Beneath my mother’s polished facade lay a surprising truth: her underwear was a decade old and it showed. As a child, I was taken aback. She exuded glamour and charm, so how could she wear such worn-out undergarments? Even at the tender age of 9, I believed it was time for an upgrade.
Now, as a mom myself, I finally understand. While I have a collection of newer, silky pieces that whisper, “I’m not quite a grandma yet,” I also have my fair share of that… other stuff: the clean but threadbare “everyday” underwear that should have been tossed ages ago.
Recently, while rummaging through my drawer, I came to appreciate why my mom held onto those questionable pieces for so long. Here’s what “eff’d-up” underwear means to me now, thanks to her:
- Eff’d-up underwear is a mother’s way of saying, “It’s not me, it’s you.” My mom always prioritized ensuring my brother and I had clothes we wouldn’t be embarrassed to wear—until social media resurrected those old photos, of course. She made sure we had properly fitting shoes, warm winter coats, and adorable costumes for Halloween. It’s no surprise that shopping for lingerie often fell to the bottom of her list. The important things were our needs and feelings, and she always made time to listen—putting aside even her famous green bean casserole to offer understanding and empathy. Through her, I learned that making a child feel heard, even while wearing the most tattered of underwear, is one of the greatest gifts a parent can give.
- Wearing eff’d-up underwear likely means you’re a badass. My mom was an exceptional tennis player. I remember sitting in the bleachers, filled with pride as I watched her send the ball sailing past her opponents. She instilled in me an appreciation for my own strong, athletic build—one that allowed me to excel in volleyball and running. She taught me that true beauty isn’t defined by sexy lingerie; sometimes it manifests as strength, determination, and the willingness to sweat it out in well-loved sports briefs.
- Eff’d-up underwear signifies that you’re not taking life too seriously. There’s something wonderfully relatable about a well-dressed woman wearing questionable underwear beneath her outfit. Growing up, laughter was a constant in my house, where teasing was the norm. As life grows more complicated, it’s important to embrace our flaws, quirks, and yes, even our embarrassing underwear collections. My mom, now in her 70s, and I still share laughs—sometimes at each other, but always with love.
So, thank you, Mom, for showing me that even the most worn-out undergarments can hold beauty. That said, if my husband decides to surprise me with new lingerie for Mother’s Day, I won’t complain!
For more on the journey of parenting, check out this insightful post on home insemination here. And if you’re interested in resources regarding fertility, visit Hopkins Medicine for excellent information. Also, for a comprehensive guide to home insemination kits, you can explore BabyMaker.
In summary, my mother’s lessons about life—and even her old underwear—have shaped my understanding of beauty, resilience, and the importance of laughter.