32 Comments
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Justin Deming's avatar

Very sweet. I was lucky, too!

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Mark Starlin's avatar

Thanks, Justin. 🤓

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Rebecca Rhoads's avatar

I wish I’d had that mom. A mom who was emotionally available. A mom who didn’t care when I messed up. A mom who took time to skip beside me and revel in small delights. A mom who could say she loved me without expecting something in return. I did not have that mom, but I forgive her for being incapable of what she could not give. I was determined to do better by my children, and for that, I give thanks.

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Mark Starlin's avatar

Sometimes another adult fills a role our parents didn’t. You were fortunate to have her.

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Mark Starlin's avatar

I was blessed with a great Mom. I realize not everyone was. Hopefully, those who didn't will learn from it and strive to do better. Well said.

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Rebecca Rhoads's avatar

I was blessed with a nurturing person in my life. Martha was hired to clean house, but in taking time with me, she showed me kindness and love. As a black woman, her life was no bed of roses. I had no idea what went on outside our home. Years later, I saw her when I was on break from college and she wondered if I remembered her. I threw my arms around her and said I’d never forgotten. She quietly attended graduation ceremonies for me and my siblings. I learned love from Martha. And loved her in return. How lucky I was!

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Tom Lovelady's avatar

I probably do. My family is not great at keeping up with our distant and not-too-distant relatives. Believe it or not my paternal grandmother was a Smith.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

"A Mom who said, “Go outside and play.”

"A Mom who made you come home before the street lights came on."

Our moms must have been sisters. A lovely tribute to your dear mother, Mark.

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Mark Starlin's avatar

Thanks, Sharron. I think it was common practice back in the day. 🤓

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Connie Starlin's avatar

Thank you Mark, for the memories, I was blessed to be your Mom, You are one of my many blessings, and I;m so proud of the man you have become. Love you

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Mark Starlin's avatar

Thanks, Mom. Love you too.

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Jack Herlocker's avatar

Awww! 💚 Good on you, Mark! I hope you sent her the link — although, based on what you've written, I would guess she's a subscriber!

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Mark Starlin's avatar

Thanks, Jack. Yes, she is a subscriber.

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Coleen Theiss's avatar

Mark, that was beautiful.

Thanks for sharing her with us today — felt like a warm breeze through childhood.✨

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Mark Starlin's avatar

"a warm breeze through childhood" I like that! Thanks, Coleen. 🤓

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David Perlmutter's avatar

Yes.

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Mark Starlin's avatar

I'm glad. Thanks, David.

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Janette Parr Consulting's avatar

I did and I still do…

Lovely piece, Mark!

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Mark Starlin's avatar

Great. Thanks, Janette.

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Wendy Wagner's avatar

What a great description of your Mom! She is a wonderful lady.

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Mark Starlin's avatar

Indeed. As you know. Thanks, Wendy.

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Kim Smyth's avatar

That's fabulous that you still have your mom. You are blessed with a good one it sounds like. I'm glad you appreciate her. 😘

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Mark Starlin's avatar

Yes, it is a blessing. Thanks.

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3musesmerge's avatar

I love this!

Thanks Mark.

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Mark Starlin's avatar

Thanks, 3. Happy Mother’s Day. 🤓

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3musesmerge's avatar

Honestly… I’m honoring my kid today. He’s gifted me the greatest adventure of my life. Wish I would have recognized that sooner. I had to write about it to actually see it.

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Mark Starlin's avatar

Moms and kids seem to go together for some reason. 😉

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Richard Ritenbaugh's avatar

Fantastic tribute!

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Mark Starlin's avatar

Thank you, Richard. 🤓

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Tom Lovelady's avatar

Thanks Mark. You got it all right except about the Porsche! Mom had an old Buick.

Tom Lovelady

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3musesmerge's avatar

Tom… Do you have a Lovelady relative named Al? Lives in Georgia?

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Mark Starlin's avatar

Close enough. 🤓

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