She was my biggest fan and today would have been her birthday. There is something about moms and their unbridled enthusiasm for their kids, no matter their age. It was my mom (and older sister) who taught me to read and my dad who continually shared his playfulness with language, and still does to this day.Certainly I owe it to my parents that I eventually followed my dreams. Of course, like all parents, they wanted me to find a 'good' job– one that paid consistently– but they also recognized the creative spirit that lived in their third born child and they nurtured that spirit as I explored many art forms. I am forever grateful!