Everyone has a mom friend. You know, the one who always takes care of the drunk friends, who carries extra gloves in their pockets, who always offers support when things get rough. After my first year of marching band, I started bringing a bag that was always full of extra supplies for my section. When I took over the prop room for our drama club, I was always helping people find the things they needed while also turning the room into a space for counseling. Now, as a college student, I always have extra chargers and food in my bag while also always having an open door at home. I am the definition of mom friend and I honestly couldn't be happier.
Taking care of people is instinctual for me. I always want to help make life a little bit easier for everyone and being a steady support is one of the best ways to do that. Occasionally, I have to lecture friends for being stupid but it's never with a malicious intent. There have been plenty of nights where I've stayed up much past my bedtime to take care of people, be they drunk, upset or just in need of some company. My apartment operates on an open door policy, meaning that no matter the time or situation, I am always willing to let people come in and be taken care of. It's just a part of who I am.
Plenty of people would be exhausted by this lifestyle, and I can't blame them. It's difficult to keep what I know about people separate from my own stress. I find myself worrying constantly about those around me, only because I want the absolute best for them. There are times when I wonder if I'm doing enough for friends because of how much I care. At the end of the day, though, I wouldn't trade this life for anything. The stress melts away when I hear someone call me mom. My worry becomes secondary when I see my friends succeeding after they spent so much time concerned about their future. My care is always justified when I know someone found comfort in something simple I'd done.
Being the mom friend is a hard job. It's full of empathy, worry, too many bags, a lot of late nights and early mornings and a constant sense of responsibility for the people around you. It's a lifestyle that isn't for the faint-hearted, but being the person everyone looks to for help and support is an incredibly rewarding experience that I wouldn't trade for the world. I love all my college kids and when the time comes that I might be blessed with children of my own, I know I'll at least be ready to be called mom.
