Robin, you said something in one of your replies to the effect that you wish you will be as good a mother as your own was. Believe me, you become your mother. The characteristics she had that you cherished will become yours. Based on some of your posts, you are a GREAT mom whom your son will cherish.
My mother and I had this adversarial relationship. She saw a very headstrong girl that she wanted to guide on a straighter path. I couldn't stand her for that..... THEN.
My brother, who does Thanksgiving dinner, calls me for Mommie's recipe for dressing EVERY YEAR. There was no recipe. You put in some of this, and you put in some of that, and you taste it, and you put it in the oven. That's an annual ritual and an annual joke.
As I got older I found myself doing things, saying things, that she did and said. When I see my reflection sometimes, I even WALK like her now. I have a silent laugh at that sometimes.
She's been gone since 1977, my father since 1980. (They were 57 and 66, October and November, respectively when they passed. To this day I hate and fear the autumn months and the death I associate with them.) We were blessed to have had them so long. You see someone whose parents remain with them to their 80s, 90s and older, and you get envious. Then you learn of a teenager, or a pre-schooler , or even the now rare occasion when someone's mother leaves this earth giving birth to them and you say, "God, thank you that I had them for so long."
Melora, I cannot even imagine the pain you are experiencing. I can only hope you have a family of your own to whom you can give the love you never received.
You know something I didn't give thanks for on Thursday? It was these boards. The people in them are so wonderful. We can share anything. Sorrows and joys. Highs and lows. The good and the not so good things that happen to us in life.
For my fellow DISers, I just want to say "Thank You" for the love you extend to your fellow members for EVERYTHING we share with you.