I have met Lucille O'Neal before, so I'm not surprised by her height when she opens her front door.

Being tall is something that she has had to contend with for most of her life, and I'm sure that even now she gets a few stares.

O'Neal stands at 6 feet, 2 inches.

But, gracious is the word that comes to mind when we sit down preparing for the interview.

She makes you feel comfortable, even as pictures of her family, including her former NBA superstar son, Shaquille O'Neal, surround us.

But, this isn't about Shaq. This is about his mom.

Prior to coming to Orlando in 1992 when Shaq was drafted by the Orlando Magic, O'Neal's life was no bed of roses. She's very candid about sharing her struggles, but most important is where she has ended up, her accomplishments and the many people she has helped. 

"To look at me now, you wouldn't even know who Lucille was," she said.

Let's begin with her getting pregnant at 17 years old while in high school. She still graduated. The son she bore was Shaquille, but she is quick to tell you that she has three other children, and she is proud of all of them.  

Then there was her height. Being tall did nothing for her self-confidence. So, even though she grew up in the church, another Lucille emerged -- one that started drinking, fighting and running away.

Along the way, there would be a marriage to a military man. That allowed them to travel (though a financial hardship at times), a divorce, and a bout with alcoholism. By the time O'Neal and her family arrived in Orlando in 1992 following the NBA draft, she admits she wasn't in a good place.

Things change, though.

O'Neal said she did a self-check in Orlando and remembered the dreams that she had way back when. She also wanted to be a role model for her children. 

One dream was to be a motivational speaker. Done.

She realized the importance and went back to college and graduated from two colleges. She's also an author and lays out her life for all to see -- a move she hopes will encourage others.

Then there are her charitable works because of her desire to give back, something she feels is required.

She said she never lost her faith. It was always there. She just got in the way of it. 

Now she stands tall and proud -- and not in the shadow of her son. She is Lucille O'Neal , so much more than Shaq's mama.