Vivian Mahl: My nominee for Malibu Mother of the Year

Motherhood is not something to take for granted. In spite of what science tells us is an innate directive to nurture and to protect--to inhabit true selflessness, we should never take it for granted. In the end, Motherhood might be the only thing that can save us…

Apart from my own mother and the mother of my own two kids I have always considered my favorite mother to be the collective mothers of various black, college football players who, all too often, never had a father and who never forgot, not for a second, to say that their mother was the most important thing in their lives. It wasn’t even close. I’ve noticed this since I was a young kid. I remember watching college football games and seeing these college football players on television talking about their mothers. We’ve all seen it. Imagine just how much these very young men, once boys, then teenagers, now young men, needed their mother when they had no other person whom they KNEW would be there for them no matter what. They would often say “love you mom” into the camera. These were big, tough guys who would never let their guard down for anyone else…..but their mother. They were raised, cradled, and loved by the only parent they ever knew.

Vivian Mahl is the single mother of (4) kids in Malibu. I am nominating her for “best mom” in Malibu. There is no such contest but I am nominating her anyways. I have no doubt that there are countless great mothers in Malibu and I thank them all (you know who you are). Vivian, though, accesses a special place in my heart. I am lucky to say that I have known her since we both came to Malibu about 12 years ago. I don’t know her whole story though I know that she is from Long Island, New York. Here is a very (small) slice of rest of the story:

Vivan decided to adopt her four kids on her own (all by herself). She wanted a family. I know all of her kids (2) boys and (2) girls and she definitely has created a family. I share parenting duties for my own (2) kids with my wife and it occupies a huge amount of my time. Vivian, one of the sweetest ladies you will ever know, takes care of all (4) of her great kids all by herself. Let me assure you that on her most selfish day she puts herself #5. Her sister, the aunt to her four kids, is always there to give support (and that is greatly appreciated) but Vivian is usually spinning (4) plates on a high wire without a net. I’ve seen it time after time…time after time. She had hip surgery fairly recently and it has kept her from being as nimble as she would like….but Vivian at 50% is quite formidable as a mother. The story goes that God doesn’t give you anything you can’t handle. Well, anything that has to do with being a great mother--Vivian can handle. God has not been timid about giving her challenges.

Vivian lost her oldest son a few months ago. I first heard of it on a weekend (I remember exactly where I was) and it caught me off guard. I knew Michael. My heart fell to the ground and it stayed there for a long time. I remember when I decided to visit Vivian for the first time after Michael’s passing. It was very difficult. I can tell you this much: No one on this earth could have been a better mother to Michael Mahl. Vivian is calming, caring, engaged, and sincere. She never takes a day off. Soon after Michael's passing Vivian gave me a gift of a small frosted glass angel. It was a gift to help (me). Vivian was thinking of me at the most difficult time of her life. She had to keep her other (3) kids feeling secure and loved, and on solid ground. Thankfully, most of us will never know the gravity of that task.

Vivan Mahl is my nominee for the non existent “Malibu Mother of the Year" Award. Malibu typically sings for, celebrates and adores the famous, the rich, the well connected, and the glamorous. Vivian is none of those. Vivian, though, is a hero to me. She is an unsung hero of Malibu. Those are my favorite types of “heroes”.