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Today is the 21st anniversary of the passing of my grandfather Vernon Perroots. Reflecting back, I have missed him my entire adult life. Perhaps because he is the first person that I had ever lost. I was only 16 years old, but 21 years later, he is still in my heart.
Growing up, Moms know best. They’ve been there before. They have life experience and wisdom. They want the best for their kids. My mom always wanted the best for me. She was and is a great mother. Now if you know me, and if you know my mom, we are a pain in each other’s asses. Neither of us would know it any other way. But there is no denying that there is a lot of love there. Now, 37 years later, I can look back and realize all of the things that mom was right about. And some of the things that she was a little wrong on… Since I’ve been keeping tabs all of these years, I figured that I would now itemize them for your reading pleasure.
Mom Said: Lenny does what Lenny wants to do
Was Mom Right?: Yes!
Len’s Analysis: I think this used to drive my mom crazy. I never listened to anyone. I don’t really mean in a bad way. I just like to do things my way. Mom used to always said that I learn things the hard way. And I did. And still do. I like to learn things for myself. As an adult, I can say it is about personal exploration. If you listen to too many opinions (even Mom’s), you don’t have the chance to understand why. And truth be told, everyone has different thoughts and ideas. When it comes to right and wrong and morality, mom was the authority on that. But I have always been a free thinker. I do not consider that bad or wrong. Most of my decisions have been based on having a solid upbringing. But my decisions were mine and mine alone. Lenny does what Lenny wants to do. Mom hit this one right on the head.
Mom Said: You can do whatever you want in your life
Was Mom Right?: Yes!
Len’s Analysis: I think many moms and dads say this to their children. It is empowering and makes everyone feel good. My mom used to say this to me. I was going to be an Astronaut. Oh well… But she was right on this one. I think that many parents rethink these very words as their children grow up and make their own decisions. Especially when these decisions don’t seem to mesh with the way that parents think they should. Me and mom… We went through some bumpy times as I was finding myself. But in the end, she was right. We are all human and subject to emotions. Mom always wants the best for her child. And my mom always wanted that for me.
Mom Said: I want to be as special to your children as you were to your Mom-Mom
Was Mom Right?: Yes!
Len’s Analysis: Well, she may have got the “ren” wrong in children, but other than that, she was right. Known as Mom-Mom to Arianna, she is truly special to my daughter. Arianna gets so excited when she gets to visit her Mom-Mom. I remember how special and exciting it was for me to visit my Mom-Mom.
Mom Said: One day when you’re grown-up, you won’t waste all of that meat!
Was Mom Right?: No!
Len’s Analysis: I do not like fat on meat. In fact, ever since I was a small kid, I cut off every tiny piece of fat on meat. By the time I was done, only half of the meat was left. I could not swallow any fatty piece of meat, no matter how small. T-Bone steaks, pork chops, prime rib… I would eat 50% of it and toss the rest. Well guess what? I do the same thing and I pay for it. I cannot swallow fat of any kind. Fortunately, I have learned in time that the only type of beef I can eat is Filet Mignon or a very lean london broil. I can have lean ground round or chipsteak, but you can forget about most steaks and chops. These days, I eat lots of turkey, chicken and veal, because I want to eat healthier. But once in a while when I go out and desire beef, I will only eat Filet Mignon.
Mom Said: One day when you’re grown-up, you won’t have the air conditioner or heat on as high
Was Mom Right?: No!
Len’s Analysis: I live to be comfortable. There is no double-standard now that I am older and pay for it. In the summer, I love air conditioning. In the winter, I love heat (within reason). My wife and I are used to about a 72 degree temperature in the house. When I go to Mom’s house, I am either freezing (in the cold months) or sweating (in the hot months). I have learned that the best use of my money is on food and temperature comfort.
I could probably think of many more things, but these things are some of the things that stick out most in my mind. In the end, mom did the best that she could and always had me in her heart… Even if she was wrong about a few things. God knows, I am no Saint, that’s for sure. But in the end, she loves me, and that’s all that ever mattered.
Ciao.
Too bad the weather doesn’t know it’s summer. Anyway, I digress…
I’ve lost track of how many times Jen and I have seen Poison in concert. But last night was a first – we took Arianna to see Poison and Def Leppard. So Jen and I decided to have a little extra fin with it. I put on a red bandana (I’ve never worn a bandana around my head) and wore my earring (I still dig it out every now and then). Jen… Well, she’s Jen. She put in green hair clip-ons, but this is something we would expect from her anytime anyway… And Arianna wore her tie-dye shirt and a bandana. Transformation Rockstar complete.
We arrived early to tailgate. I brought a little charcoal grill, some burgers, corn on the cob, sausage and hot dogs. I loaded the car with folding chairs and a table. And against my better judgement, I brought along some Corona Light and fresh limes (At least it was ‘light’ beer). We ate, listened to music out of the back of the car, then went to the concert.
We had a great night. Arianna has been asking for years to go and see Poison. She was looking forward to hearing “Ride the Wind” and seeing “C.C.” play.
In the traditional style, on the way home, we were listening to music that was opposite of the concert we just saw. I had the new Black Eyed Peas album on, but I kept the volume low since my ears were ringing from the concert. After the last concert we saw (Air Supply), I had Disturbed playing for the car ride home. Go figure.
Today is the 20th anniversary of my grandfather’s passing. I will always remember him.
My daughter came home with an awesome report card along with an award from her teacher because she raised her grade in every class! We are very proud of her. She certainly takes after her Mommy! Congratulations Arianna!
