My mother used to wheel me about the campus when we lived in that neighborhood and, as she recounted years later, she would tell me that I would go to McGill.

I used to go to the stables and fool with the mules. My mother lived in constant fear that I might be brought home with a hoof print on my stomach.

My interest in the sciences started with mathematics in the very beginning, and later with chemistry in early high school and the proverbial home chemistry set.

My doctor told me I would never walk again. My mother told me I would. I believed my mother.

During my McGill years, I took a number of math courses, more than other students in chemistry.

My mother used to tell me, No matter what they ask you, always say yes. You can learn later.