I can think of no better subject to mark my return to the ‘sphere than the reason for the season (and this blog) herself: my mom. Eleven days is far too long to wait to celebrate together, but the internet is abuzz with recognition for the maternal figures in our lives, and I had to rep my lady, or else who will (it’s not as if her #1 Son will be blogging anytime soon!)? All the Mother’s Day activity on facebook, twitter, youtube and the blogosphere remind me that while many of my peers have had to ease their parents into these new forms of communication, it’s always been my mom leading me into the future when it comes to technology. With her zeal for new ideas and interest in the future, she is always ready to try out the latest modes of discourse. For this, I argue that she deserves an iPad from MCCSC. She would really appreciate it.
So much of what I would love to say about my mom has already been expressed in prose far more eloquent than I could ever compose. From the very beginning, you’ve been my hero, Lee Heffernan. I marvel every day of my life at your radiant strength: the strength to take care of a baby even in the midst of the most crippling hardship your life has dealt you so far, the strength to put kids first in every action you take, the strength to be a phenomenal student and take your education as far as you can, and the strength to make our family such a fun, safe, loving team of crazy human beings. As I grow and change in this newfound adulthood, I can feel your arms around me every step of the way.
What can I do to offer thanks to you who have given me so much, who showed me what it is to fight the good fight and who enabled me to become a strong woman who is proud to call herself your daughter? We read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory together with mugs of chocolate chip ice cream, and you reminded me that we were lucky to have the things the Buckets couldn’t count on. I remember, and I believe you. But even though I anxiously anticipate a summer full of wedge salads and Show Place matinees with you, the greatest gifts you’ve imparted have of course not been material. Thanks for making me want to explore and question this wild world. And thanks for making me laugh.
Happy Mother’s Day to all of the strong women doing their best to make life better for sons and daughters, whether or not those sons and daughters are your own. And to my mom, you’re the best. I wish there were an iPad sitting on a brand new Vespa downstairs in the basement, but though this letter could never be enough, for today it will have to suffice. Free Weezy, Free Arizona, and Free Lee Heffernan- get out of the compound and take some time for you today! Loving you across the country, Rosalyn.
