Are You My Mother?

The other day I met with a student I admire. As we both got our coffee, I filled my mug with half decaf and half regular. "My mom does the same thing," she said innocently. It was a sudden leap into a "ma'am moment," a moment when I realized I looked like a mom all day long, not only to my own flesh and blood but to society at large. I don't know what to think about this coming of age really. I am not certain I am ready to lead with my maternity. While I cannot control the external experience of me, I will always enjoy great latitude on the inside.