HAPPY MOTHERS DAY , MOM

My mother, she loves her flowers also

At 57 years old, I never thought I would be willing to label myself a "momma's boy", but after my past year, I proudly accept the title.

After my stroke in February and and subsequent stroke in July, I can honestly say I would have never made it through, or made the progress I have made without Mom by by side. I know she was probably  doing what most mothers would do, but she is extraordinary.

From the moment I went to St. Francis on Sunday July 5th, she was there every step of the way. She took on the task of not only caring for me, but also my best buddy, my dog Bailey. She cared for Bailey every day, taking him out and feeding him before she would come to check up on me at St. Francis or later when I was going through rehab at Mt. Sinai.

Eventually, she opened her home to me after I was released from the hospital, when it was pretty clear I had a long road ahead of me to eventually be able to care for myself again. Her daily routine included trips to pick up prescriptions, which seemed to change almost daily with dosages and different drugs. Meals for me became regular and much healthier with Mom's home cooking and care. ( she never did give in to my requests for Wendy's Baconator, fries which sounded so good).

I can't even begin to add up all the miles she logged running for prescriptions, driving to  Hartford to care for Bailey daily as well as driving me to all my doctors appointments and rehab appointments,

My mother and father were both strong positive influences throughout my life and they were a tremendous couple. My mothers strength after my fathers death was also a strong influence and she has carried on with strength and dignity and has been an inspiration for many.

I try to let Mom how much I love her everyday. My day begins with a phone call to let her know I opened my eyes and am alive each morning and my day usually ends with a check in with her at 10:00PM . Today I am one of the lucky sons that still has the benefit of being able to sit with my mother at the table with me  today when we have dinner  at Salute.

And just as a sidenote, my sister also learned well from her mother, especially facing the difficulties of raising a child with special needs and doing a great job at it.Sheryl has been a tireless advocate for her son Andrew. She was also there for me during my recovery, on many occasions getting me inspired  to go for a walk when I was exhausted. I will never forget the day she tricked me into a walk through the Brown's Pumpkin patch and along the Farmington River. It was a challenge, but after we got back, I realized I could do it, when at first I thought I couldn't

I value and love you Mom and I appreciate every moment we spend together. I am proud to say that I am my "Momma's boy". You are the reason I am here, both originally and also today.