My mother

I have the most amazing mother in the world. Sure, other kids may say this, but my mom really is the best.

When we were kids, mom was very involved in the PTA and would help with class parties and fundraisers and, my favorite, book fairs. She would make us awesome Halloween costumes and take us swimming to the country club and take us to McDonald's.

When my brother passed away, our relationship went through a very difficult time. In trying to deal with the death of her first-born and only son, mom shut out my father and I. She didn't do it intentionally and she wasn't mean, she was simply unavailable. Looking back now, I can understand better what she was going through. And, eventually, she and I grew closer.

Now I can easily say that my mother is one of my best friends. She is also the only one on the planet who can drive me absolutely crazy; and I'm sure that street runs both ways. Mom is also an inspiration to me- she has dealt with so much in her life and she's still ticking. She's sacrificed so much for me and given so freely of her love that it amazes me. I owe so much of who I am to her.

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