I query what was between my mother and I, was it some missing emotion that I belie? Something stubborn between a mother and son what time can't break, that can't be undone. To simply call it love is a cosmic mistake, it's stronger than love, it couldn't be fake. A truly tough woman, more practical than kind, she built my confidence which was hard to find. I think of her more now, decades she's been gone, protected in my memory as I carry on. Beyond each of our flaws and our singular minds is a durable respect like a cord that still binds. That stubborn thing between a mother and son will remain with me till again we are one.