We'd get in the car to go to the beach and mother would have rosary. My sister and I knew that was the way it was going to be. The only question was whether she would do it before we left or while we were going down the road.

Private Lawson's mother told the (Arizona Daily) Star that she has been crying herself to sleep and is afraid for her son's life. I understand her pain. 'Don't ask, don't tell' impacts every service member -- gay and straight alike -- by creating a weapon to end careers and endanger service members through accusations, finger-pointing and rumor. Unless Pentagon leaders finally get a clue and lead the way in combating harassment and discrimination, I fear that attacks like these will continue to make headlines.

All-Gracious! Grant, to those that bear A mother's charge, the strength and light To lead the steps that own their care In ways of Love, and Truth, and Right.

Is this a time to be cloudy and sad,When our mother Nature laughs around;When even the deep blue heavens look glad,And gladness breathes from the blossoming ground?

I don't remember my mother ever playing with me. And she was a perfectly good mother. But she had to do the laundry and clean the house and do the grocery shopping.

When you lose your mother at 20 and then your father soon after, melancholia is part of your life.