Several years ago in one of her columns, Erma Bombeck described the complex task God had in creating mothers. After all, he had to build a creature who "would run on black coffee and leftovers...Have a lap that disappears when she stand up...A kiss that can cure anything from a broken leg to a disappointed love affair...And six pairs of hands." Also, "three pairs of eyes."

An angel pleaded with God not to work so hard. "Lord," said the angel touching His sleeve gently, "Come to bed..."

"I can't," said the Lord, "I'm so close to creating something so close to myself...."

The angel circled the model of a mother very slowly. "It's too soft," she sighed.

"But tough!" said the Lord excitedly. "You cannot imagine what this mother can do or endure."

Finally the angel bent over and ran her finger acros…