When God Created Mothers

The New York Times–bestselling humorist’s classic Mother’s Day column on motherhood, featuring the original art.

Erma Bombeck remains one of America’s favorite humorists. When God Created Mothers republishes one of her most popular Mother’s Day columns as an illustrated keepsake book that offers a touching description of all the characteristics a mother must possess.

When it first appeared in Erma Bombeck's Mother’s Day column in 1974, When God Created Mothers was an instant success, clipped from newspapers, tucked into purses, and tacked onto refrigerators all over America. Now in this beautiful keepsake edition, Bombeck’s moving words are paired with original art that bring to life the warm portrait of motherhood contained within.

An angel marvels at the detail and overtime that the good Lord is putting into his creation of mothers. Despite the six pairs of hands and the three pairs of eyes that every mother needs, the angel thinks she has discovered a flaw:

“There’s a leak,” she pronounced. “I told you that you were trying to put too much into this model.”

“It’s not a leak,” said the Lord. “It’s a tear.”

“What’s it for?”

“It’s for joy, sadness, disappointment, pain, loneliness and pride.”

“You are a genius,” said the angel.

The Lord looked somber, “I didn’t put it there.”

Every mother will treasure this moving tribute, penned by America’s most beloved expert on motherhood.