My Mom is the epitome of nurturing. Not only did she nurture her own children, she was a wonderful step Mom to two and foster Mom to over 25 children. To me that is remarkable. To love not only the children that came from you, but also those who came to you. She has an incredible strength and love and compassion that reaches to all the 'children' who have known her. Even now, in my late 30's, my Mom nurtures me—with her wisdom and advice. Her acceptance and her encouragement of me as a woman and a mother myself. Her help with my own children and her steadfast love of me, her child. She slips me gas money, packs up leftovers so I don't have to make dinner, invites me over to share a meal. She has always been my Mother and every day becomes more and more my friend. I couldn't have asked for a better Mother and her love is a gift to me and all who have had the blessing of knowing her.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom. I love you.