To All My Mothers and Other Friends

            In this life, I’ve had many mothers, relatives, in-laws, friends and their mothers, mentors and teachers unbeknownst to whom I owe great debts for being part of who I have become and aspire to be.  I am a montage of their strength and tenderness, boldness and meekness, humorousness and seriousness, faith and doubt, order and chaos.

            Besides giving me a home during my grade school years, my dear Aunt Mary, you planted unconditio...

   As I was brushing my hair yesterday morning, getting ready for church, I was a bit surprised to see my Aunt Mary staring back at me from the mirror.  It was about twenty years ago that my father had said I looked like her, but I didn’t see it at that time.  Yesterday, it was there.  I smiled back at her and thought I’m honored if I’m like her in more ways than appearance. 

   I lived with my Aunt Mary, Uncle Lowell and Cousin Darlene during my grade school years after my parents di...