Jack,
You're too cute and funny! Love that you still can joke and show the love to your mom at the same time. Hope you bought her something nice for Mother's day!! And I hope your mom, mine and all of the others have a great Mother's day.

Cindy..Ga.

Wow!! Awesome Blog.. I can only pray my children will feel the same way about me when they are your age... This is fabulous!!! I need to call my mommy!!

Jack, This is the thoughtful and funny at the same time. You are so clever.. awesome writing.

Jack Gray, I loved your blog! You can tell you really love your mother. I have to say that the humor in this blog is great. I think we can all relate to what was said about your mother that can be said about our mothers. You are one son to be proud of and the fact that you know that is great! Keep up the good work! Job well done!

I loved your blog today! Your Mom should be quite proud of you and your accomplishments. Now...one thing....If I found matches in our bed my kids would definitely be grounded for life! LOL

Your mom is blessed. That blog is something I would cherish!

This is just the funniest yet the nicest Mothers' Day blog post I've read. Had to LOL at you getting a car loan (ooh sexy Ford Focus) and your therapist driving a Jaguar.

Beautiful and touching dedication to your mom, and by extension, all moms everywhere. You use your craft with words to best effect.

Have a wonderful weekend, Jack. Hope you will get to enjoy quality time with your mom.

@kimberwitch

Hi Jack,
Very nice blog this morning. Your mom sounds so nice; hope she has a Happy Mother's Day. You'll have to take her to a nice lunch or dinner. Just a thought. My daughter says she wants to take me to my favorite Japanese restaurant for Mother's Day. I thought that was a great idea! I hope everyone has a very Happy Mother's Day! Have a nice weekend. PS – I know I've said it before but; you are so very LUCKY!! There's nothing like having a mother's love......<3

That was a funny and beautiful article, you brought tears to this mom's eyes. Your mother is stunning!!

Gotta love moms...who else would endure that kind of pain to their body & still love you in morning?

Great blog, Jack...I laugh because I care.

*sniff*
As a Mom I can only hope my son will feel as positively affected in his adult life by our relationship during his childhood. Much love to all the Moms in our lives.

That's the best gift a mom could have on Mother's Day! So funny and sweet!

Jack,
Ahh, what a sweet, kind, special post for Mother's Day !!!

I knew you must have had an awesome mom to turn out to be such a talented young man. Thanks for sharing a little about your mom.

Jack, we all want approval of our moms, even at 38 years old (moi). I remember being 28...ahhh, those drunken, sunny days!

That is Sweet Jack!
Your Mother is so cute and take it from another Mom, You'll never stop saying Maria!
There is something so wonderful about being a Mother. You loose sleep, you get puked on, pooped on, pee-ed on.
And that is just the beginning. I am sure that my teenagers shortened my life span. I had to stay drunk just to put up with all the anxiety.
But for real, who is more important to a mother than her children? And there is never anything more pure and beautiful than the love of a Mother and child. Except the scream of a winning lottery ticket, or maybe puppy breath.
I'd like to honor my Mother too. Her name is Betty Jo. I lucked out and got named Betty Ann. We were the original Petty Coat Junction, or more like half-slip crossroads in Hootersville.
Anyway, my Mother is the best and I admire and love her greatly.
So happy Mother's Day to all Mother's out there because once you hold your child in your arms, you never knew that something so small could bring a lifetime of love and joy.
Happy Mom's Day!
XO's, Flowers! and (((hugs))))
@BettyAnnTX

Beautiful Blog today. You mom will love it, as any mother would.
I hope she has a wonderful Mothers Day!!

SanDee

"She’s mellowed over the years, though I’m not sure she’ll ever be entirely convinced I didn’t move to New York to “smoke the pot” and turn tricks on the West Side Highway."

You mean.... you didn't? :/

*cancels her trip to NYC*

Awww....very sweet. I'm sure your Mom hooked you up with a good supply of Donettes as a kid. Great to have funny parents...they are the best kind.

What a beautiful mom you have! She sounds like a great person as well.

That was so sweet, as a mom and a teacher it was nice to hear that someone loves both

Really funny and enjoyable to read – your mom must be proud. You should pay off the credit cards yourself, though

very very sweet! beautiful mom too

Priceless!!

Great respect to your Mom and ALL the other Moms in the world – yes, even those who's children do not post them in a blog report for the world to enjoy!!

It is absolutely obvious from this blog that your mother did a mighty fine job raising her ever so funny and witty son. This blog definitely expresses how much you love your mom and how beautiful of a woman she is. I too am blessed with a wonderful mom and your blog touched my heart. Happy Mothers Day to all mothers! <3

"Beautiful" just barely covers it Jack; Maria is spectacular! Are you sure you weren't adopted?

