The people who have loved me.

• My mom, Lorraine
  Mom was born in Boston and spent most of her childhood in orphanages or foster homes. She wasn't very good at expressing love and affection. Hugs were rare in our house and she never told me that she loved me - but I knew she did. She passed away in 1988 after a bout with cancer; I had to ask her to say the words. I would always say, "I love you" and she would reply with, "Me to". I finally said, "say the words Mom". And she did. That is how I knew; because that was very hard for her.

• My dad, Paul
  Dad's parents divorced when he was little; unheard of in the 1920s. His mom took him and moved back to her parent's house. No one wanted him. In his teens he was sent to Arizona to visit relatives for the summer. At the end this time his mom said, she didn't want him back, she wanted to travel with her new husband. He stayed with his aunt and uncle. Dad didn't know how to love. He did his best.

• My sister, Linda
  Linda loves me. She probably wouldn't if she were not my sister. We have nothing in common. I am married with children - she is neither. She has a power job with a large firm in a big city - I was a stay at home mom and am now a receptionist for a small company in a smallish city. She is comfortable financially - I have two kids in college. She travels for her job to interesting places - I have two kids in college and, maybe go to Eureka Springs for lunch. But I know she loves me and I love her, sisters are like that.

• Patty
  Ahh, Patty, my best friend from high school. We've been through a lot. Patty is the only child of older parents. As such, she is very self absorbed, her world pretty much revolves around her. I am a satellite. But a beloved one.

• My Aunt Joanie
  She is my mother's brother's second wife. She lives in Chicago and has been wonderful to me and my family. My kids only have one Gramma since both of my parents died when they were very young, Aunt Joanie has been like a second Grandmother to them. She has a huge heart, is fun and knowledgable in lots of different things.

• John, the love of my life
  John, would be a great stay at home, Donna Reed, who wants nothing more than to take care of the family. Unfortunately for him, he is the primary bread winner. We met because of my dog who flirted with him. My dog, Bumper, had great taste in guys. John is the best thing that ever happened to me and he loves me with his whole heart and I am blessed.

• Tyler, the son
  He is a sweetie. He is brilliant. He is a deep thinker. He has the biggest blue eyes and when he looks at me I know that he loves his mama. No matter how much I nag, or tease, or embarrass him - he loves me. My 24 year old, 6'4" teddy bear.

• Brianne, the daughter
  She is amazing, she is one of my heros. Brie is smart, brave, confident, kind, funny and, if I do say so myself, very pretty. Some times I wonder what she sees in me as I am only a fraction of those things compared to her. I am smart, kind and funny (sometimes). I am always surprised that she loves me, I don't feel worthy. I'm not being self-effacing, she is just that remarkable to me. And, yes, she is spoiled.

• Hank, the mother in law
  Hank, short for Henrietta, is the best dang mother in law in the world. She is supportive, doesn't interfere in our child rearing efforts and appreciates the small things I do for her. I have no "Mother in Law" horror stories.

• RoAnn
  My best friend from Houston. Ro doesn't suffer fools. Don't mess with her or her family. Once you are in her orbit, she is the best friend a person can have. 2:00 AM during deer season, "Ro, Brianne has to go to the ER, can you come and stay with Tyler?" 5 minutes later she's on my doorstep in her nightie ready to stay as long as needed.

• Sadie
  Ahhh - Sadie. Who now lives in Northern CA, whom I haven't seen in 20 years. Who will be one of my best friends forever. Our boys were buddies in pre-school, the moms bonded; with Gorilla glue. She is an amazing single mom, with a heart the size of the universe. The boys don't remember each other as we moved when Tyler was 3, the moms will never forget each other. Some day I will visit her in Weaverville, CA. (maybe next week while I am visiting Cior).

• That's it.
  This is not to say that I am not well thought of by other people. But now and then it is good to take stock of the people who you mean the most to. AND, I could have done this on a piece of paper at my desk, but I knew if I put in OML I would do so after serious reflection.

OnMyList
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