Whenever my mom senses any doubt in me she launches into a story about the time she went to parent-teacher conference night when I was in the 9th grade and my high school Spanish teacher told her that I was "special." I can't help but wonder how many parents he must have thrown that line at, and if they are still repeating that infamous word to their thirty-something-year-old children. Truthfully, I'm not sure I want to be "special." There's a reason why it's a euphemism for children with disabilities. He probably felt extremely sorry for me and thought it was a kinder thing to say than, "She laughs way too hard for my jokes. You should have her evaluated."

I love my mom and appreciate her support.

Just for today, I'm "special" to my mom.