John, it’s Angus King —

As you might sense from the picture above, my mother was a strong character. Although she looks pretty upscale (my friends in high school thought she was some kind of duchess), her background and life story were decidedly American.

Neither of her parents went beyond the eighth grade. Her father worked for the Southern Railway for 52 years, starting as a messenger boy and retiring as superintendent of the freight yard in Alexandria.

She put herself through college by taking a scholarship that required her to teach a year for each year of college. She worked hard for the life she made, and she expected nothing less from us. She was tough, always demanding our best and never being quite satisfied, no matter what we accomplished. But those same values she instilled in me led me to where I am today.

She once called after seeing me on C-Span as Governor, and instead of expressing praise or pride, her exact words were, “Angus, this is your mother. I saw you on television last night and you looked tired; you’re not getting enough sleep.”

I don’t know what she’d think of my being a Senator; probably something along the same lines. She was deeply religious and ethical to a fault, so she would probably be a Bishop today (had she been born 50 years later). She is an amazing woman. I chose my parents exceedingly well; actually, I was blessed.

Happy Mother’s Day, John.

– Angus