19 Comments
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Jim De Vico's avatar

I'm not crying. You're crying. 😢

Andre Burke's avatar

It sounds like you won the Mom Lottery. I did too. We are lucky in many ways.

Margie Blumberg's avatar

What a heartfelt and beautifully expressed tribute to your smart, loving, and inclusive mom. At the end of your piece, I was laughing out loud AND teary-eyed.

May your mom’s memory always be a blessing.

Jeff Knapp's avatar

Great story Skro Your parents were terrific. With just the little bit that I engaged with them I could see how right you are about how fortunate you were. The impact that your mom had, I’m sure, is evident in many ways, but her inclusiveness, her rejection of hate, and her emphasis on tolerance, I think, has contributed to your fashion sense.

TJskro's avatar

Ok you did it …I’m not shaking with laughter , but tears- that become a deep breath and a smile. You brought back many memories I have of a wonderful woman. Thanks.

Donald MOLONEY's avatar

Poignant

Thank you Steve 😇👏🏻🙏❤️

Moving Through Fear's avatar

This was lovely, thank you. The silent shaking laughter is also how my grandmother still goes into hysterics (Jean Johnson from Sisson Road). Laughing at how you and your brother poked the bear, because I still do that to Grandma (now 93) who refuses to call our team The Guardians.

Karen Mills's avatar

The Jesus story is very funny and reminds me of the Peter Pan production in this Fiasco episode of This American Life. I crack up every time I listen to it. Enjoy!

See you at Star! ❤️

https://www.thisamericanlife.org/699/transcript

Brendon Etter's avatar

One of the greatest episodes of This American Life ever!

Lorrie Jones's avatar

You’ve done it again. Thx for the words.

Miles Tarter's avatar

Awesome story Steve. Thanks for sharing.

LargediffuseB's avatar

Loved this one so much 🥹

Donna S.'s avatar

As someone who lost their mother as a child, may i say how fortunate you were to have that kind of mom <3

Shirlee Morris's avatar

Thoroughly enjoyed this piece. You had me shaking with laughter and crying at the same time.

Patty Wincek's avatar

Oh the fond memories of your mom. Yes, she always made everyone feel welcomed. I miss your mom & dad so much. Thanks for your memories.

Kelley Lane's avatar

I'm from Michigan & yes, we said "tennis shoes" too. I'm glad you told this story of how you were there taking care of your mom at the end. I did the same for my father, in Michigan. I think too many people just can't handle the nitty gritty of those final days so they miss the opportunity to return the unconditional love involved in wiping someone's !@#.

Alex Okun's avatar

This is one of the sweetest and most relatable pieces I've read of yours, Steve, thank you.