Where would we be without our Moms! Whether it's our birth Mother, step Mom, or surrogate Mom, we are better today for their love, support, and friendship! During this month of celebrating Mothers, I am delighted to say how wonderful my Mom is! She is caring, kind, consistent, and loyal! She never stops being my Mom (See: Public correction of 4th child's grammar) or my friend!

My Mom is a silent strength of my life! Her Make A Difference actions and efforts have motivated me to impact those around me. There's not a day that goes by where I don't think of her and use the lessons she's taught me by example!

One such example is in her daily card and letter writing! Its funny how most people take a note for granted. I've always been blessed to get notes from Mom! Whether it is for some holiday, occasion, or "just because", (Those are my favorite!) she takes time out of her life every day to encourage and uplift.

She's been known to send notes or cards to perfect strangers. In a resent note to one of my friends, she simply said, "Keep on, keeping on!" She will never know how moving her note was to my friend and me.

That example definitely goes noticed by me and many of those she impacts! I would be grossly mistaken if I didn't mention my Moms gift of knitting, needle point, and cooking! Damn that woman can make you feel so good with one of her culinary creations! She would tell you that she's a meat and potatoes girl, but don't let that fool you! She makes a divine Ossobuco! Her ultimate favorite though always goes back to SPAM! (See: All the stuff "they" don't use)

One lesson my Mom taught me came when I was a very little boy. I asked her, "Mom, what happens when you're not around to see if I do bad things?" Her answer still resonates in my heart today! She said, "Billy, I am always right here (Pointing to my mind) and here, (Pointing to my heart) and here." (Pointing to my shoulder) She went on to say, "No matter where you go, you take me with you!" That lesson taught me one of the most important lessons of my life. The message of integrity! (See: Who you are when no one is looking) I am very lucky to remember that learning moment!

Where ever your Mom is take some time to celebrate her this month!

Mom, I love you very much! Although I don't get to see you as often as I would like, you are in my thoughts every day and always on my shoulder!

~Billy

Originaly posted 5-10-07