My daughter called me this morning, from across the country. First she texted at o’dark thirty; “Are you up?” It was about 5:45 am. I stumbled out of bed and grabbed my cell phone to see who it was. This is the deal. When a mom receives a text from a daughter — does not matter how old she is — at o’dark thirty in the morning, a mom must be “up”. I’m up. I called her back. “What is it honey? Is everything OK?” — I made my way to the kitchen to put coffee on. Of course it’s not OK. Daughter calling mom at o’dark thirty.

“Mom, I just needed to hear the voice of someone I know cares for me.” And later, she added, “I think the best gift you ever gave me was your unconditional love.”

I know that gift. My mom gave me the same gift. Thank God! And that brings me to what I want to say. God is all about unconditional love. God invented unconditional love. God IS unconditional love. So, when your mom is gone and you are missing that love so much, it is so important to remember that God is always there. Always.  Remember that, my sweet daughters. Know that it is His love that is sustaining me as I remember my mom today and miss her so dearly. And it is His love that will keep you steadfast and strong at the weakest times.

But today, I feel strong. And today, I celebrate life and thank God for my children and their unconditional love of me. I am truly blessed. Happy Mother’s Day!