When I was a child, I was taken aback to discover that beneath my mother’s seemingly perfect appearance lay a surprising truth: her underwear was a decade old, and it showed. At that age, I couldn’t fathom how someone so elegant could resort to such worn-out undergarments. Even at nine, I thought it was time for an upgrade.
Fast forward to today, and as a mother myself, I completely understand. While I have a selection of newer, chic lingerie that suggests I’m aging gracefully without slipping into “granny” territory, my drawer also holds a stash of that…other kind: clean but well-worn “everyday” underwear that should have been retired long ago.
Recently, while sorting through my drawer, I came to appreciate why my mom clung to those questionable pieces for so long. Here’s what I’ve come to realize about “eff’d up” underwear, thanks to her:
- Eff’d-up underwear symbolizes a mother’s priorities. My mother always ensured that my brother and I had clothing that spared us from embarrassment—clothes that fit well, warm winter coats, and costumes for Halloween crafted with love. It’s no wonder lingerie shopping often took a backseat. When it came to the essentials, she gave us space to navigate life, but when we wanted to chat, she set aside whatever she was doing to genuinely listen. This taught me that making children feel understood during challenging times is one of the most profound gifts a parent can offer—even when wearing the most shabby of undies.
- If you’re wearing eff’d-up underwear, it’s likely you’re a force to be reckoned with. My mother was an incredible athlete, particularly on the tennis court. I marveled at her strength as she effortlessly outplayed her opponents. She encouraged me to embrace my own athletic build, which helped me excel in volleyball, basketball, and long-distance running. She imparted the valuable lesson that true beauty doesn’t stem from sexy lingerie; sometimes, it’s found in being strong and determined while wearing well-loved sports briefs.
- Eff’d-up underwear also reflects a healthy sense of humor. There’s something wonderfully relatable about a stylish woman sporting questionable underwear. Frankly, I want to befriend that woman because she likely knows how to appreciate the lighter side of life. Growing up in a household filled with laughter and playful teasing, I learned the importance of embracing my quirks, blunders, and yes, even my lackluster underwear collection. Now in her seventies, my mom and I still find joy in making each other laugh—whether together or at one another, it’s always infused with love and respect.
So, thank you, Mom, for imparting the wisdom that even the most worn-out undergarments can hold a certain beauty. That being said, if my partner decides to surprise me with new lingerie for Mother’s Day, I won’t complain!
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Summary
Through the lens of my mother’s old underwear, I learned invaluable lessons about priorities, strength, and humor in motherhood. Despite the imperfections, there is beauty in the everyday and the unglamorous, reminding us all to embrace every facet of life with love and laughter.