My First American

A few times on this trip, I have been someone's "First American".  Everyone knows about the US, but some people have never met an American until they meet me.  Being someone's First American is weird because I'm not a Hollywood stereotype and I'm not an overweight Republican. which are the two extremes that tend to be broadcast about the US.  I'm just a regular person, and hopefully I can make a good impression on people.

This First American stuff got me thinking about my First American.  I guess I "met" her sometime in the summer/fall of 1977 when I was her parasite.  I got to meet her face-to-face a few months later.  My mom is not a stereotype either.  She is unbelievably giving and unselfish.  She has a strong sense of family and a good sense of humor.  She sacrificed a great deal to raise my brother and me.  If I ever have the chance to be a mother, I hope I can do it half as well as she does.

I also want to mention my step mom.  While she wasn't my First American, she is no less amazing.  She went back to school later in life.  She didn't let anything get in the way of her goals.  She is an incredibly strong woman.  

Here are the lessons from today's post:
1. If you are someone's first American, follow my motto and don't be a jerk.
2. Happy Mother's Day!  Moms and Stepmoms rarely get the thanks from their kids (even grown kids) that they deserve.  So thank them today and tell your moms how much you love them.