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« I'm Richard Burns, WCTR News . . . | Main | hey man, well this is babylon »

October 26, 2004

listen to your mother

"If you are specific about your goals, and put yourself in a place where your
good luck can do you some good, the universe will absolutely conspire to make
your dreams come true."

— My Mom, when I was a little kid, at a time when I was actually paying attention.

You were right, Mom, about more stuff than you could possibly imagine. I love you.

Posted by wil at October 26, 2004 01:50 PM
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» Family from obey alien
William (again, one of my roommates) recently introduced me to the works of Wil Wheaton. This 'Wheaton' was once a performer in the television show 'Star Trek'. The show concerned itself with the misadventures of a group of humans exploring... [Read More]

Tracked on October 26, 2004 10:31 PM
Comments

Well when it comes to my childhood I am of the thinking that You don't appreciate a lot of stuff in school until you get older.
Little things, like being spanked every day by a middle-aged woman. Stuff you pay good money for in later life.

Posted by: Michael at October 26, 2004 01:55 PM

Ahh, the dream of every mother... to have her words be remembered by her kids...

how sweet! :)

Mari

Posted by: Mari at October 26, 2004 01:56 PM

That's sweet.

And to the above poster: Bwah! That's hilarious.

Posted by: Squirly at October 26, 2004 01:57 PM

As I have gotten older, I've come to realize how often my mom, dad and brother were right about quite a few things that they have told me especially advice.

Now that I'm 31, I've also come to notice that I'm like them in some aspects of my personality, way of thinking and even little quirky things they used to do, I do. Kind of scary at time considering the kind of family I came from. LOL It's all good. However,

Posted by: seiry at October 26, 2004 01:59 PM

Moms are the best. I was proud when the day came that I finally realized she really knew what the hell she was talking about.

I try to make sure she knows I know this as often as I can now. I think I'll call her.

Posted by: Chris Lemon at October 26, 2004 01:59 PM

This little tiny entry turns out to be one of your most poignient and meaningful ever. Just as I read it, I was reminded of all the times my mom gave me little "lectures" (or hints, now that I'm older), and all the things she'd say.

I think I'm gonna call my mom and thank her now... Profusely...

Posted by: Eric in PA at October 26, 2004 02:08 PM

What a great quote! It's just the thing I need to hear at this point in my life.

Thanks for sharing it!

Posted by: ed at October 26, 2004 02:16 PM

I imagine this quote making into Bartlett's... some day.

Posted by: Chuck Field at October 26, 2004 02:41 PM

Wil, your mom is cool. And I'm sure she'll really appreciate this when she sees it.

Posted by: robin s. at October 26, 2004 02:50 PM

Wow Wil, and Wil's Mom too, that's a really cool quote. And the fact that you're passing it on to many, many other people is equally cool!

Posted by: Nate at October 26, 2004 02:57 PM

I wonder what happened to make Wil write that.

Posted by: Sarah at October 26, 2004 02:59 PM

To poster Michael, above (first post): Hmm. Maybe we should exchange numbers. Hee hee.

Posted by: Goddyss at October 26, 2004 03:01 PM

That Dr. Crusher sure was smart!

Posted by: Not Lykwen at October 26, 2004 03:01 PM

Sounds alot like what Paulo Coelho has always preached - when you really want something and work 100% towards it, the universe conspires to make it happen. If its to be, its to be.

Posted by: Cougaris at October 26, 2004 03:17 PM

Funny how as you go through life, you find moments that make you realize just how much your parents do know and understand ... and just how much you put them through.

I still remember when my son was born, the doctor gave him to me, I held him a moment, then turned to my mother and just said "I'm sorry."

Amazing how much she said and did made sense the moment I could see it from the "mom" perspective instead of the "kid" one.

What was more amazing was that she understood what I meant by those two words at that moment.

Posted by: Ailsa at October 26, 2004 04:04 PM

To Goddyss:
maybe Wil will play match maker and send you my email address... (go ahead Wil if you are so inclined - I have never spoken to a Goddyss before)

Posted by: Michael at October 26, 2004 04:13 PM

Aw! *hugs you* You have a smart mommy too. *hugs my mommy* Just feeling overwhelmed with love?

