The latest batch of Houseguests are likely being collected up and heading to their new home for the summer, but what about the family they’re leaving behind? Those moms, dads, and loved ones will be watching nervously from home with emotions the rest of us won’t have to worry about.

Last season Steve Moses’ mom Kathleen Moses became a well known figure after her numerous mentions by Steve and now she’s here to share her story on what life was like from the outside watching in. Kathleen also shares advice to the new set of Houseguests’ moms, dads, and loved ones back home as they prepare for their own summer adventure. – Matthew Boyer

An open letter to Big Brother 18 Moms and Dads:

Congratulations! Your son or daughter will be joining the cast of Big Brother 18. This may have been a lifelong dream, like it was for my son, Big Brother 17’s Steve Moses, or this may be just a great opportunity that fell into his or her lap. However he or she was found, you will now be on a wild emotional roller coaster ride for many weeks to come.

When the experience first began and Steve was whisked off to Los Angeles, I was just so excited for him. I knew I would miss him so much, but I had no idea what I was really going to feel. As a super fan of the show myself, I was anticipating watching him first enter the house, the first HOH and veto competitions, the first nomination ceremony, watching the feeds, the show’s intro sequence, and those epic Big Brother experiences, such as OTEV and Zingbot.

The feeds first came on after the houseguests were there for about two weeks or so. I instantly saw my son was already nominated for eviction. I tried to count my blessings. Before he left Steve said he was fine with any outcome, even if he was the first one voted out, and he just was so happy to have the chance to do it. I kept reminding myself of what he said, but it didn’t work. I was so worried for him – the first of many low points.

Steve did win the first veto competition, the classic spelling competition, with the word TROMBONISTS. I knew then he would get the chance to cast a vote on eviction night. Winning a competition and voting were two big parts of the Big Brother experience. This was the first of many high points.

The entire summer passed ever so slowly with low, high, low, high, low, high moments endlessly repeating themselves. I had trouble sleeping and eating. I found myself constantly checking the feeds, Twitter updates, and Big Brother websites, including this one. I found it difficult to work or to even have conversations with family and friends. I did not expect this to happen.

Eventually I just kept saying to myself I’ll be happy if he just makes it to jury. This would give him the full shot with seeing the jury house and voting for the winner at the finale. Right after the slip and slide competition Julie Chen announced all remaining houseguests had made it to jury. My worry didn’t leave, however, because I saw the newest HOH would probably nominate Steve and the roller coaster continued.

When I flew to Los Angeles for the finale all I could think about at that point was seeing Steve and hugging him so tight. I believed he could win, but I knew I could be happy with any result as long as he was happy, too. All of the things he told me before he left stayed true all season. He really just wanted to go to the Big Brother house and play the game the best he could.

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