David Senra

And so Bruce obviously loves his mother deeply.

He had a complicated relationship with her because she was his largest supporter.

But she also would put her husband above the needs of her children.

And he kind of wrestles with this throughout the book.

But one thing you realize early on is that the way that his mom approached her work sounds a lot like the way he approaches his.

She goes to work.

She does not miss a day.

She is never sick.

She is never down.

She never complains.

Work does not appear to be a burden for her, but a source of energy and pleasure.

Truthfulness, consistency, professionalism, kindness, compassion, manners, thoughtfulness, pride in yourself, honor, love, faith in and fidelity to your family, commitment, joy in your work, and a never-say-die thirst for life.

These are some of the things my mother taught me.

And that I struggle to live up to.

And so he goes back to describing a childhood.

He knows he does not have the things that he needs.

I never saw the inside of a restaurant until I was well into my 20s.

My father was a misanthrope who shunned most of humankind.

And so he knows he doesn't have what he wants.

And then he sees a glimpse of a better life.