" My mom was my mother and father. My father lost his mind when I was about 4 years old. And my mom did everything she could to make sure that we was brought up right. "
- Anthony Ray Hinton

In the given quote, the speaker describes their childhood experience of growing up without a father figure who had become mentally unstable when they were around four years old. Instead, the mother took on both maternal and paternal roles to ensure that her child was raised properly and received all necessary care and guidance.

The deep meaning behind this statement lies in the resilience and strength required by a single parent to raise children alone while facing significant challenges such as financial instability and emotional stress. It highlights the profound impact of a nurturing and supportive environment on a child's development, despite adverse circumstances. Additionally, it underscores the importance of maternal figures stepping up during times when traditional roles are disrupted, showing that love and care can transcend typical gender roles.

Anthony Ray Hinton is an American writer and speaker who has authored books about his life experiences, including time spent wrongly convicted and imprisoned for crimes he did not commit. His stories often emphasize themes of resilience, redemption, and the transformative power of human compassion and justice.