When your African American sons are 6 and 11 years old and their Dad dies suddenly on Super Bowl Sunday..... you wonder exactly how you will raise them into manhood. Single-handedly.

On more than one occasion, I overheard others "counting me out." Counting them out. Two members of an endangered species, they were referred to.

Against the odds. Against society's assumption that growing up fatherless would extinguish the many possibilities for their lives. I am proud to call these young men my sons,

Despite the many accomplishments that I have experienced, the various titles that I have held, not one trumps the title of "Mom." That is the most important role I will ever have and for that I am forever grateful.