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My Birthday (Presence)

I've officially made it to an age that was never promised to me. Too many of my peers did not survive to be over 25, much less 30. Too many are incarcerated, or living with the scars of being imprisoned and a criminal record that undermines their desire to earn a decent living. Far too many are paying for their food, clothes, and shelter illegally, by doing something that hurts their community, embarrasses family, destroys friendships, and fosters a great mass of self-hate in the place where love should be.

But how many of those legally and "gainfully employed" are blessed with the knowledge of what their purpose on this earth is? How many of them have found time to do something that they love. And how many of them have been fortunate enough to make a living by doing something they are passionate about?

I know that I'm blessed to be among that number, and - before Mother's Day arrives - I want to thank my Grandmother, my Mother, and my Wife (the mother of my 2 brilliant babies), for giving me the opportunity to make it this far. These women have shown an extraordinary ability to determine what is right for me - and tell me so.

They have set standards and expectations from high, to low; from the pessimistic to the optimistic. Whether I've agreed with them or not, their opinions about what I can or should achieve have consistantly given me something to go for, go against, or go beyond. In other words... they care! Having someone whose existence depends on your success, and who's success has nurtured your existence - is priceless. No words can express my gratitude. No blog can express the extent of your value!

I think of love when I think of the mothers in my family - grandmothers, mothers, aunts, cousins, mothers-in-law, and those who continually love the father of their children. This is a thank you for caring, nagging, joking, crying, shouting, laughing, hugging, spanking, reading, singing, dancing, working, playing, learning, talking, listening, and just being alive enough for all the boys in the world to grow into men and realize that the best thing they can give their own children is appreciation for the presence of a mom (who cares).