Today would be my step-mother Dorothy's eighty-second birthday.  When I was thinking about what to blog, I decided to talk a little more about her.  And why not on the anniversary of her birthday.
As I wrote in my memoir, she was one of the greatest people I've ever known.  I know that this admiration I have for her isn't the same for all my siblings.  But for me, she was and is an inspiration.

I was thinking about the different stories I wrote about her and that seems to bring up even more memories for me.  Some are great and others, well, not so.

For today, I'm planning on focusing on the pleasant ones.

A funny memory I had recently that brought a smile to my face was how she often was approached in public by people (especially children) that were curious about her electric wheelchair.  Because of the uniqueness of it (if you've read my book you know what I am talking about) these kids would often ask her what happened.  She'd usually come up with a really great response like, " I fell out of an airplane!"  Their eyes would usually get really big and you could see their little minds working.  Trying to visualize what she just told them.

Then of course there were those times when people were not so nice and made snide remarks too. This was always from some adult.  When they'd see us all out to dinner or in the mall shopping (mom and several of us kids) they'd ask her if we were ALL her children.  She always responded with a proud "yes"!  Then would come their stupid remarks.  Things like, "no wonder you're in a wheelchair". 

I think it hurt her feelings, but Dorothy was smart enough to put them in their place.

So even when she was not at home teaching me, all I had to do was pay attention when we were in public and I learned a lot. 

I really miss her...

Happy Birthday mom!  I love and miss you very much!

Namaste!

David :)