A Singular Mother

Mama always owned her own home and never once took any type of public assistance. She taught us to take care of our needs while she was gone, and gave us all chores to perform. I chopped wood and learned how to cook, sew and iron clothes.

I was able to concentrate on my studies more than my four older siblings because in addition to going to class and working—my oldest brother got a full-time job when he was 12 years old and worked all through school—they had to mind me and my younger sister. I worked part-time during the week, so I was able to be captain of the football, wrestling, debating and chess teams, president of the student council, a straight-A student, a Merit Scholar and win scholarships to Harvard, Yale and Stanford. Every one of my brothers and sisters graduated from high school, and two of my sisters went on to college.

My mom is 70 years old now. She is like an old lioness benignly prowling the plains. Her once strong body is worn down by arthritis and four bouts with cancer, yet she still has the cheerful attitude that is a mixture of relief and happiness that she survived her life’s struggles. She spends her time with her church, children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. I talk to her every morning, and no matter how much pain she is in, she always laughs at the stories I tell her about work and raising my two boys. Her most important job now is making sure my stepfather eats his meals and takes his medicine; mine is ensuring that she is happy for the rest of her life.

On Mother’s Day, I will tell my Mama how much I love her and thank her for all the sacrifices she made. You be sure and do the same for your mother.

Killian is an attorney in Oakland, Calif.

© 2006