Moms! I have written many times about the important role dads played in our lives. Not once have I mentioned the “Rock “of my household, my Mom! Mothers seemed to stay in the background but were always supportive of their husbands. They cooked, carried us to school, washed our clothes, took us to the doctor and listened to our sorrows. (It never took long at the doctor’s office because Dr. Dave would always tell her to take me home because there was nothing wrong.) They did all of this, so their husbands could go to work.

My Mom was there for advice. Things that would not be told to my Dad were always shared with my Mom. It seemed like mothers of our generation had so much wisdom and knew exactly when to share it without being asked. My Mom was the steading force in our family that was always there when situations got bad and we needed someone. They could guide us through these situations with just a smile. Mom made everything OK!

Mom and Dad were always supportive of one another and never once did I ever hear them argue. How many times have we heard, “Go ask your Mom.”? If it were OK with Mom, it was OK with Dad. And vice versa. They always stood by their decisions. Once, I remember my Mother promising me a spanking when we were at the river swimming. Once I got home, I kind of thought she forgot it, but not Mom. When she called, I knew exactly what she wanted and took my punishment like a man, and she even made me get the egg turner out for her. If she ever called for both Harold Robinsons, it was trouble, but my Dad never stopped to listen, so I got the bulk.

After Rose Ann and I graduated from high school and were in college, Mom started working with my Dad. She took great pride in her work and being able to allow my Dad to farm. Working from morning to late afternoon, never once did we ever hear her complain. And when she got home, she cooked supper for her and Dad.

When my Mom was in the hospital and we all knew it was close to the end, never once did she not say “thank you” and “please” to those attending her. She was always raising the bar for the rest of her family to follow.

Mothers are a son’s best friend. If you want to talk about her son, it better be positive and there better not be a negative word said about her boy. Mine was a saint, and I was very fortunate to have the one I had. She loved her children and was always there for both of us. I know when she got to the Pearly Gates, there was not a question as to whether she was going to be admitted! I am sure yours was the same.

Best of times in the best of places — Washington, North Carolina!

— Harold, Jr.

Harold Robinson Jr. is a native of Washington.