Jon
My Mother was for sure "Old School" and by today's standards would have been labeled an extreme disciplinarian parent. Mom had strick and swiftly imposed standards of discipline, respect for your elders, and integrity. I know this first hand and on many occasions I tested her system and standards and paid the associated penalties repeatedly with "The Board" which I of course deserved and directly attribute to my self pride, ownership in my actions, mistakes, and person I am today. There was never a doubt on what role we each had and her role as a parent was NEVER vague she was as I said very "Old School" Few war stories that illustrate that Mom was the center and rock for our family. First and foremost to my Dad and then to all of us kids as well. As a kid you don't grasp a budget or at least feeding 5 kids and running a household my blissful ignorance as kid I reflect humoursily on now. I often thought as a kid Mom really really loved goulash as we had it several times a week. I had no idea that it was simple economics trying to feed all us kids. Now I question did she even really like goulash? A huge pot of her goulash went a long way towards feeding us multiple meals. As a kid multiplying whatever I wanted times 5 I never calculated. In my early youth I wanted airplane curtains in my bedroom and I recall much concern, frustration, and expected disappointment in not getting them. Imagine my relief when not only did I get them I now realize it was not only I am sure budget concerns but also time invested by Mom as she was working raising 5 kids and hand made the curtains I wanted. I often thought my Mom was extremely psychic as I would exceed one of her clearly established rules or limits far outside her sight, sound, and pervue yet nearly instantly it seemed she had all the details of my crime. Took me years to figure out she had a strong and effective spy network incorporated in her system and I too I am sure provided her intelligence on my siblings as well. I just think I had an abundance of data to be breached to her that's all. Mom and Dad supported my military career and I know Dad would have not travelled to Numerous stateside locations and even Korea without her and that support was huge and appreciated. My time as a State Trooper they also supported and provided encouragement throughout. Through all my life changes, career changes, and experiencing life Mom always provided her direct and "non-filtered" opinions which I always appreciated. My weekly phone calls back home to Mom and Dad I cherish and over the past 30 years enjoyed. The last few with Mom hard for me as an absentee son not being there more directly with support for her as she increasingly became less and less mobile. I can't express in words my appreciation and respect for my siblings who carried the heavy tideious load of daily care for Mom. I truly hope there is extra special places for them in the world. I am glad Moms resting now pain free and if you choose to believe like I hope there's another destination she has arrived at with endless catch up chatter to endure from my Dad as well as welcomes from all those in this world she holds close that preceeded her until now.