I did not have a good mother. We all turned out OK, but now think it was somewhat despite her, As we've aged and learned about life, we've all learned to forgive her and know she did the best she could given the issues in her life and mind. The fact we could all get to that point is probably proof that she was a better mother than we give her credit for being. Or maybe it is a tribute to my Dad.

I lost my wife of nearly 47 years in March and the family will gather in June for a celebration of her life. She was a great mother. Not the Donna Reed kind by any means. But a mother who raised three strong sons with every bit of strength in her, and that was a lot!