The Good Mother Effect

How my mom changed the fates of her children

I recently read that a life of experiences without any reflection will never mean as much or become as much fun as it should.

My mother epitomizes this idea of reflecting on how to make your life experiences better. Whether it be signing up for a horse race across the country, or climbing 14,000-foot mountains, or traveling to Alaska, my mom “Jenni,” has taught and shown me how to live a more connected, meaningful life.

And looking back on my last 43 years, I don’t think I deserve to have her as my mother.

And I’ll tell you why.

For starters, I hit the bazillionaire lottery jackpot of moms.

I really did.

My mom isn’t about the superficial bullshit that humans can get caught up in. She doesn’t want to hold onto her things. She doesn’t want to pass on a legacy of money. No, she cares about the little details and more meaningful things; the chance to break bread with loved ones; the chance to giggle and fart and laugh and share intimate life experiences worth having.

Just a few nights ago, my girlfriend, my mom’s husband Terry, and I sat in their hotel room drinking Cuba Libres, reminiscing on the days of old; how we galloped horses on Mackinaw, how we free…