Mom

Dear Mom,  I did not want this Mother’s Day to pass without saying I love you.  I could say it every day, and still wish I said it more.  
I hope your Mother’s Day is all you wish – and all you deserve it to be.   You’ve done an incredible job and every one you touched are still so touched by you.

When I look in the mirror and see the best of me, I always know it is because of you.  You taught me to see the world through a lens of humor and humility and that there was not anything in the world that could not be balanced with laughter.   You taught me that “like” and “love” could be forever connected, yet “fear” and “respect” never had to be.    The Father I will always try to be is the Mother you always were.   

I miss you.  Not in the I don’t see you enough way, but rather in the I won’t see you any more way.  It makes me sad at times, but I find myself laughing about the life much more than crying about the loss.   The people that don’t understand that are simply those who never were blessed to know you.   I hope you, too, are smiling watching as life has continued – different – but onward.  Dad is the best Dad he has ever been after having to re-learn the things you always did for him.   Your kids all love each other and have re-found the adhesive that you always provided.  I am at a loss for words about our children and simply wish you are watching and smiling somewhere – you would be so touched and proud.   I promise that your light, spirit and soul will always be a part of them.

No matter how old I am, I will always cry good tears from our song:
Whatever I do, you taught me to do. Whatever I know, I learned from you. Whatever I am, you taught me to be. 
I am your child.

I love you so.