My Mom is the most amazing woman I have ever known. Ever.
I first met my Mom… Just kidding.
My Mom grew up in Kansas City, Kansas and went to Wyandotte high school, before it was the ghetto. Her Dad died when she was 20. She had a brother who was 7 years older and the sweetest, homebody mom who died when I was in elementary school.
Mom went to Baker University and majored in Spanish. She became a secretary for a little while then mostly stayed home with us except for running a preschool in our home for awhile. She married my Dad, a good looking fraternity boy, right out of school.
We lived just outside of Leavenworth in a split level home on a huge acre of land by the woods. We went on long camping trips all across the United States every summer.
My parent’s marraige was not a good one, full of strain and tension. My Dad was not a happy person and it escalated into horrible put downs and emotional abuse in front of us and toward us. They divorced when I was in 7th grade.
My Mom was so strong. She quit smoking after 20 years cold turkey. She endured the divorce with strength and grace. She got a degree in teaching and became a much loved middle school Spanish, English, and Reading teacher.
My Mom also got equivalent degrees in theater, art, costume design, set design, music. My Mom acted in, directed, and musically directed community theater for years and years. She led worship and choirs at church for years. My Mom encouraged Melissa Etheridge, then “Missy”, in her music career.
My Mom dated then married Lee, a retired army Lieutenant Colonel, just after I left for college. He was an amazing person, the love of her life.
My Mom and I have gone on a Spring Break trip every year for about 15 years now, to Mexico, Jamaica, Key West, San Antonio. We were exchange students in Mexico City for 6 weeks when I was 21.
My Mom is now 88 years young. She plays the keyboards at TRU, and goes to the Senior Center every week to “play for the old people.” We moved her here to Manhattan 3 years ago. She lives on her own and Ubers all over town. She is still beautiful and has the most lovely smile.
Everyone loves my Mom. Everyone. Everywhere. They always have. And they always will. I love you, Mama. Happy Mother’s Day 2019.
dianegclark 