Number one son, Matthew, just graduated from the University of California Santa Cruz!...with a Bachelor of Arts in-- can you believe it? I don't even know! It has something to do with Politics, but when they announced the actual degree, I was too busy bawling my eyes out, I forgot to listen! (And too embarrassed to ask him later!)

 

For 17 years he was "my baby." I nick-named him Mattman, because he is my superhero. When I was pregnant, I was living in Korea and some bonehead doctors told me there were abnormalities in early tests. They suggested I get Amniocentesis to make sure I should have him. I was a baby myself at 25 and pretty freaked out. But, then I thought: of course I was going to "have" him, no matter! So I found strength in my Mattman to trust and to grow-up: I told the doctors to get lost and leave us alone! I just felt he was going to be "okay" and believed unconditionally. And, other than turning out exactly like me in most ways-- no other defects!

 

While his older sister, the brainiac med student, breezed through school... Matt and I bonded over his homework. Turns out he's very dyslexic (and in having him diagnosed, we found out I am, too. That's probably why we were having so much trouble with his homework!)

 

I am exceptionally proud that he has the strength of character to overcome a handicap of sorts. He's great at believing himself (although he may not believe that!) He tried out for a lead in The Sound of Music -- and if after he wasn't cast, he still learned the lines and went to rehearsal because he knew he was Kurt, darn it! Once the director started working with Matt, she recognized that he really is very talented gave him two performances.

 

Now he's off to TVs-ville. While Matt's not completely committed to a career or future plans--but he has secured an internship on the Dr. Phil show. So look for the back of his head in wide-shots next fall!