This is always one of the most bittersweet blogs that I do each year as it comes right before Mother’s Day. It has now been six years since I lost my mother unexpectedly, less than a week after Mother’s Day 2012. And, while the pain never leaves, it is true that I am able to reflect on the time we had together on this Earth with more fondness.

A friend recently told me about a memorial service for someone whose mother had passed away that he attended. Part of the service included various relatives, notably sons and a daughter, who shared stories with the group about their mother. No one was a professional speaker, but they spoke simply, eloquently and from the heart, which is all one needs. You could hear laughter at the funny stories and a few sobs during the sad ones. “I didn’t bring any tissues,” he said. The children at the memorial service truly loved their mother, and it was apparent in the emotion they displayed, in the tone they took when talking about her, and in their selection of stories they shared to celebrate her life.

My friend then said, “The tributes were beautiful, and I hope they told their mother, many times, that they loved her. You should never save it for a memorial service.” My friend is right. At my own mother’s funeral, during my remarks, I asked those in attendance to call or visit their mother that day. I asked that they do this because I couldn’t any more and more than anything I wished then, as I do now, that I could tell her that I love her one more time.

Life can be fleeting and too often we take for granted that our loved ones will always be there. It’s a painful lesson when we sometimes find out that this isn’t true. So, the time is today…right now…and certainly this Sunday to tell the mothers in our lives how important they are to us and how much we love them. But, don’t just share the love on Mother’s Day. Share it throughout the year.

And, as I’ve frequently written in this blog you stand even taller if you remember someone else, for example, a mother who might not have someone to share the day with her. A hug, a kiss and a card would be a boost and a reward to someone who might not technically be your mom but was someone’s mother in body and certainly in spirit. Let’s not forget them.

As I thought about Mother’s Day, I discovered a few pithy quotes that capture the essence of why this is one of the most popular holidays in the U.S. All of them can be applied to my own mom and even more so, my wife Megan, who loves, cares and nurtures our own children with all of her heart and soul.

• God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers.
• All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.
• The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.

As we look at great figures and those unknown, it seems that mothers frequently receive credit for having a tremendous amount of influence on their lives. It’s a revelation that most of us understand. On Mother’s Day, tell your mom that you love her, unreservedly, with no demands, with no exceptions. And, if your mom has passed, say it as well when you lift up your prayers…”Delores aka Slim aka Mom….I love you and miss you!”  That’s my take, what’s yours?