I have learned to appreciate my up bringing more and more as I get older, my mom knows what she is talking about on so many fronts. She helps me recognize many blessing. That wisdom that can never be denied, and just to think I always thought she was tough on me.

Those dreadful days in the wash house (for you white folks the laundromat), those evenings when me and mom would fold clothes, for what felt like hours. I remember my mom using the empty colorox bottle to make sure the clothes were getting as clean as possible. I think it cost us about $20 do wash and dry our clothes. I can remember me trying to avoid going to the wash house. I would wash my jeans and underwear out in the bathtub and wring them out with a big towel, twisting it till my hands hurt, holding one end between my thighs, and twisting it until the water fell to the floor, then hanging them over all the chairs, laid right to not have so many wrinkles. Once dried, I put that iron on super hot to make sure I had a banging ass crease, “you know how we do it”(Cube Voice), or shall I say did it.

Taking out the trash, busting suds, keeping my room clean, always being presentable, oh yeah and being able to converse with just about anyone, were just a few things she gave me, and I hope to pass on the my offspring. All those things are like second nature to me.

I didn’t understand that I was being equipped for a much better life, being able to handle some of the obstacles that living a life worth living, comes with. Like I said, didn’t know it was training, I kicked and screamed the whole way but, now I see that things that may destroy another man drive, makes me go harder.

I try my best to let my mom know that I truly appreciate all that she has instilled in me.I don’t go a day without using the skills she taught me. Thanks Moma