The blog today was just the right mix of your patented Insouciance and genuine feeling that you so compelling used in your piece about your Papou.

You can leave the yellow brick road and return to Kansas now. It turns out you do have a heart, afterall.

Good stuff, kid.

Happy Mama's Day Mrs. Papaioanou Gray!

You're mom just read this and said "What a kiss a$$".... "No wonder I'm the sucker paying off his credit cards"... For real, a great blog. How could she be disappointed in you - I mean, you do have a facebook tribute page, and all!!! Not every kid can say that

Dude, you're awesome! I always laugh at what you write – and reflect also. See, you're funny and insightful. hehe..
Your mom is very lucky to have a son like you.
All the best to both of you!

That was very very sweet Funny and moving.

great tribute and perfect song...and happy mom's day to your mom

Great gift to give to your beautiful mother! Also, thanks for the musical interlude to go with it – so nice to have mood music!

Happy Mother's Day, Jack's mom!

Jack, first you kill us with the funniest, sweetest grandfather story I ever heard and then you slay us with this lovable, adorable joyous Mother's Day tribute to your mom....and even supply the music!! Thanks for your writings...I had a horrible grandfather and horrid mother dearest...so it's nice to get a snapshot of a wonderful mother. It's like we were there. Great writing.

You had me at 'Hostess Powdered Donettes'

Aww...very sweet blog today Jack.
Happy Mothers day to your mom and all the moms.
A nice shot out to teachers Jack, they are under appreciated.

Happy Mothers Day

Who knew Jack Gray, funny man that he is, was also a mama's boy? Thanks for starting my friday out on a fabulous note!

Ohhhh - that is so sweet!!! Moms are moms and we owe them a lot! Sweet thoughts on this wonderful for beautiful beings - our Mothers!

It's a great feat to be a Mom - but a great Mother is another!

Another good blog, JG! Good read! Thanks for making us remember our Moms!

Jack, you are wonderful. I hope my son grows up just like you....minus the sex, drugs and donut addiction of course

A big THANK YOU to all of the educators out there and a big HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all the moms out there. None of us would be anywhere without you.

@Leash23

Such a sweet blog, Jack (plus a great song to go with it – you really do it all! haha) My favorite part is... "I still have occasional anxiety about letting my mother down. How much is “occasional?” Well, let’s just say my therapist drives a Jaguar." I don't think you have to worry about letting her down – your Mom must be so proud of you for everything you have accomplished! If I'm not mistaken, wasn't your Mom also on Erica's webcast a while back?

Anyways, Happy Mothers day to your Mom, and all the mothers out there!

@fifthand56th

That is so sweet.

Hello Jack,

Great blog today. You've probably just given your Mom the perfect Mother's Day present... especially the last couple of paragraphs.. really flattering & sweet... & it didn't cost (her) anything!

I hope all Moms have a Happy Mother's Day ... more so for those long-suffering ones that still love their kid(s)... no matter what they get up to!

That's a pretty picture of your mom.

Jack, you seem to enjoy a wonderful relationship with your Mom and your family.

Happy Mothers Day to all the Moms on the blog including our dear Erica Hill and Mrs. Gray! Put your feet up on Sunday and let the boys wait on you hand and foot. That's my plan!

Happy Mothers Day to Mrs. Gray!!

Hey Jack, Sammy, fellow Groupies & Twitterers, thank Gawd it's Friday! So, Jack, nice blog. You forgot to post your Mum a card, didn't you? It's ok, we won't tell! Seriously though, she sounds like a lovely lady and I hope she's proud of her little boy. I'm going to assume her fear about pot smoking and trick turning was based on the fact that you share your digs with a certain nicotine and alcohol addicted canine. All jokes aside, make sure you appreciate your Mummies and tell them how much you love them all the time, not just on one day a year. I lost my darling Mum 7 years ago, and not a day goes by that I don't wish I could see her, talk to her about my day and give her a huge hug. I'm sure she's up there somewhere though, probably reading this over my shoulder, so Mum, I love you lots and miss you more than words could ever say. Sad part over now – Mrs Gray, can I just say that you are one lucky lady, enjoy your day and don't worry about Jack. He's safe with his Groupies, heh, heh! Have a great weekend guys, catch you back here next time x

Jack...there was already a very high chance that it was true but after this blog, I'm quite sure that I am in love with you and we were meant to be. Off of our soul-matish humor personalities alone, I think you would rather enjoy our future life together and I am more than positive that my amazing beauty and extreme intelligence would fill in whatever other relationship requirements that you may have already established. Thought of course through the awesomeness that is Twitter I can pretend you contact me all the time anyway (and that you and I walk the slightly strange dog together each evening), it would do wonders for my ego if you sent me an email or direct message (miaoods2005) and got the ball rolling on this thing...that will do for now! happy friday!

