About my mother, on her 90th birthday

Today is my mom's 90's birthday...she is _still_ over twice my age.

I love my mom...not that you'd know for as often as I (don't) write...but I have long been proud of her. After my dad passed away in '69 she was left with four kids from 3 to 12(13?) and her single income. She had been the single income for some time since my dad had heart problems...but now she was truly a single mom.

In 1973 she bought the house on Clermont...this at a time when it was still difficult for a woman to get credit much less a mortgage. She had to keep her bills and cards in the name "Mrs. Paul T. Harkins". Somehow she managed it...and at last we were in a house of our own.

My memory of my childhood is that we never wanted for our needs. We were clothed, fed, sheltered, cared for when sick. Again, a remarkable feat considering the challenge of her position.

In 1978 she traded in the old Ramler American for a brand new Chevy Malibu...so now we were in our own home and now in a new car.

I went to Skyline High School in Dallas, Texas, starting with the 9th grade. I did not do well, and would not qualify for the magnet programs offered by Skyline. This meant I had to go to my local high school, Woodrow Wilson.

I went to Woodrow for one day...the first day of school. It was small and cramped compared to Skyline's bright, wide hallways. I entered a bathroom where some kids were lighting up a joint...something I never ever saw at Skyline, though I'm sure it did a few times. I basically did not care for Woodrow, and I wanted back into Skyline.

My mom went to bat for me, taking me to Skyline the next day. She went in for a private meeting with the principle, Mr. Guzick. She managed to convince him to bring me back to Skyline. I was and am still thankful for her effort.

Mr. Guzick later said "your momma begged to get you back into Skyline" (or something very close to that). I thought, and should have said, "momma? She's my mother...she has earned the title, as a widow raising four kids, buying her own home and later car, and all the while keeping us clothed, fed, and healthy. That deserves respect." What I remember more is being angry at how he said what he said. I don't know if he meant to be mean, but I know how I read it.

Yeah, my mom has her faults, like anyone. I knew that even then, but that did not quell my admiration at her accomplishments. So, she's not just my mom...she my mother.

90 years old this 24th of September. Very cool!