Those of you who still have your moms: appreciate them. Seek their counsel; they have walked the road that lies ahead of you, and you can benefit from their wisdom. Spend time with them; call them on the phone just to say hi; drop in unannounced; bring the grand-kids; give her a big bear hug and sloppy kiss on the cheek. She will probably stifle a laugh and tell you to stop being so mushy, but inside she is in heaven. It reminds her of the crushing hugs and sloppy kisses you gave her when you were a baby-and you will always be her baby.
Your mom wiped your tears, patched up your wounds, cooked meals for you, worked hard for you, taught you, did her best to protect you, held you tight when you were afraid. She gave you life.
Even if you are at odds with her at any point in your life, do everything in your power to make it right. No one, but no one, loves you like your mom.
I take a moment here to acknowledge women who have stood in for moms who were absent, in one way or another. I have had some of those in my life as well. But even if your mom has ever broken your heart, forgive her. I know that, deep down, the worst hurt a mother can experience is that the children that she bore, at any time in their lives, bear a grudge against her, or don't want her in their lives. If she has fallen off your childhood pedestal, remember that she, too, is human. She can fail. She will fail. But so will you. And so will every human being on the face of this earth. You may never agree on certain things; but afford her the same courtesy you give to friends who disagree with you.
I tell you from experience: one day, she will be gone. No matter if it happens while you are in your twenties or in your sixties, it will be too soon. And you will wonder why you let so much time pass between phone calls and visits. You will regret wasted years. You will miss your mom.
Wishing a blessed Mother's Day to mothers by blood or by love (or both), and their children.