Nothing short of perfect Jack; funny, touching, heartfelt, honest and one of the best pieces of writing I've read in a while.

Your mom must be so proud of you, and she's got every reason to be from the looks of it.

On a personal level, I only hope if I ever get involved in writing blogs like this that I have half your ability.

Keep it up, Jack.
x

Fantastic Jack.. makes me want to meet her myself! A touching and funny tribute. Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful Moms out there..

Jack, your mom is gorgeous! You inherited her sense of humor and good looks too!

My mom and I are closer now than when I was growing up. I was sort of a rebel. I came from another country and didn't agree with the double standards of my culture. We had lots of disagreements. Of course, now I understand that she said the things she said because she cares about me and my future, and she now understands why I think the way I do. I turned out OK and am doing well, thanks to my mom (and dad) who kept me grounded.

Happy Mother's Day to your mom and all the moms out there. Have a great weekend, Jack!

Lilibeth
Edmonds, Washington

Your words made me choke up a little. I never had a good relationship with my mother so reading your words made me sad for me yet happy for you and your mom. I'd have to say, You're a good kid!

Awww Jack,
Your mom sounds great! A lot like my mom. I hope she has a wonderful Mother's Day!

I wasn't wrong in following you on twitter. haha This is amazing. I agree with most comments. you write beautifully and even though this post is full of humor, it did not - no not at all - hide the love and respect you have for your mother.

Happy Mother's day to your mom and all the other mothers out there.

Jack ,that was pure sweetness! I'm sure your mom is proud of you and happy for you...Why wouldn't she be?? In a world full of daily doses of bad news,you offer those of us that 'follow' you smiles and laughs.The best things in life are free:Her humor and nurturing probably instilled in you the desire to give back,to make people smile and laugh too.Thank you Mrs. Gray....Jack,the song that comes to mind when you think of her COULD have been 'How do you solve a problem like Maria....' from the Sound of Music,So you were lucky!!! : ) Happy Mothers Day Maria!..: )

Oh Jack that was the best title and the best blog posting ever.

It made me laugh and cry.

Your mother is beautiful.

Jack, your tribute to your mother, Maria, reminds me of how much I adored my own mother. I smiled as I read your words of love for her.
This is the second year I have been without my mother. However, I still can feel her loving arms around me. Thanks Jack, and Happy Mother's Day, Maria and to my mama, Margaret.

She has great hair-does she go to Suze's hairdresser?

Very sweet...and funny!

Mia Woods – LOL! Wow. I bet you are the one who sent Jack that proposal huh? : )

Jack – if you truly end up meeting your wife through these blogs/twitter mediums, I don't know what I'll do. So how many dates have you gotten out of all this?

And just think – you'll owe it all to the global economy going south. You came to the rescue to make everyone laugh.

Jack
That was an awesome blog and your mom is a very pretty lady...did great job with you too lol
You've got an awesome talent with words.
Thanx for getting into trouble at work for laughing so hard at your blogs

Happy Mother's Day to your mom and all the beautiful moms out there

Cindy, NYC

@CidRox

Hi Jack! Sweet, sweet tribute to your mom, and funny! You are really precious. Very nice picture. You're blessed to have such a wonderful mother.

What a nice tribute. I'm lucky to be the mom of "Robbie, Chip & Ernie," through all the ups and downs. Family is what helps keep us grounded in life. Happy Mother's Day to all the Mothers.

Jack,

Great blog as usual. I am so happy for you and your mother to have a awesome relationship. Hope you get to spend it with your mom. Have a great weekend!

your mother is beautiful. Since mine is passed, I'll say happy mothers day to yours. Great blog as usual.

"Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. I love you more than any blog could ever express." That sentence cleaned up the fabricated but very humorous blog. You make a mother proud

OK seriously now you're just making people cry. That was incredibly sweet and funny.

What a magnificently marvelous blog! Your tribute to your Mom is over the top! Again, I must tell you that your writng talent is superb as is your humor in your blogs and tweets, I get belly laughs everyday! Please come to the Improv in Miami (you can bring the flammable kimono).Thank Mr. Cooper for tweeting to check you out.

Hello Jack

Great post on your mom ! It's so sweet and all that wit and humour you got from her . This post is so touching and it shows your sensitve side and the doting son we all know you are .

Thanks for sharing your Mother's day story and your love for you Mom .
Happy Mother's day to Maria !

