It is Valentine's Day and I did the one thing that I knew would make my day. I phoned my mom. My mom makes every phone call a special one. When she says "hello" and I say, "Hi Mom, it's me, Edith, your daughter", she responds with a full throated, "Eeeeedith" every time. I wish you could hear it because it is the nicest way anyone could ever say someone's name (with the exception of my husband who is pretty good at saying my name when he has that twinkle in his eye...). As soon as mom says my name like that I get the warmest feeling there is, that feeling that I am LOVED with a capital "L" and that I am the most special person in the world.

I can't help but smile and that smile starts at the tip of my toes and goes all the way up to the top of my head. I don't just smile - I beam! I can feel the light inside me burst out and connect to that awesome light my mom is sending me. It might be because I have lived far away from home for all of my adult life that a phone call to mom is so special or it might be that in her transformation due to alzheimer's that every moment is all there is and she puts every ounce of her focus into what she is doing. What I do know is that all the love she has for me and more comes through and I am given the greatest gift of all.

And that gift that mom gives to me is there every day and in every moment. Being loved unconditionally is the gift that always keeps giving. Her love fills me and I just have to let myself accept her wonderful embrace. I can feel those arms 3,000 kms away just like she was right here.

Today on Valentine's Day I wish I could help everyone feel that love. My mom might be the vessel of that loving embrace for me, but the source of all that love is there in each of us. God's love is always there and patiently waiting for all of us to let ourselves feel that tender and caressing hug - a mother's hug that lets you know you are special, you are LOVED.

May you feel the LOVE and be the LOVE today. Happy Valentine's Day.