It’s been five months since cancer took my mom. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of her and thank her for the opportunity I had to be her daughter. My mom could be. . . how do I put it. . .stubborn. But she taught me how to love being a mom, and how to enjoy being alive.

Some of the best lessons my mom taught me (or tried to teach me that didn’t necessarily stick) include:

• Never, never, never stop learning.
• Keep track of your vacation money by using cash-filled envelopes for food, gas, souvenirs, etc. (Disclaimer: I don’t do this–We teased her mercilessly about it.)
• Cook desserts from scratch using real butter and cream whenever possible. And it’s always possible.
• Flip off slow drivers. (Not something I do, but my daughters have certainly picked it up.)
• Friends come and go but family is there FOREVER. I don’t think she meant it as a threat. I could be wrong.
• Laugh as often as possible and never take yourself too seriously.
• Read something every day.
• Christianity isn’t something you learn from a book. It’s something developed in the heart.
• Plant flowers. (I did not inherit my mom’s green thumb. I plant flowers and they wither abruptly. However, my mom could make plastic plants blossom.)
• Have good friends.
• Live with joy until the very end.

This Mother’s Day is the first time in my life that I won’t be able to talk to mom and tell her I love and appreciate her. I hope wherever she is, she’s planting a garden, eating chocolate cake and reading a really good book. I love you and miss you, Mom.

Make sure to send love to your mom today.