Thanks Mom

On this Mother's Day I reflect back on all of the things my Mom has meant to me. Quite frankly, she's meant so much I hardly know where to begin. I can't possibly cover it all.

Being adopted I've often thought how immensely fortunate I am to have a Mom like I do. I could easily have ended up in a foster home without a Mom, growing up with other orphans. My life certainly could have been much, much different.

My Mom provided me with everything I need and more. It's important to note that she did not provide me with everything I wanted, but everything I need.

Was I spoiled? No, not by a long shot. I was very fortunate. Mom made sure that I had all the important things: clothes; church; education; nutrition; exercise; opportunities. But there was no question she was the boss.

I saw other kids who whined until they got everything they wanted. Not me. I gave that act up quickly. It would never work on my Mom.

"How does it feel to want?" she'd ask.

"It stinks," I'd answer.

"Well get used to it. You're going to be wanting stuff the rest of your life."

My Mom is tough, at least on the exterior. I know though that she is really a big, kind, softy on the inside. Often times people present a first impression which disguises their true self, just a natural defensive technique. My Mom's first impression is "Don't mess with me." But her true spirit is "I'd do anything to help."

And help she has, not just me, but many, many people.

I remember once when a friend traveled with me to Myerstown to help my Dad install a window air conditioner at my Grandmother's. On the way back home my buddy turned to me and said, "Man, your Mom is the toughest woman I've ever met."

Toughest woman I've ever met too. But with the biggest heart I've ever seen.

I started playing midget football when I was 8-years-old, before I switched to soccer at age 13. A couple of Dads were showing up at every practice and befriending the coaches and somewhat bullying the coaches into assuring their sons would play quarterback or running back or whatever position they preferred.

I was a strong candidate for quarterback, tall, could throw the ball for distance and with accuracy, and the most athletic kid in my class. But with the lobbyist Dads out there everyday there was no chance I'd ever see the playing field. Dejected and ready to just give up after one practice my Mom quizzed me on what was bothering me. When I told her she told me to wait in the car and she made a beeline for one of the manipulative fathers.

I'll always remember this. Now this guy was large, a former pro athlete, and he had a bit of a temper. He had no idea what he had coming.

I couldn't hear a thing. But I didn't have to. My Mom tore this man down to his knees and then started over and took him down again. I watched with pride as my Mom talked and he listened, unable to get even a word in. My Mom believed in me, stood up for me against all odds, and I felt very proud to have her as my Mom.

Now, of course, I never saw the playing field after that. But it didn't matter. I should have been playing soccer all along. This was ELCO. The best athletes played soccer. By the time I was a senior I was playing in the state finals (we lost to Mt. Lebanon). I've often said, our soccer team could have beat our football team - in football.

My Mom's philosophy was to always provide me with opportunities. She wanted me to get a taste of everything so I could choose what I best liked from a diversity of interests. I may not have enjoyed the piano, the french horn, or several other things. But looking back I'm so appreciative for the opportunities.

I was in the pool at an early age. I had my life-savings certificate at a ridiculously early age.

I had a chance to play all sports.

Mom didn't let me camp out in front of the TV. Any book or magazine I wanted my Mom would see that I got. But TV? Not a chance. Beyond watching sports or a Saturday morning cartoon or two, there was no TV in my life. Looking back, I'm so thankful for that.

Mom did push me, towards church and finding my spirituality, towards athletics and practicing to be the best I could be, towards knowledge and continuing my education beyond high school. She exposed me to music and art and culture.

I owe her everything, from my life as an infant, changing my diapers and cleaning up after my messes, to the person I've developed into today.

I can't possibly touch on everything she's done for me, and how indebted I am to her.

Thank you Mom! I love you!