Dear Mom...

Thought I'd let you know that I really appreciate the sacrifices, and unconditional love you always gave me. I never told you back when I was a kid. Now I'm telling you publicly, I love you. Sure, I say it at the end of our phone calls, or on a card, but I really do mean it.

You were always the one who had to haul me to my baseball games and practices. You did this while raising my three brothers and one sister too. I know now that you couldn't have had a lot of free time, yet you still made sure I made it to the field. All of this for a smart-aleck kid who wishes that his talent level even approached marginal.

Dad was always working, leaving five kids and a household for you to handle. So, you seldom had time to attend my games, but when you did I was so proud. All the other kids always said I had the prettiest Mom in the stands. I was also very proud of you when the other mothers talked you into playing first base on their softball team. Well, maybe a cross between pride and embarassment, but I was only 11.

Mom, I also wanted to say I'm sorry for any troubles or worries that I've brought you. I'm OK, don't worry about me. Thanks for everything. You're the best mother a guy could have. Happy Mother's Day!

Love,

Gene