The moment I truly understood how different my mother and I are was when I witnessed her catch a mouse using only her bare hands. Yes, you read that right—no gloves, no fear, just her and that rodent while I stood atop the dining room table, screaming as if I were five years old. Honestly, she handled it as if it were a casual Tuesday. I was left gagging and contemplating selling my house.
The saying, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” certainly doesn’t apply to us. When I fell from the tree, I rolled down the hill, possibly even into another state. While many remark on our similar looks—thanks to our shared red hair and freckles—our personalities and lifestyles couldn’t be more different.
From our hobbies to our tastes, it quickly became evident that we are a uniquely contrasting mother-daughter pair. I affectionately call her my “Mountain Woman,” as she once lived in a log cabin on a mountain. Her personal space is adorned with taxidermy from her various hunts and rustic décor. My style, on the other hand, leans toward traditional with a modern twist—some might even call it boring. My walls are sparse, my colors neutral, and there’s nary a hint of antlers or fur.
A peek into our closets reveals wardrobes suited to two completely different lives: my tweed versus her camouflage, my heels next to her Crocs. Instead of sending me a simple email with Christmas gift ideas, she hands me the latest hunting magazine, complete with circled apparel that she desires. When I mentioned getting a Keratin treatment, she thought I was talking about a metal container full of carrots!
Despite our differences, we genuinely enjoy each other’s company. While she prefers nature walks, I’d rather binge-watch the latest series. Our conversations often start with, “I have no idea what you’re saying.” For example, she’ll share her hunting stories, and I’ll talk about my latest writing projects. (Her: “I shot him broadside. Now I gotta quarter him, but I’m keeping the rack.” Me: “I crowdsourced anecdotes for a piece I plan to pitch.” Okay, cool, Mom.)
Rather than allow our differences to create tension, we’ve learned to embrace and even celebrate them. With her impressive green thumb, she’s helped me landscape my yard, and she’s the first person I consult when I have questions like, “How often should I water my hanging plants?” Conversely, she turns to me for help with writing and selecting non-camo outfits.
It’s clear I’m not a carbon copy of my mother, and honestly, that’s a good thing. While I once envied mother-daughter pairs with similar interests, I’ve come to realize that wishing for someone to change is counterproductive. Yes, we are like night and day, but our mutual respect and desire for each other to thrive help us maintain a loving connection.
There are times I genuinely wonder how I came from her, especially when she creates a homemade plaster cast of a bear print she discovered in her yard. Meanwhile, I wouldn’t dream of touching a bear print, even with a ten-foot pole. It’s evident she’s a lover of the outdoors, while I prefer the comfort of indoors.
Where she takes one path, I take another. But what’s wrong with that? I’m here to tell you: Absolutely nothing.
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In summary, while I may not share my mother’s adventurous spirit in the great outdoors, our differences contribute to a relationship built on respect and love. Embracing our unique traits allows both of us to flourish in our own ways.