“She was obsessed with her sons, physical and emotional condition. If she was not worried about his digestion, feet, teeth, bowels, color, cheeks, weight, or proximity to others with contagious diseases, she was anxious about what she called his “super sensitiveness,”nervousness, and inability to make friends with other boys.

“…the mother helped instill in him lifelong phobias about his physical and mental state.”

“Howard also learned from her that the best way to attract attention, or escape unpleasant situations was to complain of illness.

The slightest whimper from him would unleash a wave of smothering attention from Allene Hughes, and throughout his life he would pretend to be sick when he wanted to avoid responsibility or elicit sympathy.”