I realize this isn't exactly Hacker News, but sharing the source of my inspiration brings me more comfort than just about anything I've ever posted here. She was the perfect mother for an introverted, achievement-oriented nerd trying to find his way in the world. Thanks for letting me share.
[UPDATE: Thank you all for your kind words. It really means a lot to me.]
By the authority invested in me by a highly arbitrary karma algorithm, I decree that people with sufficient HN karma get to make a post inviting other HN members to mourn the passing of their mother.
When we have to -- but not before; remember that we are nothing if not lean and agile -- we can have the debate about the karma cutoff for mourning. My initial proposal is: 1.
(Incidentally, more condolences, and I apologize if it is inappropriate to be slightly silly at the memorial. It's my family tradition. I can't let my late grandfather down. ;)
Ed, we met at the YC offices over a year ago. My sympathies and comfort go out to you and your family. If you're ever back in town let me know and I'll buy you a drink.
Ed, your moving tribute to your mom reminds us that achievers in life are not only those who build companies or who "change the world" in some public sense - but also all the good, decent, and loving people who spend their lives quietly helping and inspiring others - your mom quite evidently among them. I went through this too in the past couple of years and there are few things in life more painful, even when we expect it. Your mom must have been a very special person. I am sorry for your loss.
I opened the link expecting no surprise. And closed the tab realizing how much I love to see my parents happy, no matter what. Thanks for the lovely and inspiring post.
Wow ... I hope my kids feel that way about me when I leave this world. I know you'll miss her physical presence, but I get the sense that you carry so much of her with you that you'll never feel that she's left you.
But I'll add my condolences for that physical loss.
What an excellent way to remember your mom. She sounds like a great woman and I can tell she'll be greatly missed. Thank you for sharing this with everyone.
That was a lovely blog post and I've upvoted you with my humble amount of karma. I am sorry for your loss, but hey, you had a lot of good time and clearly spent it well.
This stuff really hits where it hurts. The 'behind every great man' quote more often than not refers to a mom rather than a spouse and I think it is beautiful of you that you wrote this and I hope that those who don't think this is 'hacker news' can keep their hands of their mouse buttons.
To all of you wondering how many pomodoros worth of productivity you can squeeze out of today: Keep an eye on the rest of your life it is more fleeting than you probably realize.
I love you is so much better than goodbye.
You're a lovely person Ed, now I have a bit more insight into why.
"The 'behind every great man' quote more often than not refers to a mom"
I actually never thought about this until you just said it. I always put it to the spouse not the mom.
It's sad that kids aren't raised like this anymore. In our day you didn't get the trophy unless you deserved the trophy. Now kids get a trophy just for showing up and everyone is special.
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[ 2.1 ms ] story [ 91.3 ms ] threadLast year, I lost my dad. He was 57; He died on his birthday. I miss his quirky sense of humor.
[UPDATE: Thank you all for your kind words. It really means a lot to me.]
When we have to -- but not before; remember that we are nothing if not lean and agile -- we can have the debate about the karma cutoff for mourning. My initial proposal is: 1.
(Incidentally, more condolences, and I apologize if it is inappropriate to be slightly silly at the memorial. It's my family tradition. I can't let my late grandfather down. ;)
My condoleances for her passing.
"We don't know what we got til it's gone..."
My condolences.
I opened the link expecting no surprise. And closed the tab realizing how much I love to see my parents happy, no matter what. Thanks for the lovely and inspiring post.
But I'll add my condolences for that physical loss.
I just woke up to your email.
First of all my condolences to you
This stuff really hits where it hurts. The 'behind every great man' quote more often than not refers to a mom rather than a spouse and I think it is beautiful of you that you wrote this and I hope that those who don't think this is 'hacker news' can keep their hands of their mouse buttons.
To all of you wondering how many pomodoros worth of productivity you can squeeze out of today: Keep an eye on the rest of your life it is more fleeting than you probably realize.
I love you is so much better than goodbye.
You're a lovely person Ed, now I have a bit more insight into why.
j.
I actually never thought about this until you just said it. I always put it to the spouse not the mom.
It's sad that kids aren't raised like this anymore. In our day you didn't get the trophy unless you deserved the trophy. Now kids get a trophy just for showing up and everyone is special.
My condolences to you