Happy Mother’s Day 2011
My mom taught me to be compassionate, caring, inquisitive, and methodical. She taught me to completely avoid alcohol, cigarettes and drugs. I gave her Hell as a child. As a psychologist, I’m sure she knew I “wasn’t quite right”, but she never labelled me or treated me any differently – not as far as I could tell.
Despite my challenges, she busted her tail to bring me cable TV, drive-in movies, and E.T. cake at Chuck-E-Cheese for my 9th birthday party. She never beat me, even when I ran away from day care, came home and set off the house alarm. Or the time our fourth-grade class went on a field trip to a national park, and the boys decided a panty raid on the girls’ cabin was a good idea. The adults felt differently.
Mom responded to a challenge with education; I got books most 9 year olds didn’t. I went to computer camp and started programming at age 9. She didn’t complain about her problems much at all. She solved them, quietly, and decades later I would find out just how much she overcame. My mom rocked.
She wasn’t perfect, and neither was I. That’s life. Take the imperfections, deal with them, adapt and grow. Without Mom keeping me on track, my life would be far different and more challenging. Sadly, she was only able to impart her influence for 10 years, but those were the most important. My mom rocked.
Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers – especially single mothers with kids who aren’t “quite right.” Believe me, I know – your job is 100 times more challenging. You rock.
love that your mom got you programming at 9! tony started almost that young
your mom was a smart cookie 
Really nice post, Mark. My mom was only with me for 13 years and I still miss her. The love you get in those early years can stay with you all your life, thank the gods and goddesses.
Mark-
This was very touching. As a mother myself, I know she loved you more than you will ever know and I’m sure she’s still a guiding light in your life today, just as she was when you were just a kid.