Sunday marks yet another celebration of terrific Mothers everywhere! Often times, my mother reminds me of the fact that she indeed brought me into this world. For that single issue alone I am forever grateful. My father on the other hand often reminded me of his part in me being here, bringing me into this world, along with the fact that he could take me out just as easily. He always had the ability to bring sunshine and clouds all at the same time. But my Mom, she was, is and always will be the glue that holds everything together. Her strength, commitment and support has been a motivating force as well as an inspiration in my life. Heck, I'd go so far as to say my Mom is my hero. Or simply, my Mom rocks!

50 years ago my Mom gave birth to a 9+ pound baby boy. Although I am sure I was the apple of her eye, I was born with a clef palate. In 1958 this was, and likely still is, a very delicate medical birth defect. Surgery was completed shortly after my birth. Often times Mom spoke of how terrible she felt, watching her young son go through the trials and tribulations of the operation. She was with me through the whole ordeal. In the 50's it was likely that Dad was the wage earner, while Mom took care of the house and family. So it was in my house. From birth through 5th grade, Mom was always there. Diner was at 5:00. Being late was simply not tolerated. Nor would I ever disrespect Mom by being so. While I was in 6th grade, Mom decided it was time that she contributed to the household budget. She took a job as a teller with 1st National Bank of Allentown in 1971. The bank has changed from 1st National, to Meridian, to Corestates, to First Union, to Wachovia over those 37 years. At 70, Mom still shows up to the same bank she's been at all these years. She's offended by those who question why she still works. After all, retiring would mean that she wouldn't get to see many of the banks customers she calls friends. I guess 37 years of friendships keeps her going. She loves her job, but really loves the people more. Now that's commitment!

1983 was a year of highs and lows for the entire family. Especially for Mom. In March of that year, at 46, my father suffered a massive heart attack at the kitchen table over morning coffee and the news paper. He died on the spot. We were all devastated. My mother lost her best friend since high school and her partner in life. I did my best to be strong for her. Yet in retrospect, she was much stronger than I. Even though I was 24, Mom handled everything. Not because I couldn't. Just because she wouldn't let me. Unfortunately, Dad was really my best friend too. He listened without judging, he offered advise, only when asked for it and he covered for me so as not to get on trouble with Mom. He was tough, intelligent, funny. Just a great guy. We all hurt badly. I am sure Mom hurt worse. Yet hardly did she ever let on. Now that's strength!

On Halloween, October 31st of 1983, my daughter was born. Mom lived in Allentown, while my wife and I lived in Kingston PA, about an hour up the turnpike. An hour after Shannon arrived, my Mom arrived to see her 1st granddaughter. I always thought that Shannon was a gift from god to help my Mom redirect her attention from my Dad to a new bundle of joy. Mom didn't want to be Grandmother or Gramma, Nana would do just fine. She took all of her vacation and stayed with her family for the next 3 weeks. Smiling the entire time, and running to take care of every need of her new grand kid. A year later, in October of 1984, Mom pulled a repeat performance when our son Alexander arrived. For 25 years, Mom has spent a good portion of her time and energy being an active, yet unimposing part of her grandchild's lives. Now that's support!

Our family is not, nor have we ever been, the most affectionate family on this earth. To this day, hugs look uncomfortable and goofy. Kisses on the cheek rarely if ever happen. 'I love yous' are exchanged infrequently, probably not enough. That's just the way things have been, are, and likely will be. On Sunday, for one day, that's going to change. My Mom's getting tons of hugs and kisses, with a heavy dose of 'I love yous' thrown in for good measure. Because my Mom is an exceptional woman. Because my Mom is my hero. Because my Mom is the best! Because my Mom rocks!

Happy Mothers Day to every Mom everywhere! Enjoy your day to the fullest!