The series: An introduction

Stalked by my birth mother I didn't want to be her baby, not now, maybe never.
By Beth Broeker

My mother wears army boots She kicked butt for me and I want to thank her.
By Lisa Zeidner

TUESDAY, MAY 09, 2000

A tale of two mothers My mother was a chain-smoking, champagne-swilling braless art mom. My best friend's mother was June Cleaver. They both suffered -- and made difficult choices.
By Denise Ryan

Summer of the monkey-boys A hot summer day, a carload of teenage boys and a dangerous driving mistake reveal a mom's capacity to pardon boyhood transgressions.
By Colin Harrison

WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 2000

My mother the nun It's true she was a bride of Christ -- just don't ask for details of the marriage.
By Theresa Rusho

My four favorite photos of my mother Her true selves are revealed, as real as uncut gems.
By Amy Bloom

THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2000

Perfect for this world Scarlett O'Hara taught my mother to make a velvet dress out of the living room curtains. And my mother, before she died, taught me that I must win at all costs.
By Avital Gad Cykman

Supplicant My mother gave me up before either of us knew the value of a mother. After her death, I no longer confuse longing with love.
By Kathryn Harrison

FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2000

Sentimental hogwash In or out of the mental hospital, my mother always found a moment to write the note that would excuse me from Mother's Day.
By Douglas Cruickshank

My mother's 10 rules to live by Take them with a grain of salt, but just one grain or you'll bloat.
By Elissa Schappell