Soon after I entered college, I thought it was cool to hang out with my older sister, Cheryl. After classes we used to go to "The Library", a conveniently-named local pub, and have a few drinks. When we arrived home, Mom used to say, 'where have you two been'? We looked at one another and smugly and quickly announced we had been to "the library".

Little did we know, we weren't pulling a fast one on Mom. Years later, we learned Mom knew full well where we had been and simply chose not to address the issue. Perhaps she had decided we needed to spread our wings and learn our own lessons?

Mom "handled" us kids well. She raised us during those difficult teenage years after my Dad had died. Although she remarried, Mom remained the disciplinarian, the care-giver and the constant worrier over our well-being.

But it isn't the discipline or the worry that I remember most about Mom. It was the caring, the love, the patience and the laughter and the ability for Mom to always see the good in us.

Unfortunately, Mom passed away this past March and I miss her with all my heart. I often think back to our "library days" and thank Mom for having had the foresight to step back, now and again, and let us succeed or falter on our own. (The library incident, of course, was only one instance out of many where we we presented with these options).

Through it all, Mom did what she did best. She stood by us and loved us no matter what. Unconditional love and acceptance - this is the legacy my Mom has left for all of us to follow.

Today I, too, am a Mom and I know how hard it is to let go and allow my own boys to explore their soon-to-be adulthood and independence.

So, on this Mother's Day I would like to say to all you "Moms" out there, if your children go "to the library" or fail in what is expected of them, love them anyways. Be patient, enjoy your children and care for them. Pay attention, be vigilant, and always stand by your children. Kids will be kids and they screw up sometimes! Love them, hug them and hold them tight but give them room to breathe. They will thank you someday!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

And, by the way, thanks Mom!