Mother's Day

On September 25, 1973, Yvonne Charles gave birth to her only son Christopher R. Charles in Kings County Hospital, Brooklyn New York. She nurtured and raised me to be the proud man I am today and despite the many mistakes I've made in my life, she's always been there with a shoulder, sound words and enough support to help lighten whatever burden weighed me down at the time, all while holding down 2 jobs, being a cubs scout den mother, cooking, cleaning, keeping my father happy AND never letting me go to bed with an empty belly. It's unfortunate that, for whatever reason, the bonds between mother and child somehow become broken due to circumstances, poor decisions or lack of understanding. It's unfortunate that many of us don't realize the importance of this bond until it is too late. I have made a promise to myself to not let that happen....My mother and I have a weird bond...a quiet knowing, if you will...I am cut from her cloth in a sense. I've sworn to be the best son I can be to her and I can only hope that she is proud of me, the big headed 9yr old boy she once spanked for not finishing a fight with a kid named Seth years ago in Florida...she made me bring it to him, and in that simple action, taught me a lesson that I will never forget. No matter how hard or impossible things may seem, don't run away and hide, face it, deal with it, and get through it as best you can...oh, and leave a few marks on the way so people remember you, lol..

For my friends whose mothers are no longer with us, still celebrate their life...that is what they would want.

For all the mothers out there sacrificing everyday to make life better for their children, I salute you.

Happy Mother's Day.

C.