Today is my mom's birthday. My mom has had an incredible influence on my life, and was a big factor in me pursuing a career path in the film and television industry. It all started when I was young, and I didn't even know it yet. From showing me classic movies to directing me towards the right path to my dreams, my mom is one of the greatest people I've ever known.
At a very young age, I remember my mom sitting my brother and I down to watch old movies. She wanted us to be familiar with the classics. I saw Casablanca, Singin' in the Rain, Maltese Falcon, Towering Inferno, Some Like it Hot, Rear Window, It's a Wonderful Life, all of the Indiana Jones movies, the list goes on and on. I feel like I saw more black and white movies than colored movies as a kid! There would be moments where I would be speaking to an adult; maybe a teacher, coach or other parent, and they would be surprised that I had seen and had deep thoughts about a certain old movie. I owe a lot of that to my mom. Every weekend growing up there would be another classic to watch. She also introduced me to one of my favorite television shows of all time: Three's Company. The show was probably my favorite show of my childhood and made me a huge John Ritter fan. We used to watch reruns over and over again, laughing just as hard each time. To this day, I still remember my mom had to break the unfortunate news to me that Ritter passed away unexpectedly at age 54.
My mom has this sixth sense when it comes to movies and television shows. Countless times, she has said to me "I saw this movie and you would love it! It's a 'you' movie, you need to watch it!". I can't tell you how many times I've said to her, "Eh, I don't know mom" or "I'll get around to it" that ended up being: "wow I really liked that movie!". To this day she will call or text me recommendations and if she's asked me multiple times if I've started watching something she's suggested and I haven't, I normally get "the look" and the "Dave you really need to watch that!". Since choosing to pursue a career in filmmaking, my mom will even point out movies and shows she thinks have good writing or performances because she knows I can learn from them as an aspiring filmmaker. I'm grateful that my mom does this because normally these suggestions are hidden gems that become some of my favorites. My mom even got me into Hallmark Christmas movies. My favorite tradition of the Christmas season (even when it starts in October on Hallmark) is watching Hallmark movies with her, when she always comments that each plot is nearly identical and the movies are the same each year. Looking forward to that in just a few short weeks!
While I was in college, I decided I wanted to pursue a career in film and changed my major from anthropology. My mom was the first person I told about my new career path and right away she was supportive. After I graduated, I looked to continue my education by going to film school. I eventually settled on the Harold Ramis Film School at the Second City in Chicago, a new school that had just been created. The school is the only film school in the world dedicated to comedy. Needless to say, when you want to attend comedy film school, it sometimes took a lot of explaining to others of my choice, but not my mom. When I told my mom, she was immediately supportive and actively pushed me to pursue it. When I told her there was an open house at the school coming up, she told me I had to go. I wasn't sure of how to get there since it was in the city in the evening and we lived in the suburbs, but to my surprise my mom, who doesn't drive to the city that often, drove me all the way to Second City just so I could attend the open house. She waited for me in the lobby while I took a tour of the school and attended a Q&A with some of my future teachers. My mom went through all that trouble for me because she believed in me and that I could follow my dreams. A short time after, I was officially accepted into the school and it came full circle when I graduated and celebrated with my mom, who, if it wasn't for her I may not have even attended and had a life-changing experience.
That kind of support is what I love about my mom, and she has been nothing but encouraging about me pursuing my dreams. To this day, she tells me to make sure I'm writing, to keep being creative, and never giving up on my dreams. The thing I admire most about her is that she has an others first, herself second kind of mentality. She is the most selfless person I've known in my life. It is something I strive to be for my own kids someday, knowing full well I was guided by one of the best to ever do it. Mom, you've done so much for me and continue to do so. You were the first one to believe in me and for that I am eternally grateful. I'm proud to be your son. Today is about you, enjoy it! Happy birthday, Mom.
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