Suzanne Rust

She also works with a nonprofit that provides education and career skills to low-income residents in the DC metro area.

She says that helping people realize their ambitions is what keeps her going.

I followed up with Denise to see how she was doing these days, and she joked that except for the vagaries of aging, she's doing just fine.

And while her brother still has his struggles, she is proud of his accomplishments and is still there for him 100%.

To see a poem that Denise wrote about Pearl but never got to deliver, go to themoth.org.

Pearl is no longer with us, but all these years later, Denise says that she is forever grateful for the friendship, tough love and guidance she provided, and the belly laughs that they shared.

And I heartily agree with Denise.

Everyone should have a black mother and a Jewish mother.

I was so lucky to have had the amazing Edna Rust as my mother, and fortunate to have a few Jewish mothers of my own.

Sarah B. and Susie S., thanks for being there.

Well, that's it for this episode of the Moth Radio Hour.

We hope you'll join us next time.

And that's the story from the Moth.

Ever listened to The Moth and thought, I have a story to tell?

We'd love to hear it.

The Moth Pitch Line is your chance to share a two-minute pitch of your true personal story.

Record it right on our site at themoth.org or call 877-799-MOTH.

That's 877-799-6684.

Here's the thing.

We listen to every single pitch.