Chainsaw Mama

When I asked for a “pink” chainsaw for Mother's Day (you'd have to know me...), my husband knew exactly what I meant: Not a saw that was pink (although apparently, they do come in pink and purple), but one that was easier to start and handle than the gas-powered behemoth he wields.

I got it! And early, to boot.

Here I'm standing with my new (chartreuse) battery-operated saw and a fledgling Eastern Redbud that was struggling to grow among thorny, invasive autumn olive bushes. Enter Moi, adorned in my new chaps and safety goggles (not shown for aesthetic reasons). I cleared out those menacing bushes and can't wait to see how this tree grows.

Now I'm working on some hidden but beautiful crabapples that could really blossom. Not to be corny, but it's like I've given them life. What a joy to bring them out of the bushes so they can thrive.

And if that isn't a mother's job, I'll rest my saw. But the fertilizing and pruning are only part of the job. That's because you don't really know exactly what kind of plant your children are until they figure it out. Which is never an easy task. For them or their parents.

Here's how our kids found a way to overcome my well-meaning but off-the-mark nurturing:

Don't go into journalism. Son #1 did anyway, met his wife at the newspaper where they both worked, and produced my first two grandsons over the course of their nearly 16-year marriage.

Don't start a rock'n'roll band: Son #2 did anyway, struggled at first (including a van breakdown that required a parental cash infusion), but will be headlining at Madison Square Garden on July 30.

Don't go to NYC when there are jobs here: Daughter #2 did anyway, started her career in online journalism, and reconnected with the man who is now her husband.

So there you have it. Our kids grow, both as a result of our input … and despite it. At some point we just have to stand back and watch it all play out, which just might be the hardest part of the process.

That's where I am now with the redbud and crabapple trees. I've done what I could.

Now, fingers crossed.

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