I lost my mother on my thirtieth birthday. She was a strong, fierce woman before it was fashionable for a woman to be either strong or fierce. The Episcopal Church in my little Virginia town was filled to overflowing for her funeral service.
I have thought about her life and choices throughout the corresponding moments of my own life, and have taken sage counsel and deeper understanding of life's trials and triumphs (and ordinary moments) from thinking through what and how she handled her own at whatever juncture I was traversing. I always light a candle for her on important days, like Christmas and her birthday ... oddly, never on Mother's Day. You have inspired me to do so this Sunday. Thank you, John.
I've followed you for years, and the columns I've enjoyed most are those handful where you really nail a story that has little or nothing to do with sports. Instead they're something thought provoking - and often inspirational - about life. Today's story about your mom was a grand slam about actively pursuing life. Thank you!
You have (at least) two very special gifts, John. Your Mothers’ place in your heart and a wonderful skill for conveying your thoughts and feelings. I appreciate reading all that you share.
My mom was one of the older WACs on the second floor of her barracks, somewhere in the Dakotas, in 1943 or 44. The younger ladies looked up to 'Mom.' Late one night, a liquored-up pilot decided to ascend the outside stairway and give the girls a treat. Mom met him at the door, asked 'where do you think you're going?' and knocked his ass down the stairs. She still had scars from Minneapolis speed skating on her legs when she passed. She and your mom would have been good friends. Thanks, John.
Another day, another great story. You are blessed to have found and nurtured your purpose and passion so early in life. We are the beneficiaries of your talent and for that I am thankful.
Wives and mom's rarely get their due. Most of the time, dad gets to chase his dreams and hobbies while mom does all the grunt work with little acknowledgment. We should all write tributes to mom as good as this one.
One of your best columns ever.
Thank you, John. Lovely.
I lost my mother on my thirtieth birthday. She was a strong, fierce woman before it was fashionable for a woman to be either strong or fierce. The Episcopal Church in my little Virginia town was filled to overflowing for her funeral service.
I have thought about her life and choices throughout the corresponding moments of my own life, and have taken sage counsel and deeper understanding of life's trials and triumphs (and ordinary moments) from thinking through what and how she handled her own at whatever juncture I was traversing. I always light a candle for her on important days, like Christmas and her birthday ... oddly, never on Mother's Day. You have inspired me to do so this Sunday. Thank you, John.
Thanks for sharing this. Light a candle for mom. ❤️
I will certainly do so. She is obviously a strong, fierce woman on her own. I can tell by the son she raised.
I've followed you for years, and the columns I've enjoyed most are those handful where you really nail a story that has little or nothing to do with sports. Instead they're something thought provoking - and often inspirational - about life. Today's story about your mom was a grand slam about actively pursuing life. Thank you!
What a beautiful tribute to your Mom. Forget the flowers and ...words from the heart are the best gift a mom can get!!♥️
You have (at least) two very special gifts, John. Your Mothers’ place in your heart and a wonderful skill for conveying your thoughts and feelings. I appreciate reading all that you share.
Dave
My mom was one of the older WACs on the second floor of her barracks, somewhere in the Dakotas, in 1943 or 44. The younger ladies looked up to 'Mom.' Late one night, a liquored-up pilot decided to ascend the outside stairway and give the girls a treat. Mom met him at the door, asked 'where do you think you're going?' and knocked his ass down the stairs. She still had scars from Minneapolis speed skating on her legs when she passed. She and your mom would have been good friends. Thanks, John.
thank you for this Bill.
A moving column John. Quite a lady.
Another day, another great story. You are blessed to have found and nurtured your purpose and passion so early in life. We are the beneficiaries of your talent and for that I am thankful.
Thanks so much. Means a lot.
Wow!!! John that was one of your finest IMO. What a wonderful tribute
A nice look at your mom and a great look into your heart. Nicely done.
What a really wonderful story. Took me off guard was not expecting this. Very nice indeed now to call my own mother.
Call mom. And thank you.
Thanks John, great story. I’m continually impressed by your columns since you parted from The Oregonian👍
Another terrific read. A perfect Mother’s Day gift to your mom.
Another “Kleenex” Story…Thank You, John..
Wives and mom's rarely get their due. Most of the time, dad gets to chase his dreams and hobbies while mom does all the grunt work with little acknowledgment. We should all write tributes to mom as good as this one.
Or maybe assume responsibility equally for the "grunt work" so mom can have some dreams and hobbies of her own.
Yeah, not my Dad.
What a family! I see how you developed into the humane writer that you are.