When people talk about their moms it all seems so generic and socially- politically correct. So what! If their moms stayed home and baked cookies, or sewed their clothes; my mom was a young single mom who worked and self-governed her home. My mom educated other women and set the bar high with standards and with morals. My mom was a progressive feminist who stood up against injustice like domestic violence and violation of human rights. My mom didn’t teach me to cook, she taught me how to fish, and she even tried teaching my female friends to fish. My mom was always conscience of her health exercised daily and never ate in excess. My mom didn’t wear make up, fancy jewelry, or cared about the labels on her clothes; instead she focused on her character and practiced building inner strength. My mom never looked confused or worried, she faithfully trusted God to pull her through. My mom never judged, preached, or nagged, she lived by example and expected people to do the same. My mom never complained about her life; she set about making change, not feeling sorry for herself. My friends worshiped my mom and still do; they knew even at an early age that she was different from the rest, that her thinking was clear and unclouded, that she possessed the ability to motivate and stir up excitement about being a woman. My mom carried herself like a lady; even though her beauty could have opened many doors and created an easy comfortable life for her, she was recognized as a lady by everyone she came in contact with and treated as so. Still to this day mom never goes against what her conscience dictates even when it is socially acceptable or the “popular” thing to do. Always a graceful presence she doesn’t make a lot of noise or do things to be recognized; she walks through life with a quiet confidence that continues to intrigue me and so many others. My mom is the most deserving entity on this Mothers Day and I am ever grateful to God for giving me the privilege of calling Maria Dolores - My mom.