Twenty years ago this month my mother was awarded her bachelor’s degree. She was 65-years-old. And, as you will find out if you pre-order and, eventually, read the story of her childhood, Brave Face, persistent and determined. 

Mom was married at 22 and, over the next ten years, had five children. She was born in the Netherlands, married a man who was born in the Congo, and immigrated with him to Canada. After another ten years, they moved to Iowa, then England, then Iowa again, then Texas. 

And, during the pandemonium of dealing with children growing up, grandchildren arriving, a house fire, my father’s unemployment, and countless other issues, she kept on with her goal—a university degree. During the graduation, you could not have wiped the smile off her face. No wonder!

Congratulations again, Mom. I’m proud to be your daughter.