Posted by: Beth at October 26, 2004 04:25 PM

Thanks wil. I'm speechless :)

Posted by: Shayne at October 26, 2004 04:42 PM

Wow, I really envy those that can trust and listen to their parents. Good going Wil. Our normal instinct is to pay no mind, even if we love our parents. I know that your folks are partially responsible for you turning into such a nice guy. And you are nice, and so are your parents. 'Nuff said.

P.S. To Wil's Parental Units: Great job!

Posted by: Keith Coogan at October 26, 2004 04:53 PM

I tell Nicolle everyday that it's such a shame Sydney doesn't get to
remember how much I go all whipped over her, and it's a shame that, as
humans, we don't get to appreciate how much our parents loved us and how
much we mean to them until we have kids of our own.

Your mom knows you know man.

That's so cool.

Posted by: Russ at October 26, 2004 05:20 PM

I was raised by my grandmother. As I get older, I can see that so much of what she told me was true. I really miss her... I love you grandma!!!

Posted by: Kimberly at October 26, 2004 05:22 PM

That's cool Wil! Funny though; sounds more like a Dad comment than a mom one but it's cool that you remembered it.

Posted by: Geoff at October 26, 2004 05:35 PM

One of the few things I can remember my mother telling me is: "Don't swim for an hour after you eat or you'll get cramps and drown." I'm still here so I guess I took her advice. She is 97 now and I love her dearly.

Freeman :)

Posted by: Freeman in Louisiana at October 26, 2004 06:03 PM

Was your Mom giving you advice on poker? Sounds like a quote you'd see in a random poker book.

Posted by: Pauly at October 26, 2004 06:58 PM

"It's times like this I wish I'd listen to what my mother said"

"What did she say?"

"I don't know, I wasn't listening"

Paraphrased, but that's a great book.

Posted by: Devyn at October 26, 2004 07:49 PM

Aw, Wil..you made me cry.....again.

My Mom is in a extended care home..she only has
limited moments of clarity...but I still
remember the things she told me...like "always beleive in yourself"...and "don't wear plaid with stripes"!

You go Willow!

Posted by: bluecat/redblanket at October 26, 2004 07:55 PM

That first comment is so. Brutal.
God save me I laughed out loud.

Wil, thanks for your blog, it's often the happiest moment in my day and frequently the most inspiring. Also mildly titilating on rare occasions. Like..... this one.

Somewhere Freud is laughing.

Posted by: M. Douglas Wray at October 26, 2004 08:21 PM

Indeed, Sarah, I'm wondering what awesome piece of news Wil has now. I'm suspecting the universe just conspired to make one or more of his dreams come true recently. Hmm...

Mmm... very sweet quote. Reminds me to still listen to the parents, even when you've reached adulthood. Yay for parents. :) Thanks, Wil.

cheers.

Posted by: angie k at October 26, 2004 08:28 PM

Hey Will just check out http://althistory.blogspot.com/
scoll down qand look at october 24th;
in 1991, Star Trek producer/creator Bob Wesley dies of a heart attack in Los Angeles, California. His vision of the future started not only his own career but those of Emmy and Oscar winners William Shatner, Martin Landau, Will Wheaton and Patrick Stewart. Wesley will always be remembered with great affection by the millions who followed that vision.
Don't ya just love parallel universes?

Posted by: Kevin Brooking at October 26, 2004 08:34 PM

hey will-
"you're more than just a geek to me"

can you imagine what the world would be like if your mom hadn't told you what a great writer you are? we all owe her a big Thank You and a big hug. give her one from me. :)

thanks again for the booksigning on sunday, i dont have to tell you that it made my day, week, month, and probably year. whens that book signing in huntington beach? is that right? thats the next one in the LA area? tell us when it is, I'm there!

Posted by: Jessie at October 26, 2004 08:57 PM

How absolutely awesome! Your mom and your dad are wonderful people. I can just tell....

Posted by: Jules at October 26, 2004 08:59 PM

Good that you let her know now and not have it as one of those “I wish I’d have told her” moments when you can’t. Love and cherish your parents while you have the chance.

Posted by: griff at October 26, 2004 10:16 PM

As always, you somehow manage to write something that is exactly what I need to read at the exact moment I really need to read it. Hug your Mom extra for me because...Wow. Then give yourself a hug from me because....Wow squared. :)

Posted by: Erin at October 26, 2004 10:46 PM

Ahhhhhhhh!

I want to cry that is so sweet!

Love your Mom!

