who would have the courage to get up and sing as Emma does.  Watching Emma always makes me think back to my childhood and the many stages where I danced in recitals and talent shows.  But I never had a mother like Elana bolstering me the way Elana does for Emma.  I wish Elana was my mother, I say, which sounds kind of strange, but I mean it.  She is the champion of love, encouragement and recognition.  She is the queen mother of instilling self- esteem. I just want to drag Elana back in time and look out into the audience and see her cheering me on as I push my body to its limits.  Perhaps instead I can drag her across the country and into my office and have her give me a good old motherly thumbs up as I sit in front of this computer.