The request to “cancel that,” was a common one in my house growing up.

My mom would ask it of anyone who’d dare speak a negative thought into the universe. She wasn’t joking either. If you spoke the thought into existence, you’d better be prepared to take it back where she could hear it loud and clear.

It went something like this: 

Anyone: “Oh my gosh, it’s so hot outside, I’m gonna die.” 

My mom: “Cancel that!”

Or… Anyone: “I may just fall and break my neck.”  

Cue my mom dropping whatever she’s doing to run over and say: “Cancel that!”

Sometimes, my sister and I would jokingly respond with a “No, we won’t cancel it,” but she’d hound us until we uttered the sentiment and said it like we meant it.  

It would drive us crazy, but we became accustomed to doing it. And let me tell you, it’s rubbed off; just ask my kids, husband or anyone who knows me well. 

You say something negative, and I’m going to be in your face demanding that you “cancel that.” And yes, I will borderline freak out until you say it. Nowadays, I also tend to pray about things, but in the moment, my mom’s mantra brings me instant comfort and relief.  

Guess it’s true when people say you eventually turn into your mom. And you know what? If there is someone I don’t mind turning into, it’s my beautiful, sweet, loving, wise, kind-hearted, feisty, talented, funny, strong-minded mom. 

Recently however, we found out that my mom is facing a very serious medical issue and is having tests done to find out exactly what’s going on. 

She called to tell me and after relaying what her doctors suspect it could be, all I wanted to say was, “Cancel that!”

This time however, it’s more serious. I can’t even bring myself to think about the possibility of my mom not being around. After all, she’s my scarecrow. 

I call her that because in “The Wizard of Oz,” when Dorothy is getting ready to return home to Kansas and says her goodbyes to the Lion, the Tin Man and the Scarecrow, she tells Scarecrow, “I think I’ll miss you most of all.”

And yes, it’s true. Every time I leave Arizona after a visit home, I hug my mom and whisper, “Bye my scarecrow” and she knows exactly what I mean. 

So on this Mother’s Day, my heart will be with my scarecrow, who I love and appreciate dearly. She’s always been there for me no matter what. She’s my biggest advocate, supporter and cheerleader. I can’t even begin to think of it any other way. 

And if any negative thought suggesting otherwise creeps into my head, you’d better believe it’s going to be cancelled.