Doug

Mom, I've told you this before.  But when you were diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent treatment, I didn't make a big enough deal out of it.  By which I mean I didn't give you enough personal support and I didn't contemplate it enough.  I never really comprehended the impact you'd had on me or the effort you'd put into me, and I always took you for granted.  Well, having children changes your perspective in life quite a bit.  Our boys have only been with us a few short years, but I already recognize that they'll never know all that I do for them or all that I endure for them.  Looking back through those lenses, I can remember only a small fraction of what you've done because you love me.  Even so, it makes me feel grateful, and it makes me feel loved.  Here you are at sixty, and here I am at thirty-three.  You have an empty nest ... as of a few days ago.  I'm grown, I'm married, I have my boys, and I'm so glad you've been here to see all of it.  But you'll never stop being my mom.  You will never not feel compelled to be there for me.  I know I can't repay you, so I'll say thank you and I love you.