To Our Mothers

My mom lets loose at my Harvard graduation.

I just got off the phone with a college friend who also lost her mother to cancer, and we agree, whoever came up with the concept of Mother's Day was kind of an asshole. :)

Since my mom passed in October 2005, this day and her birthday have been the most intense, jogging old memories, evoking what-if scenarios but mostly generating extreme levels of gratitude.  

Yesterday, at a cafe in San Francisco, someone asked me to what do I attribute my success and my free-spirited, positive, happy outlook on life. Apparently, I don't fit the stereotype of the maladjusted, depressed, bitter comedian. We'd gone a couple of rounds on this subject, and finally I just said, "I had an awesome mother."

That's what it all comes down to. My mother encouraged my curiosity, my creativity and my confidence. She believed, far more than I did, that I've got reserves of strength and purpose yet untapped. And contrary to many people I know, she never ever made me feel guilty for forging my own path. She expected it.

For everything I've done and have yet to do. For the love of incredible friends. For a better life than I could ever possibly have imagined for myself, I thank you Ma.

Happy Mother's Day

Comments

[Ellen Petry Leanse (aka "chep2]

Wow, Baratunde. Inspiring words. I hope that I have done and will continue to do at least some of what you thank your mom for doing as I support my three sons on their paths.

From a Mom’s perspective: nothing is more satisfying—and more a celebration of our own paths, as Moms—than seeing our children do well, live well, love life, and find their way. I’m sure that your Mom loves seeing you thrive, still inspiring you, still being there for you in some mysterious way. I’m saluting her, too, today—she’s still doing a great job.

All the best,

Ellen

[Los Anjalis]

Aw, thanks for sharing Baratunde. What a wonderful photo, so full of emotion!

yeah man, you had an awesome mother.

[devin]

thanks so much for this! my mother died may 10, 2005 and this time of year is very difficult. my father's mother died a month before my mom, so we kind of lean on each other. usually, i cut the world off during this time--avoiding any event or place where a "happy mothers day" will pop up. but this year, i hung out with friends (one of which also lost her mom) and that helped tremendously in taking my mind off myself and focusing on what a blessing it is that mom brought me into this world to enjoy such an amazing life, for showing me such unshakeable love and teaching me how to show others the same kind of love.

[nick]

I think a lot of us owe a lot more to our mothers than we realise.

I wish I could go back in time and slap my younger self every time he said something mean to mum.