RESPECT YO MAMA

The Biggest Loser was great tonight! Watching the way the mothers on the show cared for their kids reminded me how much I miss my Mama (today would've been her 66th birthday), but also how proud I am of my Mom (that's my step-mother, JoNell), Steph's mom (Cathy), and Steph. Mom gave birth to twelve kids, Cathy to six, and so far, Steph has given birth to one. I know for a fact that all of these mothers would sacrifice everything they could so their children could succeed in all of life's challenges. That's why I love them! And that's exactly what Patti did tonight.

Patti and her daughter, Stephanie (what a great name!) came up for elimination after having lost only seven pounds between them. Week 2 always seems to be the toughest, as I understand it. When they faced the rest of the cast to plead their case as to who should stay on the ranch and who should go home, I saw an incredible display of a mother's love for her child. Without any hesitation, Patti declared that she had a good support system at home and could lose the weight she needed to, but Stephanie didn't have that. She said Stephanie needed to stay on the ranch in order to save her life. For the first time that I can remember, the vote was unanimous. The grey team actually said, "We wouldn't disrespect our Mama, so we won't disrespect Patti's wishes, either." Out of respect for Patti and the apparent kindness she exhibited to all of the contestants, she was able to sacrifice her chance at $250,000 so her daughter could have a chance to live.

Love at its finest.

If you are able, take a moment to let your mom know how much you love and respect her.

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

20 Things I Learned From Mama

It was 20 years ago today
God took my Mama away
To the "land of endless day"
That sacred land for which we pray

So let me introduce to you
A list I've made from all these years
How my Mama taught me to be a man!

(bonus points if you can name that tune)

20. Always respect authority.
19. Be on time.
18. Keep learning.
17. Don't put off today for tomorrow.
16. When you go to pick a switch, make sure you pick the right one!
15. Smile.
14. You don't always have to fit in to be cool.
13. You have no business dating until you can take the girl somewhere and pay for it.
12. Be still when I'm combing your hair (yes, I actually had hair once). It'll hurt less.
11. You're never too old or too big to get a whoopin'!
10. Just because your friends do it doesn't mean you do it.
9. If you say you're going to do something, do it to the best of your ability.
8. When you are asked to help, don't complain. Just do it.
7. Treat people better than you want to be treated.
6. A hard head makes a soft behind!
5. Always be honest.
4. Jesus wept and God is love. Memorize scripture.
3. Cancer may destroy your body, but it can't harm your soul.
2. Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. (Eph. 6:1)
1. I will always love you and be proud of you, no matter what happens to me.



Shirley Mae Brannon
January 12, 1944 - September 17, 1989

See you soon, Mama! I love you!