MOAB

MOAB

In honor of Mother’s Day I thought I would focus on the force of mothers. What word do people say in front of a word expressing something scary and forceful? Answer, ‘Mother.’ Here are my five examples:

1) Mother of all bombs (MOAB) — Why would something as destructive as a bomb be called a mother? Because it’s appropriate.

2) Mother Nature — this is actually the most accurate description of mothers. She’s beautiful, soft, comforting but also violently powerful with a variety of tools to get her job done.

3) Mama bear — it’s a foregone conclusion that you do not get between a mother bear and her cub. Even humans use this term to describe a human mother who’s become extraordinarily protective of her offspring. It doesn’t seem to be as dangerous if you get between a father and his child (no offense dad’s). The mother is considered far more vicious under these circumstances.

4) “The mother of all wars” was a term coined by then Iraqi President Saddam Hussein when the US first began the Gulf War. Even in a region where women are suppressed, the President of that country used the term ‘mother’ when rattling his saber.

5) Mother fucker — I know, crass, and not a term I use often — except maybe when I’m driving, but I would be remiss to not at least acknowledge this phrase. It’s not called ‘Father fucker’ now is it.

Mothers have that innate ability to just go ballistic if the situation requires such behavior. It’s the primal response that moms have little control over. It’s like releasing the kraken — the reason you only use the kraken as a final measure is because it’s difficult to control and difficult to put back into captivity. But oh, so effective in getting the point across. So, here’s to you, you Forces to Be Reckoned With. Enjoy the celebration of what makes you, you. ​