Always a mother

I have told my kids "once a mother always a mother". I don't know how not to be one. I just keep finding people or things to mother. I was happy to meet a woman in a public bathroom today cleaning off the counter and when I looked at her she said " oh such a mother thing to do isn't it?" I laughed because I realize so many mothers out there will clean up wherever they are because that is what they are used to. I don't cut my husbands food on his plate but I do pick up his shoes and socks and clear his plate from the table.. I can't sit still if I see a mess somewhere and no one is doing it. I know it may sound a little codependent. Remember that word? That was a buzz word some years back and all of us mothers who were great caretakers found a new diagnosis for our neurosis. I have always wanted to be a mother and have always taken care of so many. When my mom became ill when I was 12 I immediately took on the role as her caregiver. It didn't end for a long time. She moved in with us after her stroke in 1999 and lived with us for nearly 5 years. It was a bittersweet experience. I will always be grateful for the things it taught me and my children. The kids even appreciated the ways they learned to serve. I became her parent in many ways and had to give back what she gave to me for half of my lifetime. I look at all the things I mother, the neighbors dog ( we are taking care of for 5 weeks), flowers in the garden and fresh cut, older people that look like they need a hand, my grandchildren,my neighbors who don't like to cook,any project that needs done I take it on like a mother. You know how we kiss a scraped knee when it is hurt, or put on a band aid when someone falls.  What kind of things do we take on thinking we could make it better or put a band aid on to lighten someones load?