In loving memory of my mother. Feb.29/1936 to June 14/2007

My mother, my number one fan.
Originally uploaded by icemakk.

June 14/2007 at 5:40 PM (my time) is when it happened. My mom Doreen passed away after a long battle with brain cancer. A horrible disease that slowly ate away her life, took away her mobility and at times messed with her memory and speech. It was the same day I lost my biggest fan and the woman who taught me the value of laughter. The person I credit with helping me grow into my sense of humor and to use it…daily.

Through it all she kept her sense of humor, kept on smiling, chuckling and being the loving mother that always brightened my day with her laugh. She complained so little that it was always her and not just a cancer victim laying in that hospital bed, if that makes sense. Her strength and character were always present even after the treatments the doctors tried had sapped her energy. Her eyes told me she was always there no matter how much the disease tried to beat her down. When the cancer made it hard to recall words I knew what she was trying to say. It may have taken her physical being but her spiritual one lived on in her final days and still does in the memories of those that knew and loved her.

At a very young age mom always encouraged me to laugh and be funny. She taught me that there is humor in many things and it is better to joke and laugh then to fret and frown. From my early pre-school days when I would recite jokes to her friends that stopped in for coffee, to the crazy things I wrote, years later, in my school books she was there, encouraging me to be funny. When I decided to become a stand-up comic (the art form that so many say is one of the hardest to do for a living) she was the first one to say “Go for it!”

June 14/2007 at 5:40 PM is also when the comedy world lost its biggest supporter. Mom loved practically all the comics she saw whether they were on TV or on the bill with me. She taped her comedy shows to watch when she could enjoy them. David Letterman was her favorite. You could hear her laughter ring out, in the house or in the audience, with all its infectious splendor and it was always music to my ears. Being around her made you want to laugh as well.

She was not a big woman, I stood a full foot and an one inch over her but she was a giant in my world. The one I could always count on to be there, when I needed it. She had a wild firecracker way about her that no one could match. From never censoring herself and always being true I learned so much from her. She could make friends at the drop of a hat when we were out shopping, walking, dining or what ever. She also remembered who did her wrong and never let them fully back into her life if what they did was severe. A lesson in life, on how to avoid repeating mistakes initiated by others, that I have always remembered. Once bitten, twice cautious…not shy.

Mom, your suffering has ended and although you have moved onto the hereafter, please know that your influence will live on in me and anyone I can pass it on to. All my shows from here on are dedicated to you, your love and your love of comedy. No matter what career I had chosen I know you would have supported me. In this business of stand-up, with all its uncertainties, petty politics and seasonal cycles, there could have been no better mother for support. You gave me the courage to go on when many would have quit. You never judged me when I made bad choices but were there when I needed advice, a shoulder or just a hug.
I love you and miss you and will do all I can to make you proud. Rest in peace and let it be known that your presence here on earth made a huge and positive influence on many.

Your son
Daryl

The last Christmas with mom

Being with her was the best gift of all.