A tribute to the poet’s mom who turned 80 this week

Robert Young starred on TV before my mom was old. He played a father who knew best. At least that’s what I’m told. Those were the days when dads were king. Like Beaver Cleaver’s dad or Ozzie Nelson… or Ben Cartwright… Their sons were lucky lads. But what about The Beaver’s mom? Or Ricky’s? Hoss’s too? While dads are great, there are some things that only moms can do. Like wipe your tears when you fall down and scrape your chubby knees or say “God bless you” meaning it each time you had to sneeze. My mother nursed me back to health whenever I was sick. She brought me juice and comic books and popsicles to lick. She told me that I was the best when I was just okay. But in her mind I really was Her praises made my day. She taught me all about the Lord and helped me understand the pressures I would feel at school. She helped me take a stand. My mom has heart, but also brains. She helped me cram for tests. And when I needed love advice, it’s true, my mom knew best. When I left home and took a wife She felt somehow replaced. I know that it was hard for her. I saw it in her face. But bless her heart, in time she saw she had no need to fear. I needed both. A wife and mom. She smiled from ear to ear. She’s one creative grandmother. My brother’s kids and mine love spending time at Nana’s house They think she’s quite divine. When Dad got sick and nearly died, my mother made me proud. She mustered courage, modeled faith and prayed for him out loud. As time went by and she slowed down, my mom refused to stop. This fashion plate can still turn heads and loves to thrift store shop. At eighty, this one who gave me birth embraces each new day. She journals what she did each night before she hits the hay. Her name is Star. Uncommon, yes? That’s fine. My mom’s unique. She sparkles like the jewels she wears while cuddled with her Greek. And so this tribute to the Star I proudly call my mom. Keep twinkling and light my night until God brings your dawn. *This poem is dedicated to my mother, Star Asimakoupoulos, who celebrated both her 80th birthday and 56th wedding anniversary this week.