Michelle D.

Your mom sounds a lot like mine–caring, wonderful, and always worried about me. Not to mention deserving of more love than any card (or blog) could ever express. I hope your blog makes your mother's day and I hope she has a great Mother's Day!

Ah, would that we were all that articulate to thank our mothers! Mine's been gone 10 years now, but I still hear her voice when I try to do the Sunday NYTimes crossword puzzle - Pencil? You're not sure enough about your answers to write them in pen? - or nightly Jeopardy - Of course it's the Vice President who lives down the street from the White House. Hum, maybe I still need therapy or another caffe mocha.

My Mother still rules me from the grave, every word, thought and deed . She raised 9 children , yes we were poor but never went without food from the large garden, she froze and canned everything until frost got it. We were warm, clothed, loved and educated. My parents were sharecroppers and we still had it all, all we needed maybe not what we wanted, but as I am older I realize that material things don't count , only if the young of today could realize this.

Jack, what a beautiful tribute to your mom – she sounds like an amazing woman and the photo of her is lovely.

First Of all I want to wish your mom a HAPPY MOTHERS DAY and to thank her for delivering a bright, intelligent and comical man into the world. This was such a delight to read and I love the way you love your mom.
Have you ever considered working the comedy spot on HBO...you are good.

Jack, excellent blog today...I'm sure your mum is very proud of you!

And all I'm gonna say is...the crust is the best part of the bread!

how delightful that was! @its_tracey

another great blog. tell cnn to give you your own show.. !!!!

Really sweet tribute. And your mom looks amazing.

Wow What a beautiful mom. She must have been younger than Bristol Palin when she had you!!!!!!!

Loved this blog and I am sure your mom does too!

Jack,

Your tribute is very beautiful to your mother! And your mother is beautiful! Wow! She is elegant ... she doesn't face of the mother of a guy of 28 years. Cool!

Being a mother is present in the life of a woman. My son is 3 years, he is so excited that already being considered until he had hyperactivity. Never more I get a full night's sleep, but he is the best thing in my life.

Congratulations to Jack's mother!
Congratulations to my mom, Maria Thereza!
Congratulations to all mothers!

In time:

Jack, you are so family! This is great!

That was really sweet Jack; you sound like you have a great relationship with your Mom. I'm glad you posted her picture – she is beautiful and looks about 28 years old – she could pass for your sister rather than your mom which I bet suits her just fine!

I hope she has a great Mother's day and you are right – teachers are the best and they all deserve our thanks and gratitude for enriching our lives and imparting whatever amount of knowledge we were able to retain.

Hi Jack,
I'm so glad I decided to follow you per Anderson's request a couple of weeks back. I haven't laughed this much in a long time. I know you make your mom proud every day – but I'm sure this blog will hold a special place in her heart. Have a great weekend, enjoy the best city in the world (to me!)

Knowing your mother helped me become a great mother myself. Thanks for the blog!

such a lucky mom!

reesa
los angeles,ca

Sounds like you have an awesome mamma. Happy Mom's Day to all the women who love and nurture us no matter what. And Jack, as one of those teachers who is dedicated to and cares about her kids, thanks for the kind words.

Love this, Jack...I sent the link to my mom as her Mother's Day gift. Good thing I'm such a procrastinator. Your blogs and Twitter posts get me through the day (the Valium helps, too).

@asazk107

Jack, you have an awesome mom!
Happy Mother's Day to all the beauty moms out there!!! :0)

Hiya Jack..aww..this blog was soo cute..bout time you show your sensitive side..J/K

Happy Mother's Day to your mom and to all moms..she is lucky to have a great son like you to write about life experiences..and yes, the sugar addiction too.

Very cute blog

Spoken like a true mama's boy!LOL!Youre a good man Jack Gray!

Hi Jack:

Yes, your mom sounds like a wonderful person.......but.......does she own a snuggie? Just wondering.....

It would make one great mother's day gift now wouldn't it?

Have a great weekend!

Hi Jack, love all your blogs, and this one really touched me. Growing up with divorced parents, I didn't have the opportunity to have a close relationship with my mom. Seeing all those Mother's Day jewelry and card commercials, reading your blog... makes me really wish I had that chance.

Thanks for always making me smile : )
Bonnie

You have a really kewl mom, hope you find some time to connect with her on Mother's Day...

awwww. is that a little tear I spot at the end of the post? something about my mommy being a teacher or something? *sniff*

my mom's a teacher too (and so's my dad). public school, in one of the Philippine's most remote provinces and let me tell you this.. if walking for two hours everyday every morning for the first ten years of their teaching careers to get to their school doesn't count as dedication, I don't know what else does.