Scott

Posted by: Scott T at October 26, 2004 10:52 PM

That's something my mom would say... and I love her for it every day. Mom's are always so full of lifelong, wonderful advice. :)

Posted by: Laura at October 26, 2004 11:50 PM

the, I wish I would have listened, syndrome.

Posted by: Andy Becker at October 27, 2004 03:07 AM

This just made my day...the world is lightly peppered with these radiant souls. I think you're mother is one of them. Reminds me very much so of Rob Brezsney and his definition of "pronoia": The opposite of paranoia, pronoia is defined as the sneaking suspicion that the whole world is conspiring to shower you with blessings.

Posted by: Tina at October 27, 2004 04:39 AM

Wil,

Mothers are always right, and smart enough to know that we will realize it when we grow up. Mom's love unconditionally and know that we have to make our own mistakes, that we won't take their advice and knowledge at face value - but we will eventually get there.

The payback is the Mother's curse......"I hope you have a child just like you!"

I know, I have a 14 year old boy myself.

I get it now Mom.....and to my son - I hope you have one just like you!

Sharfa

Posted by: Sharfa at October 27, 2004 05:49 AM

Your mother is nicer than mine. Mine said simply, "Keep your pecker in your pants until your're married."

Posted by: frombirthtodeath at October 27, 2004 07:32 AM

Will, great post!

someone posted something "wait until your mother reads that post"

it got me to thinking. do your friends and family read your blog? do they read certain posts and call you either happy or dissapointed about them?

Posted by: Joseph Driscoll at October 27, 2004 07:43 AM

Wil,

Great to see that you have a very supportive family. It's great seeing your parents at your reading and book signing this past Sunday at Borders.

Posted by: Scott Otsuka at October 27, 2004 10:02 AM

Hey Jessie,

"...whens that book signing in huntington beach? is that right?..."
Posted by Jessie at October 26, 2004 08:57 PM

What I remember [vaguely] him saying was the end of November... like Sunday the 28th, perhaps???? B&N doesn't have it listed online, yet. Sorry I'm not 100% certain, but at least we know to keep an open day the last week of the month.
------
Reading Wil's and everyone's comments... very touching to be sure. Also be grateful that you have the chance to let your parents know that you now know. Many people do not have that chance.

[dug the 1st comment about the spankings, too, ROFL.]

Posted by: edwoodca at October 27, 2004 11:03 AM

Oh my... i am going to use this one on my boys. Thank you for sharing, and thank your mom for saying it to you.

Posted by: inanna at October 27, 2004 04:55 PM

Awesome quote. Thank you. Mind if I use it on my daily quote board?

Posted by: Jonathan at October 27, 2004 05:12 PM

Thank you, Willow. I'm speechless, feeling so blessed, and in awe of you, son, as you consistently and fearlessly open your heart to the universe.
Love, Mom, your mom, really

Posted by: deb wheaton at October 27, 2004 07:05 PM

SEE..Mom was right!

(Are we allowed to call you Willow?)

Posted by: bluecat/redblanket at October 27, 2004 07:52 PM

thanks edwoodca! i guess that means i'll be seeing you in a few weeks at huntington beach! ;)

Posted by: Jessie at October 27, 2004 09:37 PM

Jessie... yeah, see ya there. I wouldn't want to miss his reading [again!]. I've been late to his other two here and have missed virtually all of his reading, but have been able to meet him for the signings.

He said if I get there the 27th, I should be on time for the reading the 28th. [dates are still fuzzy for me, use caution.]

Posted by: edwoodca at October 27, 2004 11:06 PM

how sweet!

Posted by: seasnail at October 28, 2004 12:59 PM

Paul-
my suggestion: call the barnes and noble (or whatever it was) in huntington beach and ask them, they should know. although a week before wil came to my Borders i had no idea he was coming. a customer told me. hopefully the barnes and noble employees are better informed lol

Posted by: Jessie at October 29, 2004 01:37 AM

It's amazing how just a few words can give you a surge of emotion. That was so beautiful. Great entry, Wil!

-Vanessa Nichole

Posted by: Vanessa Nichole at October 29, 2004 08:07 AM

Yep, you are easily one of THE COOLEST PEOPLE to ever exist.

AND, you are a credit to your parents, too. They done good.

Posted by: LB Williams at October 29, 2004 09:52 PM

see http://www.stpetersburg.it/

Posted by: http://www.stpetersburg.it/ at December 10, 2004 01:48 AM
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