As Kevin requested, a memory... or two

I have a memory, I had just failed a class in my senior year of high scool and found out I wouldn't be graduating with my class (in Hudson, no great loss- BIG LOSERS ANYWAY) and I was sure I was dead meat when I got home. After hemming and hawing and delaying as much as possible, I made my way home. I was standing in the kitchen door and mom met me at the top of the stairs. I remember looking down at that red tape that Grandpa Donnelly had put down while I told her.

The only thing she said was "Oh Robert...". The disappointment was almost tangible. She came down the stairs and hugged me and cried. I realized at that point that she was disappointed FOR me not IN me - well probably in me a bit too, but she was hurting because I was. It was a low point for me, and whe shared it. Completely.

I went to my room. I can't remember why. Within what seemed like a few minutes, or maybe hours - you know how when you are distracted by your personal crises time does weird things, there was Mom at the door with one of her inspirational cards with a hand written note in it. Don't open it now. Take a while to get yourself together and read it when you can. "... never give up, keep going, you can do it..." I can never forget those words. I still have it. And there is where Mom lives forever for me...