Mother's Day

Today, most Americans celebrated a day to honor all mothers.  For some, this included breakfast in bed, going out to brunch, or gathering at a family member's house.  I'd like to take this time to honor my own mother.

My mom ran a tight ship.  She expected homework done every night, even if she had to make us do it.  She expected rooms to be clean, even if she had to make us clean them.  Most importantly, she expected us to behave according to a "higher standard."

That meant even if every other kid in school had a toy gun, I wouldn't have one.  Even if every other kid watched a certain show on TV that she didn't approve of, I wouldn't watch it.  And most importantly, even if every other kid had a smart mouth, or had an attitude, and acted like they could get away with whatever they wanted, I couldn't -- because THERE WAS NO GETTING AWAY WITH ANYTHING!

Our family was raised before the era of time-outs, and during a time when children did not rule many households.  Rather, it was the PARENTS who ruled the households, and the children learned to follow the rules, and not to break them at will. 

I credit my mother with substantial success in that department -- she raised a son who did very well in school, and went on to become a lawyer.  She also raised a daughter who knew how to see right through people, how to show compassion to children who needed it most, and how to coach others to their peak physical form.  NEITHER of whom failed out of school, broke the law, or expected things to be handed to them.

I am not a parent (yet), but I know that the essence of parenting is to give children roots and wings.  Mom gave us both of those for sure -- we learned that we could always turn to her for advice (and we still do), and that we could grow up and advance as adults, achieving anything we chose to achieve.

Thanks, Mom.  I know it meant putting up with a lot of nonsense from us, because children are known to do that.  Heck, we still do that a little bit as adults, too.  But you had the tenacity, the patience, the endurance, and the patience to raise to damn fine people!

We love you!