Sonia Sotomayor, mothers and credit where it's due

I've never cried at the nomination of a Supreme Court justice, so weeping at the presentation of Sonia Sotomayor surprised me. I was sitting with my own mother when President Obama made the announcement and we both listened as Sotomayor said, “I stand on the shoulders of countless people, yet there is one extraordinary person who is my life aspiration. That person is my mother, Celina Sotomayor.

"My mother has devoted her life to my brother and me. And as the president mentioned, she worked often two jobs to help support us after dad died. I have often said that I am all I am because of her, and I am only half the woman she is.”

I'm never quite sure how much my mother understands, but she looked directly at the Supreme Court nominee and said, “Giving credit where credit is due—I like that in a daughter, whether it's due or not.” And then she smiled impishly.

I left the room.