You're right Steve. One of the best gifts I got was a new chance to have a better relationship with my mom. She's softened lately, and went so far as to apologize for pushing me too hard academically when I was very very young. That meant more to me than any gift you could hold in your hand. I've always resented that she refused to admit that perhaps I wasn't a stubborn kid after all, but one with normal desires, like playing in the woods and going to sleep-overs with my friends. I have begged her for years to admit that we all need more balance in our lives. Now I want her to have that balance in her OWN life, and laugh more.