In Mitch Albom's "For One More Day," there's a touching line that resonates deeply: "You can be a mamma’s boy or daddy’s boy but you can’t be both." This statement struck a chord with me because it reflects a common experience many of us navigate silently.
The story begins with Chick’s father asserting that one must choose between being a mamma's boy or a daddy's boy. Initially, Chick chose to be Daddy’s boy, yet as life unfolds, he finds himself drawn more to his mother, ultimately embracing both parents in his journey. In the later phase of life, Chick finds himself wanting to be Mamma’s boy.
Mitch poignantly observes, "You cling to the one you think you might lose." This resonated with me because, as children, we often subconsciously choose one parent to favour, driven by a desire to earn their approval and fear of losing their affection. It's a natural inclination, though seldom acknowledged openly.
As we align ourselves with one parent, we begin noticing perceived flaws in the other. This isn't about nitpicking to blame but rather finding reasons to affirm our choices. Similarly, Chick initially chose his father and kept resenting about his mother's actions, only to realize later in life the wisdom and care behind his mother's actions, which he had overlooked in his father's shadow.
The book beautifully illustrates that both parents hold valid perspectives. Our liking for one over the other stems from our limited understanding as children and our need for validation. Albom's story serves as a reflective mirror, revealing our childhood struggles with parental favouritism.
It’s phases of life that make us choose one or the other. Like Chick chose his dad in childhood because he wanted to be like him, but as life went on and he was in the struggling times the only person he wanted was his mother by his side, he wanted to be the Mamma’s boy, he wanted to spend time with his mother and thus he goes on asking for one more day, but he was too late to realise. Life snatched the opportunity from him.
Life is all about POVs and everybody has different and we can never judge who is right, because in one corner or the other everybody is correct, every thought is correct, everybody is wrong, every thought is wrong. Being right or wrong is just a matter of time.
In conclusion, I want to take this chance to say let's cherish our parents. They are our foundation, regardless of the paths we've taken. Don't let life's pursuits blind you to their unwavering support and love. Embrace both parental influences, for half and half make one that is You.
Who did you favour in childhood? Whom do you turn to now?
( Let me know in the comments)
Credits : Mitch Albom's ' For one more day'