Susan’s son is now grown. In fact, they are really close. They even work together.
But Susan knows, a child’s happiness is not something that comes easily. It is something that a mother has to keep fighting for.
Susan’s son has special learning needs. He was often misunderstood by teachers and counselors. When the school couldn’t meet his learning needs, Susan aggressively looked to find a better school that was a fit for him.
Then, there came that time in her son’s life, around the middle of his teenage years, when he started hanging out with an unhealthy group, making risky decisions.
Susan remembers an incident when she confronted him about his choices.
It became a fight and he walked out of the house.
Susan followed him, shouting, “I am your mother, you cannot get rid of me.”
He started walking faster, trying to widen the gap between mother and son.
Susan followed, shouting through short breaths, “You can run, but you can’t hide. I will follow you wherever you go. I am your mother.”
He started to run.
Susan followed, but barely. She yelled towards her son who was getting farther and farther away, “Are you trying to kill me, too? Fine, I’ll get a heart attack, but I will still find you. Part of my job description as a mom is to keep all the doors to your future open. I will fight for you no matter what.”
Eventually, her son stopped running and returned home.
Now they can laugh when they remember the incident together. They smile with a shared memory of a child’s rebellion and a mother’s unconditional love.
To this day, Susan fights to keep doors open for him.