My Dad's gone now and my Mom's retiring in June. And I can attest to the fact that teachers make the world's best parents...

So Happy Mother's Day to your mom, my mom and all the mom teachers in the world!

Jack, this is both hilarious and sweet, just like you are.

my son is also 28 and i still think he is the best thing going...moms are just that way. we love you during all circumstances and in all seasons. just be your loveable self and you will win your mom's heart forever. funn to read this blog...i am blessed!

That was neat to say and do for your mom.I put my mom threw hell and at this time in my life she is very supportive of me .I love her allot .Happy Mothers day to all the mothers out there

You are hilarious. I was reading through your twitter and was thinking that you should totally follow/marry @gordonshumway
You both have the same sense of humor.

Absolutely spot-on and fantastic blog today! Took the words right out of my mouth on how I feel about my amazing mom. To have a mother who is beautiful, smart and funny is such a gift isn't it? (Even if she is snoring on the couch)

wow i am speechless. any mom would be proud to have such a witty son

Happy mother's day to all the mothers out there!

A good sense of humor is a necessity. It makes life so much more colorful and easier to face. I loved your dedication via your blog to your Mom. Maybe she can talk you into a book?? You can dedicate to your Mom.

Recently I heard a saying regarding a parents love. "You hold their hand for awhile. You hold their heart forever". As always, your article was enjoyed.

Jack, you are absolutely adorable! Your writing is tops and always makes me smile! I am so glad you wrote about your beautiful mom in your Mother's Day blog. And that you salute teachers. My mom was also an amazing teacher. The great ones stay with you always and never get the kudos they deserve. They don't complain because they love what they do, get gratification from being with their students and interacting with them. Because they give so much to their students it is the gift that keeps on giving. Often for generations! Thanks Jack, and to all at CNN, have a great Mother's Day.

Very cute story, Jack! May your mom have a fantastic mother's day! You're a great writer and I'm sure that'll make mom proud!

Jack, I love you and your gorgeous mom!! Lana from West Newbury likes this article ALOT!! So proud of you.....Happy Mother's Day Mrs. Gray!!!

Jack, I read the blog you wrote regarding your love for your grannies, and now this wonderful piece about your mummy which are so adorable.,,,I'll really look forward to a blog regarding the first time you took a girlfriend to meet the family

Great blog! Glad to hear a shout out for the teachers I am one as well. Keep the blogs comin'.

I cannot believe you are only 28, you are too wise and cynical. I really thank you for valuing your mom. It is something that a mom will never forget. Happy Mother's Day to your mom. I am sure she is proud of you.

Jack, your mom looks like she could play a mom on TV. Does she watch any of those Lifetime movies? She could play a mom on one of those movies. She looks like the perfect fit.

im glad i am not the only one. My relationship with mom is very similar and i am just coming down the peak/ denoument of my parking tickets etc... im younger then 28 though...

Great blog for Mommy Day! I have to go call my mom now...you just made me feel guilty...need powdered sugar to erase this pain.

Nice going Jack! Happy mom's day to all!

Dear Jack,

If you would like to pay your mother back, then here is a tip: Already browse your way around the health care system for aging Americans and make sure there is a guest-room at your place (in the future) where grandma can stay over. The truth is that more and more aging Americans rely on their children for care. You might have to look into policies (which do not exist yet) that fully support home care coverage. Just increasing more awareness on this issue is enough to pay your mother back.

I can't say the same Jack, I was raised by my great aunt Jaunita Olmos off and on through my life because of my disabities I was abused by my own parents. My great-aunt finally took me in when I was 71/2 years old. I wasn't even going to school yet because no schools here didn't even have a Special Education program for children like myself. So, my great-aunt fought for my education she knew if she didn't I would end-up in a State Hospital with no hope of a normal life. With many years of Speical Ed. and Speech Therapy, plus the support of my great-aunt"s family. I graduated from High School and took art course"s and then some.
Even thou she's passed on since, I will never forget her, especially today.
In the heaven's the angel's called your name on this day.

You have earn those Silver wings, fly with the angels, MOM.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Nice article Jack. Thank you for helping to put me in the Mother's Day spirit. It's not too hard to take some time to thank my mom for being who she is and it's always good to know that I've made her happy, my dad too for that matter. In the hustle and tussle of daily life it seems like that simple idea can get lost now and then. But there's no reason that has to be the case. Anyway that's a thought.

Sweet story.

I am blessed to have had your mom as my friend for almost twenty years! She is SPECTACULAR in every way and is gorgeous inside and out!!!! She is SO VERY special to SO many – I am truly honored to know her........ you and your sister are blessed beyond words!!