Missing Ma Mère

I'm not always the best daughter. Sometimes I get snippy during our brief transatlantic phone calls (grad school stress); when I am home, I don't often spend as much quality time with her as she'd like (twenty-something selfishness); and last year, I flew to Colombia on the day that was meant to honor her. According to some, "the holiday--which once served as a simple way to honor mothers--now conjures up images of crowded brunches, breakfast in bed, and sappy Hallmark cards." It doesn't to me though, not today. This Mother's Day reminds me of just how much I miss my mom and how grateful I am to have her as a role model--what with her sharp wit, sensitive resilience, generous thoughtfulness. When I recently told her how scared I am at being 25, she responded: "You have nothing to worry about. Right now, your job is to enjoy life as much as you can." Thank you, Mom, for making that possible. I love and appreciate you, always. [photo from August 2012, South Street Seaport]