Wishing all mother’s out there a very Happy Mother’s Day! I am not a mother myself (except to my little fur people), but I have always enjoyed honoring this day. It is nice for me to see the women in my family – my mother, grandmothers, aunts, sister-in-law and niece – honored for their firm, steady and loving touch on the lives of the people around them.

Many memory moments are created by mothers – from the creation of holiday traditions, to guiding us through our schooling, to a general interest in how we are doing and where we are heading. The conversations are sometimes rather abrupt, as we grow up and come into our own. Then they even out into mutual respect.

For many of us boomers, we are now gong through the phase when we become parents to our parents. I think this is the most difficult phase of all – trying to determine how our parents are doing, and when to step in and offer help. I am very blessed, in that my brother, sister and I can keep close tabs on our mother, without making her feel that she does not have total control of her life.

What does this Mother’s Day mean to you? Are you nurturing your relationship with your mother (or perhaps one with your children)? Are there issues that need to be addressed … things that need to be said? Is your family getting together for dinner? Are you taking your mother out for dinner? In what way are you honoring your mother?

Relationships can be tricky things, and our relationship with our mother can be one of he trickiest. Step back so that you can see yours with fresh eyes. Look at what you can do to make things better, to make things run smoother, and to make both you and your mother happy. Each of you needs freedom to be who you are.