Mama's Boy

As a kid, the last thing you’d ever want to be called was a mama’s boy.

It meant that you had not evolved past the stage of dependence on your progenitor. And as a boy, having such a close association with your mom could pose a challenge to your maleness. So being a mama’s boy was something to be avoided at all costs.

But even as a child I knew all that was bullshit.

Besides, I couldn’t have cared less. I loved me my mama. She was kind, smart, tough, caring AND pretty. Why would anyone not want to be associated with that.

But high school came and after that college. And the distance (at least geographically) between my mother and I would grow until we found ourselves on opposites ends of the country. Our lives seemed worlds apart. Which was fine by me - I was living it up, chasing my dreams, doing it big and enjoying the ride.

It wasn’t till a few years later, in the spring of 2011, that that “ride” dropped me back off on the East coast, lost, heartbroken and unsure of what to do next.

I was back to square one.And there was only one person I knew that I could bring myself to call.

Mama

And even though at the time it felt like a huge step backward, returning home proved to be the first step toward all that I am doing now.

So much would come from that humble re-beginning; the business, the degree, the filmmaking, the show… But even more importantly, the growth. In direct opposition to all I had learned as a kid, it turned out returning home to my Mom’s was what allowed me to becoming the Man I am today.

Without her support during that challenging time in life, I don’t know where I would have ended up. But I know I wouldn’t want to know.

It was in her home that I began to MassQ, at least in the way I do now - first as a self therapy and then as a self expression. Naturally, she would become one of my first subjects.

During that time our relationship deepened. She became a roommate, a road dog, a friend. We helped each other get out of debt, and get out of our own ways. Turns out she had been going through some things too, so we were able to commiserate, co-MassQ, co-heal…

It’s amazing how the universe works out like that.

Now-a-days we are no longer roommates, but I still make sure to drop by every now and then to check in. Shovel some snow, pick up mail, catch a basketball game, shoot the breeze. Whatever excuse I can come up with to stop by.

What can I say, I’m Mama’s Boy, through and through.

And you know, I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Happy Mother’s Day Mama,

w/ love.

-Your son

∞

Till then, be art.
-Daniel

Want to try your hand at MassQing?
There are still a few slots available for my two MassQing Workshops happening at the Roxbury Branch of the Boston Public Library on Saturday May 23rd and 30th.

The workshops are free but space is limited and attendees must RSVP in advance.
To reserve your spot click below:

RSVP FOR MASSQ WORKSHOP

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