For Moms Everywhere

I was 13 when my Mom died of a heart attack, at home. It was a horrible and frightening time for a 13-year-old boy. My Mom and I were very close. My Mom doted on me. I was very lucky to have such a wondeful Mom, and very unlucky to lose her as early in my life as I did. She was only 48.

Conversely, I was 48 when I first became a father. Two and a half years later, I see my wife becoming a such wonderful Mom to our twin boy and girl, and can't imagine my life without any of them, and can't begin to fathom the twins ever being without their Mom.

My Mom was born in Scotland, but her family emigrated to Canada when she was five years old, and she grew up in Quebec. Her early years were spent in Levis and Lauzon, Near Quebec City, on the St. Lawrence River, because my maternal Grandfather built ships at Davy Shipyards for a living. Then, when he retired, the family moved to Montreal. My Mom's growing up there, and her love of that city, is why I'll always be a Montreal Canadiens. Sorry, Leaf fans. My Mom trumps any other reason I'd ever have to root for a hockey team.

I've always had a soft spot for all my friend's Moms, and have even chastised a couple of my closer friends when they've been ...less than ideal - toward their Moms. Knowing what it's like to not have a Mom for so long gave me a greater appreciation for how important having a Mother is, and I tried to instill that in any of my friends who would listen.

This past Friday, I got a call from a regular listener, asking for a particular song - a song which meant something special to he and his Mom. He explained to me that this would be their last Mother's Day together, because she's been diagnosed with cancer, and is not expected to make it another year.
I feel so honoured and humbled when someone takes me into their confidence like that, and shares something so very personal. He had no idea of my situation with my Mom, but I can tell you that it made it an even more important moment in my life, and although I don't think it's my place to share their names here - if either he or his Mom reads this blog, I want you to know that I'm thinking about you on this Mother's Day, and I hope you have a great time together. You know only too well how precious this time is.

Happy Mother's Day to all Moms, everywhere.