I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.

Abraham Lincoln

Today is Mother's Day.
Growing up I loved my mom.
It was later, after I left home, that I gained a real appreciation for my Mom.

Later still, as I became a Mom, this appreciation grew to a huge sense of obligation I felt toward my Mom.

Not obligated in that I felt I needed to pay her back for my youthful selfish actions.

But, that I had an obligation to be as good a Mom to my own children.

I didn't what them to have the "cheap imitation" of a Mom.

But, alas it was not to be, I couldn't be the

Mom to my children that my Mom was to me.

So, I tried to be a different kind of Mom.

There were times I felt the shadow of my Mom in my

actions, and words, a hint of her humor when

I would laugh a big belly-laugh at my families antics.

There were even times that a recipe I tried

tasted nearly as good as hers.

I always have my toenails painted, as does my Mom.

I pick various colors for myself, Mom has always

wore RED polish on her toes. Once I

asked her "why always red Mom?"

She answered:

"It's the wicked in me."

I always laugh when I think of that.

There is nothing wicked about her. . . . .ever.

I'm grateful to have such a great Mom. I've always believed

in myself, because Mom told me she believed in me.

What a blessing she has been to me and continues to be.

I love you Mom