When I was younger I remember visiting my grandmother’s church with my mom every Mother’s Day. It was a small church with mainly seniors making up the congregation. They would hand out flowers to the oldest mother and the mother with the most children in attendance. Every year someone would read a poem about their mother who had passed away many years ago. Most of the poem readers would get choked up while they read. These were 70-80 year old people still wishing they could see their mothers one more time. I didn’t really empathize with them back then. Times have changed though.

I hate radio commercials this week before Mother’s Day. They’re all about finding that perfect gift for mom. This will be my first Mother’s Day without her. Last year she was sick during Mother’s Day but I was still able to hug her, give her gifts and let her know I loved her.

I really didn’t have a clear message I was trying to get across when I began writing this. Just a way for me to get out some thoughts and feelings. But I know that moms are special. For most of my life mine had to play the single parent role and I don’t know how she did it. She was the best and I still miss her everyday.

I know the grief and pain never really go away; you just find a way to live with them. And like anyone who has ever lost someone dear, I wish I had one more chance to hug her and tell her I love her. If you have a relationship with your mom, let her know how much she means to you. Treat her special, and not just on this one holiday out of the year. She deserves all the love you can give.