Put Me In the Story: Why a Son Needs a Mom Personalized Photo Book

Why a Needs a M a d e S p e c i a l Fo r :

M a d e S p e c i a l B y:

M om

Matthew Gregory E. Lang

Mom

Mom, You have always been there to pick me up when I fall down, given me hugs when I'm feeling down, and taught me to love without the fear of regret.

I will love you always! Happy Mother's Day.

Matthew

Other books by Gregory E. Lang: w h y a s on n e e d s a da d w h y a daugh t e r n e e d s a mom w h y a daugh t e r n e e d s a da d w h y i l ov e gr a n dm a w h y i l ov e gr a n dpa w h y i c ho s e you w h y i l ov e you w h y m y h e a rt s t i l l s k i p s a b e at w h y i n e e d you w h y w e a r e a fa m i ly why we are friends g ood lu c k , gr a duat e b ro t h e r s a n d si s t e r s si m pl e ac t s l ov e sign s life maps t h a n k you, mom t h a n k you, da d b e c au s e you a r e m y daugh t e r b e c au s e you a r e m y s on

WHY A

NEEDS A

Gregory E. Lang

made special for

made special by

Mom

Matthew

Copyright © 2013 by Gregory E. Lang Cover and internal design © 2013 by Sourcebooks, Inc. Cover image © Lisa Spindler Photography Inc./Getty Images Photos not added by the customer by Gregory E. Lang Sourcebooks and the colophon are registered trademarks of Sourcebooks, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems—except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews—without permission in writing from its publisher, Sourcebooks, Inc. Published by Cumberland House, an imprint of Sourcebooks, Inc. P.O. Box 4410, Naperville, Illinois 60567–4410 (630) 961–3900 Fax: (630) 961–2168 www.sourcebooks.com Printed and bound in the United States of America LB 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

· I N T RODUC T ION ·

E

ach son eventually presented

our parents with a unique set of challenges, and my mother was unfailing in her ability to deal with what came. If she was ever disappointed in us, any sign of it was overshadowed by her actions. One son got into trouble, and my mother was there to help find a different path. One fell on hard times, and my mother was there to help ease the burden until times got better. Another could not see beyond a broken heart, and my mother was there to offer comfort and bring hope. One child became sick, and my mother was there to provide care. Our mother has loved us collectively, but also individually in a way that expresses to each of us, in the way that only a mother can express, that she is, and shall remain, there for us, no matter what. Gone from her nest but never from her heart, fully grown but always her beloved son or little girl, each can call upon her still, and she will come. It is this, her unwavering devotion, her tireless effort to help, her unshakable faith in our goodness, her absolute belief in our worth, that let us know then and lets us know now, that we are loved.

I love my mother dearly, and I have a long list of things I want to do for her one day, but most of all I want to tell her “thank you.” I believe that a child, especially a son, can never express enough gratitude for what a mother has done. I know that I cannot, but I know what I will do to try. I will do what my mother did for me. I will be there when she needs me, no matter what. I love you, Mom.

—Greg

to help him learn how to laugh at himself.

to assure him that his heartache will not last forever.

to teach him to play fair.

to help him see the richness of diversity.

to help him overcome his fears.

to tell him that anything is possible if done for the right reason.

to make sure he has good memories to hold on to.

who sees the humor in his silly ways.

to teach him to show appreciation for what others have done for him.

who will let him be himself.

whose arms, heart, and mind are always open.

to hold him when he needs comfort.

to teach him that family is more important than work.

to teach him that all people are worthy of respect.

to be his trusted confidante.

who is never more than a phone call away.

to show him what it means to love unconditionally.

to tell him that he cannot change others, but he can learn to accept them for who they are.

to be his first dance partner.

who knows how to have fun.

who encourages self-expression.

to advise him when he falls in love.

who doesn’t forget that boys will be boys.

to teach him to pay attention to the small things.

A

Y O ’S B ·

Lifelong

·

FA N no one understands quite like mom.

A comforting smile, a loving touch, or a soothing voice—Mom knows just the way to ease any woe. Through all of life’s moments, she shows the kindness of her heart in endless ways.

Mom’s love is a constant compass guiding her son into the man he’s meant to be.