Mother's Day

 Today is Mother's Day.  Unfortunately, my mother, Margaret Lasky, died 31 years ago in January 1995 at the age of 88.

She lived most of her life during a period when it was not common to express your emotions.  But, I knew she loved me.  Actions speak louder than words.

I remember the freshly squeezed orange juice sitting on the table next to my bed.

I remember the slice of bread with jelly handed to me as I left home on my way to school in the morning.

I remember the bowl of sliced apples she would bring me while I sat and watched a sporting event by myself in our family den.

I remember her insisting I practice driving her car when I got home from school prior to my road test.  It paid off, especially parallel parking.

In her old age, my mother told me she read an article in a magazine which said it was important to tell your loved ones you loved them.  So she started telling me she loved me.  I knew she did but it was nice to hear the words come out of her mouth.

Once, when I was still living at home, my mother and I spent many happy hours together converting a large quantity of fresh strawberries into frozen ones we would enjoy the following winter.  That is my favorite memory of her.  

Happy Mother's Day, Mom.