Dooley Noted: 5/11/2014
I never had a mother that put pressure on me to study or to get good grades.
She let me do that on my own.
I never had a mother that encouraged me to fall apart when a guy broke up with me.
She let me choose my response and supported me.
I never had a mother that said theater was a stupid college major.
She came to my shows and cheered me.
I never had a mother that said chiropractors aren’t real doctors.
She calls me Dr. Jo and asks me for advice.
I never had a mother that discouraged me from human dissection.
She told me to do what inspired me.
I never had a mother that told me I had to marry and have kids to complete my life.
She told me I should go after what I wanted, and that a husband and kids wasn’t the only setup.
I never had a mother who told me it was crazy to move from the Midwest to New York City.
She told me to move to where I’d be happy.
At an early age, my mother taught me to make my own decisions.
Mamacita, thanks for being the mother you are and not the mother I never had.
It’s helped to make me who I am – and I really love her life.
I love you and am so proud to be your daughter.
Happy Mother’s Day.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley