When I was a child, in the early 1970s, I wasn’t a typical child. I was diagnosed with ADHD. My school felt I shouldn’t be seen or heard. Yet my mom advocated for me and eventually I was allowed in a classroom setting. Certain family members had little to no patience with me. They didn’t realize that I had trouble dealing with the world around me, but my mom defended me. Now, I didn’t get away with everything. My mom held me accountable and didn’t allow me to use ADHD as an excuse. Over time, my mom and I found ways to deal with my ADHD and I earned 2 Masters Degrees, but none of it happens without my mom giving me a foundation to stand on.

I love you mom … I miss you and I thank God for you.