On the playground and at Saturday Night Live, she’s referred to as "Dan Levy’s mom," but behind the shining stars of her famous family, Deborah Divine is the bright light. While her husband and children all have lead roles on the Emmy-winning comedy of the pandemic Schitt’s Creek, Divine beams as a champion, a cheerleader, and the voice of reason the rest of us — especially moms — can relate to.
While Hollywood taunts mothers with images of skinny celebrities, playing dress-up in sparkling, unstained gowns, walking on spotless vacuumed red carpets, Divine uses her platform, her Twitter feed @tingtime, to capture what the reality of motherhood really looks like.
These are just a few of the reasons Deborah Divine is the mom mentor we never knew we needed.
She reminds us motherhood is worth it
Far past the stage of sleepless nights, she is humbled taking her seat at the Emmys, celebrating her real win: surviving the trenches of motherhood.
The last time @Realeugenelevy was up for an Emmy, I couldn’t go, as our new baby @danjlevy was colicky and I didn’t feel like I could leave him. Won’t be leaving him home this time that’s for damn sure! ❤️
— deb d (@tingtime) July 16, 2019
She reminds us we are not alone
Her babies grew up to become Hollywood stars, yet Divine’s Twitter feed reminds mothers that she has not forgotten: Entering motherhood can be daunting. The fear is real, and so are the feelings of isolation.
Wish I could send a warm weighted blanket to all the new mothers who will go to bed tonight awash with feelings of terror and worry. Instagram may make you feel like you’re the only one but believe me, you are not. ❤️
— deb d (@tingtime) December 30, 2020
She's a role model in acceptance and unconditional love
Dan Levy recounted on Watch What Happens Live After Show With Andy Cohen how his mother eased him through coming out as gay. Divine anticipated the needs of her child and shouldered trepidation, as mothers do, further alleviating any anxiety her son might have experienced by asking, “Want me to tell Dad?”
If your child comes out to you today, embrace that child and know that you have eased their world in an immeasurable way.❤️
— deb d (@tingtime) October 11, 2020
She reminds us moms can do anything
Divine doesn’t show off paparazzi images capturing her dressed in elegant gowns at star-studded events. Rather, Divine uses her platform to highlight the moments of motherhood that are anything but glamorous.
My mother lost her hair to alopecia in her 40’s. My father lost his job soon after. Not batting an eye, she bought a wig, hung up her apron and went on to kill it in the advertising business. That’s a tough act to follow – but I try everyday. Love you Mom ❤️
— deb d (@tingtime) May 10, 2020
She validates every mom's feelings
Deborah Divine reminds us that even mothers of Hollywood stars shouldered the weight of their children’s world, carrying the emotional baggage. The invisible demand can feel unbearable at times, and her acknowledgment is validating.
Today I regret every single second of worry back in the uninformed 80’s-wondering how the world was going to treat my brilliant little boy who loved to twirl. Little did I know that he was going to kick that old world’s ass to the curb and create a brand new one.@danjlevy ❤️❤️
— deb d (@tingtime) April 7, 2020
The Mama Bear is real
As emotional heavyweights, mothers teach their children not to hold grudges, to let things go, and to focus on the positive. Divine is likely no exception. However, she recently used two sentences to unleash a 30-year-old grudge on behalf of her child and her statement is relatable, vulnerable, and oh-so-gratifying.
This goes out to the bully punks at Camp WTF who made life miserable for a certain cabin-mate back in the the summer of ‘96 – just because he was different. Well, after all these years I have just 7 words to say to you: “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!” @danjlevy ❤️
— deb d (@tingtime) February 6, 2021
Using less than 280 characters on Twitter, she reaffirms her family values, celebrates the LGBTQ+ community, and validates the weight of a mother’s worries, all while reminding us you’re never too old to defend your child. Highlighting the point that some pain of the world can be lifted by raising our children to feel supported and be exactly who they are is not a small thing. In fact, it’s everything our children need to hear.
Deborah Divine, from one mom to another: You are ultimate #momgoals.
