Thankful for my Mother

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone who is celebrating it today!  Growing up in the United States, this is one of those Holidays that my family has taken part in my full life.  A big meal and enjoying the things that we have to be Thankful for.  Loved ones still with us, roof over our heads and the many adventures that we survive.  Last year I shared one of the reasons I’m “Thankful” here on Cowabunga Corner.  I’ll like to keep that up.  One of my biggest things to be Thankful for in my lifetime is my Mother.  Here’s a bit about her and how amazing she is.

In 1950 my mom was born to this world in Detroit, Michigan.  She grew up in Ferndale with her mom, dad and older brother.  She had many adventures of her own before she got the Ivey name.  We hear the stories of her school days, not just sharing some of the same buildings that we went too, though also some of the same teachers and staff members that were still working when I went to school.  My mom loved art, animals and wanted to be treated equal as a person not just a girl.

In Jr. High someone asked my mom if another boy in the school was her brother.  She looked over and confirmed that he had no relation and she did not know him.  The girl mentioned that they liked the same stuff, and were both good artist.  Little did my mom know, that would be her first time seeing my dad.  In High School she got to know my father more, though she had no interest in dating or getting married.  Though my dad did get through to her, and they married in 1972.

Before I was around both my sister and brother were born.  They lived in a moble home for a little bit, then moved to a town house.  At this time I joined the family, and found how lucky I was to have such a wonderful home to be a part of.  My mom wanted to be a part of everything with us.  She would watch our cartoons, knew which toys we wanted and even became a team leader for our scout groups to take part in the activities.  She only wanted the best for us and it showed in everything she’s ever done.

My mom would even help the family of our friends.  She knew the other mothers in the area, they would go out to eat.  One morning at breakfast, they were comparing the different families to TV shows and the other mothers agreed that my family was the “Addams Family”  This has always amused my mom.  My friends knew they could count on my mom for rides to school, an open ear and someone to run too when they needed help.  She has helped many get back upon their feet, after rough times.

Of course we too had many bumps in the road for our family which could not be controlled.  When she found out we all have dyslexia, trying to help us learn to read was a chore.  Helping each of us with school, to try and make it through the years.  There was also the problem of living in a bad area where she had fears of the crime that would happen near by.  From a bullet going through our car, people trying to break into our house and the kids attacking me at school.  My mom handled it like a pro, some how she always was there and able to make things better.

One of my favorite stories to tell is when Pain had me cornered in an alley.  This was during 5th grade, I was already a TMNT fan and saw the first movie.  I knew to focus on the leader, so my eyes were on here ignoring everyone else around me as she was giving directions to a full gang of kids.  I did not normally walk home from school, but if mom was late I would try to get home knowing that waiting at the school I would be cornered a lot faster by these bullies.  This was not one of my lucky times, as they saw me and was not intending for me to get home safely. 

Mom was late, but she was on her way.  While driving the route home, she saw the group of kids ganging up in the alley, and realized what was going on.  She pulled over on the street nearby and parked the car.  Walked right up behind the kids who were ready to attack, no one, not even I saw her coming upon the group.  Once behind Pain, my mom put her arms in the air and yelled “SCRAM”.  These bullies were full of fear since she seemed to appear out of no where, as they all scattered and the fight was over.  My mom saved me, without anyone being hurt.  I was so thrilled to see her.

This was just one example from the many times my mom has been there for me.  Not only has she been my mother and protector, she is my best friend.  We enjoyed the same shows and movies, she knew which characters I liked in the different cartoons and what toys got me most excited.  From the Muppets, Alf, Howard the Duck and Roger Rabbit we had a lot in common.  I always love hanging out with my mother to this day.

When Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles entered my life, it was another cartoon that my mom would watch with us.  For Christmas she made sure we got all of the toys that she could find which was on the market, only missing out on Baxter Stockman and the Rat King.  Some how she even found us a April O’Neil which was a hard toy to find.  I started to drill her which weapon goes to what toy, and she learned.  Though her real interest was peaked in TMNT when the first movie came out.  Being a family of costume builders, this was an impressive film. 

When my mom learned of someone selling their first print of an old comic book, raising enough funds to buy a new home, car and home for their parents, this convinced my mom to start her own collection.  She got her hands on the Mirage Comics long before I did, including a first print of issue one.  And the more she collect and watched the show with me, the more she was a fan.  Someone I could share my passion with.

When my dad made me my own Ninja Turtle costume, and we were often asked if we did Children's parties.  So when the parties became a reality, my mom and I would go out around town in my costume to promote the business.  These were days I always looked forward too.  In full costume I’ve gone in and eaten at Big Boys, Pizza Hut and Chuck E Cheese.  With kids around me, talking and goofing off the entire time.  I loved being in costume, and these were times I still cherish in my memories.  The party business grew, with both my mom and dad behind it.  My mom handled the legal stuff, having a layer telling us what we can and cannot do, and my dad built the costumes, games and wrote the script.

Another thing that kept mom and I close together was our trips.  We would travel for events, she has done this for both my sister and I.  Always wanting to help encourage us to follow our dreams and goals.  Going to concerts, parties, conventions and seeing the country on outstanding road trips.  Meeting those who inspire us.  From all the times I saw the Coming Out of Their Shells Tour, Turtle Con 92 and the Words and Pictures Museum and so many other adventures, memories were made that I often help bring a smile to my face at the darkest of times.  These adventures would’ve never happened without the help of my mother.

Through the inspirations of my mother I have followed dreams and have build a whole world of memories that only grow with every coming year.  I travel, I collect, I interact with everyone I meet, and I help those around me that need it.  My mom’s laughter still brings happiness to those around her as she knows how to warm up a room with her smile.  I am so Thankful to have such a wonderful best friend by my side, my Super Mom.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!