Hey Tom! LOVE the Avitar picture! Those three braids are excellent! What a fantastic style!
It's my favorite of your styles, single braid and low single braid, both, next!
(From what you shared it seems to me, that your Mom did a rather incredible job in supporting you to become who you are meant to be... Unfortunate that her local support group are able to influence her so... I'm glad you see the full perspective). She deserves quite the praise indeed for producing such an accomplished son, who enjoys life to the fullest.