The people who know me best know that I don't generally like to talk about this topic, but I feel it needs to be said. It's about my mother.
My mom was the biggest influence in my life. If it wasn't for her, I doubt I would work my ass off on anything, be respectful toward others, care for my friends as if they are my family, etc. She really was my guiding light in life. As you read this, I'm sure you're noticing I keep saying "was" rather than "is." That's because she died of cancer when I was 12.
Sure, it still brings me down daily (because I always think of her), but it's been almost 10 years and I've been forced to move on with my life. My dad helped out a lot after her death, but to this day he still has trouble dealing with it (but let's face it-who wouldn't?).
As I look back, only happy memories of my mom are there. When I did something bad, she did her best to discipline me and I wouldn't repeat my actions. I think of how many different fields she worked and how she did it to take care of "her boys." But most of all, I think of her sense of humor. I realized just how much that rubbed off on my brothers and I. She was one hell of a prankster, as she would constantly pull things on all of us all the time. I remember one time she gave me a glass of wine and convinced me it was Kool-Aid (what the hell is it with me and drinking anything believing it's Kool-Aid?). It sounds cruel, but it's funny. I remember how we'd call her Fishy Phyllis based on a Garbage Pail Kids sticker on the fridge. She always had something up her sleeve. I guess that was her way of putting up with 4 sons and a husband.
The only lesson she taught me in life is that there are times to be serious, but you should always try to have fun regardless. Working a dead-end job for the rest of your life and focusing too much on priorities is no way to live. Get out once in a while, have fun, and live. I will always love her and I miss her every day.
