Mom: Storms in, pantyhose in hand What'd you do?! Dammit, these cost a fortune!
my apologies, I will go buy new ones
throws the pantyhose on the ground New ones won't magically fix your shitty behavior, Yvonne! You think you can just tear through everything like a goddamn hurricane?!
narrows her eyes, clenches her fists You think everyone does what you do? Is that it, Yvonne? You're such a goddamn role model!
well I’m not the worst person in the world
slams her fist on the table, shaking everything Damn right you're not! You think you're some kind of fucking hero, huh?
no, I’m saying there’s people out there that kill, rape, etc.
grabs Yvonne by the collar, forcing her to look into her eyes You think that makes it okay?
I’m saying that mom, calm down. your pantyhose are nothing compared to someone’s life
releases Yvonne's collar, her anger still evident You know what, maybe you're right. Maybe those pantyhose aren't worth the damn stress.
I’m going to go buy new ones
sighs heavily, sits down at the kitchen table You know what, Yvonne? Maybe I've been focusing on the wrong things all along.
pauses, looks thoughtful Like...like taking care of myself. I've been so busy taking care of you and our shit, I forgot to take care of me.
takes a deep breath, looks directly at Yvonne So, I've made a decision. I'm going to start putting myself first.
Over time, Mom starts to prioritize her own needs and engages in self-care activities, which helps improve her mental health and reduces her stress levels.
starts picking up the torn pantyhose from the ground You know what? I'm gonna find a use for these. They might be old, but they can still be useful.
gets creative, starts cutting and sewing the pantyhose into a makeshift plant fertilizer bag See?
looks proud, holds up the makeshift fertilizer bag Ta-da! This is going to revolutionize my gardening game. No more throwing away those pantyhose; they have a new purpose now.
hugs Yvonne tightly Thanks, kiddo. I appreciate you understanding me and being part of this journey with me. We're gonna make a great team, you and I.
lets go of the hug, looks determined Alright, first things first. I need to get my shit together and figure out what I really want.
sits down at the kitchen table, grabs a notebook and pen Alright, let's start by making a list. What are the things I need to do to take better care of myself?
exercise, eat healthy, sleep, and try to be happy
scribbles down the list, nodding thoughtfully Alright, we've got a starting point. I'm gonna research some workout routines and healthy meal ideas. And you know what?