12 Comments
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James Fanjul's avatar

Thanks for sharing this with us.

Clint Collide's avatar

Thank for reading and commenting, kind sir!

James Fanjul's avatar

You’re welcome. I’m soaking it in and reflecting on the relationship I have with my own parents. Your honesty in this article is humbling and helpful.

Clint Collide's avatar

Much love and light on your reflection, dear. 🫂😘

Stephen's avatar

What a beautiful tribute to your mother - despite the differences between you both - I wish that the differences between myself and my mother could have ended in such a way - may your mother rest in peace.

Clint Collide's avatar

Thank you, Stephen. I appreciate you, boo! May you find some peace within your heart about your own mom, kind sir. Cheers…. 🌈✌️

DougT's avatar

Brian 🫂🫂💐 to you both. My parents went when I was still in my early 20's so I never got to know them in adult years time. Guess that's whyI got my Ivory Tower thinking from. Cheers DougT 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

Clint Collide's avatar

I can relate, Doug. I lost my dad when I was 16. Sending hugs back to you! Cheers too…

Clarke Fountain's avatar

In a sense, you have written our story for us, mine and yours. My mother was a redoubtable Southern lady (emphasis on lady). Our relationship was full of complicated and in my case unspoken elements. I resented her heartily for much of my young adulthood, but we also had a lot of shared moments that I miss. She, too, did the best she could. Not the best, but the best she could. I was present at her passing, a transformative moment if ever there was one. You never forget, but gradually you forgive what you can. I'm glad your mother gave you so much that made you who you are, and as spicy as you are. Thanks for sharing this.

Clint Collide's avatar

Me spicy? Why I never…miss an opportunity to be a lil sassy. My mom was, under her clutch-the-pearls, nice girl facade, a sassy bitch. I think she resented I saw through her masks. And that I felt free to be who she never felt comfortable being. Oh well. Maybe we’ll meet again one day and try it again. For now, I’m at as much peace I think I’ll ever be with her and our relationship. I’m glad to know I’m not the only with a “Southern lady” for a mother. Bless their hearts. Ours too. Cheers!

Michael Horvich's avatar

Clint, Happy Birthday to your mom. Yes, parents are just people. I wonder why that is so hard for most of us to understand until much later in life. Was you dad in the picture while you were growing up? I too now am happy to acknowledge the my mom and my dad did the best they could. Fondly, Michael

Clint Collide's avatar

Thanks, Michael. My dad was indeed in the picture. He and Mom were happily married until he passed unexpectedly in 1989. His death didn’t help me and my mom’s already rocky relationship. But we tried. Glad you’ve come to a similar place with your parents. They obviously helped bring a wonderful, loving man into the world. Cheers!