She worked hard to ensure that we had a nice place to live, food on the table, clothing, etc. -- she was good at what she did, rose through the ranks, and became one of the best-paid women in the company. I think this was actually a bone of contention for my father, the fact that she (deservedly) made so much more money than he did.

She just wasn't particularly interested in being a parent -- she did it (and admitted as much) more out of expectation and social inertia than out of any real desire to be a parent. It was just 'something people do." I basically raised myself (with the help of 2 grandmothers and an amazingly devoted housekeeper, who became my 3rd grandmother in every way but biological) and it was not always an easy process.

My only beef with her, in any event, is that I wish she would have thought it all out before deciding to follow the "norm" and become a parent. Other than that, I can have no real issues with anything else she did -- for many, many reasons, I wish she was still here today. I think I would be much more able to express my love and appreciation to her now, than I ever did when she was alive.

My mother is amazing, loving, funny, aggrevating, infuriating, nurturing, controlling, helpful, critical and truth is I couldn't live without her.

She is my biggest supporter and my worst enemy. I couldn't have gotten through this last year and a half without her but if she thinks you've been down too long, she'll kick ya in the teeth just to get you to stand up.

As I've grown, I've learned to take the good with the bad. I now understand the love a parent has for their child and at times you have to do what's hard to do what's right.

I also have my own house so I can run away and not answer the phone.

My mother was the most incredible person I've ever met. I often wonder what she might have become had she been in a healthy, loving relationship. She was strong. How she managed to raise 2 little girls into loving women in such an abusive, negative environment is a testament to her strength, focus and loving heart. Smart. Although she never finished high school, she was a genius with math and very well read. Instilled her love of poetry and Shakespeare's works in me. Funny. She was great at making ordinary situations fun...found humor in everything - even my father! She laughed at herself easily. Loving. Not just toward my sister and I. She loved people, often in spite of themselves. A person had to work really hard to make it impossible for her to find something lovable about 'em. Generous. She never had much...not money or material things, but she did what she could for everyone she knew. Helped the neighbor raise his kids and run his house after his wife abandoned him and 3 kids. She took care of our house, his house, my sister and I, plus his 3 kids for 5 years, until he died. She took care of her mother and her best friend through their illnesses. She cared for each of them for years until their deaths. She taught me that 'you take care of your own'. She worked so hard. Cleaned house for people to make the money that kept us fed and clothed...and kept her own spotless, too. She knew just about everything about gardening and native plants, and she could tell the best ghost stories of anyone I know! She used to scare the 'willies' out of us when we'd 'camp out' in the backyard with her.

She was my best friend, my moral compass, my confidante, my favorite companion, and I don't think I will ever 'get over' losing her.

I am so sorry, I can't help but cry, I'm so sorry that this happened to your mother. Remember her on Mother's Day. I only hope my mother sees the light someday, and I am always envious of those who have a great relationship with their mother. I want that and I need that.