On one of tonight's episodes, you all met my mom, Aspasia.

She is one mother of a mother.

Born in Greece, she emigrated to America through Ellis Island at age 12. She met her father the first time while arriving in NYC. (He left for America when she was very young to make a living.)

She loves America. She never returned to Greece after leaving over 60 years ago.  

I am so a mama's boy. We look and act very much alike.

She's very funny, direct, and likes to be in control. Just like her son.

I would not be where I am today if it wasn't for her.

Throughout my life, all I really did was want to please her.

Do good in school. Be kind and considerate to others. Treat friends like family. And family like friends.

Every big life decision I had to make, she has supported me. Whether it was moving to France, San Francisco, or turning down Harvard biz school, she always trusted I would do the right thing.

My dad died when I was in my 20s, and it was hard on our small family. My mom had to sell the restaurant, and became a nanny to support herself. I would send money home to help, and each time I did it was received with a teary phone call thanking me profusely.