Happy Birthday, Mom. I love you.

Today is my mother's birthday. It is the first one, in more than half a century that I will celebrate without her.

When you're a child, you think that life goes on forever. As you get older, you learn that sometimes people die. But, it is always other people. It isn't someone that you know. Ever.

So, you're annoyed when they call at an inopportune-for you-moment. Or they 'drop by' when you had other plans. Or, in any way, take up your important time. Why not feel that way? Aren't we all going to live forever?

I urge you to take the time for family or friends or loved ones.

Write someone, far away from you, a letter that lets them know, "I wish that you were here."

Pick up that ringing phone, when your caller ID tells you that you could talk to them later. Don't listen to it. Listen to them.

Don't say, "Daddy's tired" or "Not now. Mommy's busy".

Or, "Can't this wait Dad?" Or, "Mom, let's talk about this some other time."

Hug a friend, as if it is you that needs the hug.

Look in the eyes of your lover, before you kiss them, as if it is, at that very moment, that you realize just how much you love them.

Take the time.

Make the time.

Before, there is

no time.