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editOr'S NOte editor's note by Michael J. Pallerino Letters from home I would start the book. It was a promise I had made to my Mother repeatedly over the years. But in between the children, the work, the travel and the millions of other things that seemingly manage to bury every bit of our time, the deadline always came and went. Cutlass Supreme and head to Georgia in search of whatever it was that was out there. The emerging city of Atlanta was a long way from Clayton Street in New Castle, Pa. But thanks to a couple of friends who shared my vision, I was off. I can admit it now. I can tell you that all those letters and cards and quotes that my Mom sent me every week gave me the strength to push forward. I can tell you that if not for those nuggets of encouragement, I might have repacked my car and headed back to the place I thought I had to leave. "You don't judge a person by what they have when they leave us – you judge them by what they leave behind." This is one of my favorite pictures of my Mother and Father, taken after I gave her a photo of my oldest son's baby picture in 1988. It has been in a frame in my offces for more than 25 years. The book, titled "Letters from Home," is a story about a teenager who leaves his sleepy little town in search of bigger and better opportunities. Inspired by the journalism professors who flled his head with grandiose tales of a life on the road, his plan was to travel the world and stay two steps ahead of all those who couldn't – and wouldn't – look past that small town city limits sign. As I told Mom, this book is kind of a "Chicken Soup of the Soul" for wayward sons – an inspirational resource for those days that just won't end. Mom wasn't crazy about the premise of the book. She never did quite get over the fact that her oldest son (that's me, in case you hadn't figured it out) decided to pack our 1976 That was the line I opened my Mother's eulogy with. Julia Jean Pallerino left us unexpectedly in June, leaving behind three boys, nine grandchildren and a husband who have not gone one second since without feeling the impact she has left on our lives. Amid the never-ending questions as to why – and when – somebody has to leave us is the enduring reminder that they don't really leave. I still talk to Mom every day. I still ask her for advice, insights and guidance. The answers come in different ways. Many of them are in a folder of letters to the left of my desk – a treasure drove of cards, clippings and notes that continue to inspire me when all of life's pressures come crashing down at once. So, I'm sorry, for this is not your traditional editorial letter. It doesn't speak of construction challenges and insights on the projects and deadlines we face every day. There will always be time and space for that. This note is for Mom. It also is a reminder for all of us that it is never too late to get started. Mom promised me that. Oh, and I will start the book. Already have. CCR Michael J. Pallerino is the editor of Commercial Construction & Renovation. You can reach him at 678.513.2397 or via email at mikep@ccr-mag.com. 6 CommerCial ConstruCtion & renovation — September : OctOber 2013