My Influence

I made a website for my Dad while he was still around to laugh about it and contribute. He put up with me and enjoyed my company, we were pretty close. I didn't realize that he saw the similarities of me and Mom. Maybe that's why he liked being around me so much, I don't know. I know he loved her and wanted her to always be happy. He told me more than once that I better take care of Mom when he was gone. He died and I've been a miserable failure about my obligation. I'm trying to remedy that.

Mom and I are so alike that we can't get along with each other normally. Headstrong, short tempered, ruthless and willing to scrap at a moments notice...but kind-hearted when the need arises. Somehow I inherited her spirit and that's probably why we don't usually agree. We both think that we're always right!

So let me tell you a little more about Mom. She had many wonderful siblings and she is the last remaining survivor. She's lost them all. She grew up tough and she grew up smart. I've heard stories of her youth that helped to mold her into a 'tough as nails' woman. She can seem as rough as a dirt road but she's actually a big softy at heart. I can't hardly stand to see her cry but her emotions take over sometimes....and it freaks me out. She's almost always on guard and not tolerant of anyone who doesn't do as they say.

My cousins used to ask Becky and I how we could live with such a mean mother. She didn't tolerate bad behavior. She would rip off a belt and whip our asses in a second or smack us in the mouth with a sandal for mouthing off. You just didn't act like an idiot around our mother! She'd straighten your ass out in a minute!!

When I was about 17, I went to a coffee shop to meet up with Mom when some woman decided give her a problem. She was talking about whipping Mom's ass when Mom told her..."That'll never happen!" They argued for minute and Mom said, "Let's step outside." So that big ole gal followed her out the door and as soon as Mom stepped through the outside door, she turned turned and knocked the crap out of her. Then, she dragged her out to the curb (by the hair) and went to wailing on her! She beat the shit out of her. Mom is tough and don't ever doubt it.

She's 75 and she has mellowed, but don't cross her...because she's still ruthless. She carries a gun and she might not whoop your ass, but she's serious. Don't fuck with Joanne!