This is an incredible creative nonfiction piece, @agmoore. It made me cry because... well, for so many reasons. It takes me back to my own relationship with my mother, of course, and to certain regrets. I wish I had made sure she knew how much I admired and appreciated her, and all she did for us. Also (and I will IM you about this), I had no idea you had a brother named Everett, and that is a special name to me.

Thanks for sharing this little window into your family life and your growing up years. As hard as it was to read about your brother's struggles and what had occurred to cause them, this warmed my heart.