The Best Mother in the World

“My mother gave me life and never once asked for anything in return. That is her secret, you know, always giving without expectations. She is as constant as the sunrise, the moon, the stars, and I count on her.  She helps me find my way through the years and makes me laugh while doing it. There are some things that only a mother can do.” Unknown

Not to be Debbie Downer, but this was true except that I never got to have her be there through the years, which makes me very sad. I had a mother who always encouraged me and told me I was a "renaissance woman" who could do anything I wanted to do. She hugged me, taught me to be a lady (a.k.a. respect myself and others), led by example in service to the community, taught me to dance the Electric Slide and the Tango in our tiny little kitchen, reminded me to laugh at myself, taught me to view life as an ongoing learning experience, and encouraged me to explore the world around me as I go through life. She taught me to have a living faith that embraces all possibilities without denying my essential beliefs. The way she approached her death, too, showed strength, courage and faith - and she continued to inspire people even after she died.

On Mother's Day, everyone talks about their mothers being "The Best Mother in the world."  I respectfully disagree, because to me, this woman whose physical presence I only got for 17 years on this earth was and will always be the best mother in the world!