Adversity | Children | Frustration | Humor | Mother | Trial

RECIPE FOR MOTHERS
Preheat oven . . . check for rubber balls or plastic “He-Men,” which might be lurking inside. Clear counter of wooden blocks and “Key-Cars.” Grease pan. Crack nuts. Measure flour . . . remove Johnny’s hands from flour. Re-measure flour. Crack more nuts to replace those Johnny ate. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt. Get broom and dustpan. Sweep up pieces of bowl Johnny knocked on floor (accidently). Find a second bowl. Answer doorbell. Return to kitchen. Remove Johnny’s hands from bowl. Wash Johnny. Answer telephone. Return. Remove one-half inch of salt from greased pan. Call for Johnny. Look for Johnny. Give up on search. Grease another pan. Answer phone. Return to kitchen and find Johnny. Remove Johnny’s hands from bowl. Remove layer of nut shells from greased pan. Sternly turn to Johnny . . . who knocks second bowl off counter while running away from you. Wash kitchen floor and counter and dishes . . . and walls. Final scene:…