Love is putting another’s needs before your own.

Hi, my name is Damon. For 50 years, my mother has cared for, provided, inspired and shaped me into the person I am today. My life has been exceptional in large part due to her influence. As an infant, she held me to comfort me in a time of overwhelming “newness”. When I learned to walk she held my hands to support and guide wobbly legs and untested balance. Upon entering school, it was her hand that lent me strength to face the unknown; and her arms to hold me when I couldn’t understand the unfairness of life. Even as I grew into adulthood, I still held my mothers hand. While driving in the car or going to the movies. It was more than an act of affection. It was a promise to be there for each other, always.

As time and life unfurled, my path led me far from home. It’s because of my mother’s examples that I was able to wander and explore. To seek a life that is diverse and unique. I’ve been living in Washington state, a few hours north of Seattle, in a town called Bellingham. It is here that I’ve been able to enjoy the beauty of this world and make fundamental changes that will stay with me for the rest of my days.

Recently though, I have come up against one of the great truths in life. Change is inevitable, and not always beneficial. Though my life has been improving, Mom’s health has been deteriorating. In addition, her personal and professional stability has been threatened. So much so, that I had to make an emergency trip to Nashville at the beginning of December. In the last couple of weeks, we have been able to stabilize and rebalance her health and her life in general. But it has become clear to me that Mom needs constant care and attention for her to continue to thrive. So I have made the decision to move back to Tennessee. For me, this is going to be quite the undertaking. I have chosen to live a life of simplicity. Which is a fancy way of saying “my bills get paid but there’s not much left for extra”.

Thus we come to the heart of the matter. I will be returning to Washington from Jan. 9th to the 16th. In that week, I will pack and sell what I can and donate what is left. It is my hope that I can raise enough money to cover travel expenses, initial relocation costs and rent a moving pod for the 2500 mile distance. In the end, I am a realist and recognize that this is more of a selfish request than a charitable one. I completely understand if this does not merit your attention. I can and will start over again from nothing; if that’s how this plays out. But, I believe in hope and I’m willing to humble myself to grow it. There are other hurdles to clear but I will take them as they come. What is most important is that Mom comes first and I am here to support her. It’s time for mine to be the hands that hold her up. It isn’t just a “son’s responsibility”; it’s a promise kept. And I am proud to do it. Love is putting another’s needs before your own. Mom, I will love you always and will always be there to hold your hand.