The calendar indicates that the 25th anniversary of my mom’s death is approaching. So many changes have taken place in that span of time. Every day I think of things I want to tell my mom:

FOUR GENERATIONS: my mom (left), my maternal grandmother (middle), me (right), my son (middle)

• I miss you. Deeply.
• Not a day goes by that I don’t think about you.
• I’ve written a book that’s coming out in November. I think you’d be tickled pink!
• At 58, it’s hard for me to fathom that I’ve surpassed your lifespan by 5 years. I’m still galled that you died at the age of 53. I hate cancer!
• I love you more than tongue can tell.
• I’m a better person because of your example.
• Thank you for instilling in me the love of reading.
• And while I can’t possibly begin to know the anguish I put you through when I ran away from home at the age of 15, I want you to know that I’ve leveraged that experience and turned it into positives.
• You were right, Len is a “keeper.” We celebrated our 36th wedding anniversary last month.
• You’d have a blast with a cell phone—especially the FaceTime feature!
• Your grandchildren have grown into wonderful adults.
• Every now and then when I look in the mirror I see a glimpse of you in my features and I smile. I’m extremely proud that you’re my mom.

What would you like to tell your mom?

© lauriebuchanan.com