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Yesterday was a heart wrenching day for me!
My mom came down to visit and I only had 4 hours to spend with her..sigh
We talked about life, love, the future, and most of all where we wanted to be as we grow older.
"I'm happy Ryan, I'm finally happy with my life," she said.
"Mom I could not be anymore happier for you," I replied.
We mess around and make fun of people passing by us and if feels good.

As I sip my caramel machiato and my mother slurps on her cappuccino at Starbucks we remain silent for a few minutes pondering of what to say next.
"You should meet your cousin Melroy. He's such a great guy and he's just bought his very own house," she whispers nonchalantly.
"He's like the son I never had...you should meet him."

I nod my head and play with the little green bendy straw scooping up the foam at the rim's of my cup and dropping it back in.
The son I never had. The words hit me then like a jolt from a car battery and then I smile inwardly.
She's finally moved on and making a path for her future.
I couldn't be anymore prouder.  She's following in my footsteps.
I somehow feel a sense of gratitude for the childhood that I had.  Otherwise I wouldn't have turned out the way I was.

I send her back and she gives me a tearful kiss goodbye.
I won't be seeing her for a very long time.  Months...years even.  But I'm alright I've decided that family isn't the life for me, not now atleast.
She'll be back for the court case, funny it had to end up on my birthday. Funny indeed.