Mother (excerpted from Candy, Sweet & Sour Chapter 35 "Laying Mama to Rest " Mother. Mother. I wish I could be strong for you. I want to take you back through your past, and ease those lines on your face, take away the reasons for each gray hair that prematurely dots that glorious red head. I admire your spunk, your spirit, the children you’ve raised, and the person I’ve become with your guidance.