Sheltered myself from so many

During the years past, I have demonstrated many tomfooleries.  Some were good others were not so good.  I pride myself, as I sheltered myself from so many others, to have grown up good-by nature and honored my mother by staying out of trouble, how I wonder sometimes the how, and to have lived a good life.  She taught me well as it was just her and myself throughout life.  I grew up as a boy learning to be a man.  I am not sure I ever graduated to that level.