Another Mother's Day

Ignoring the commercial aspects of Mother's Day -- and focusing on the underlying meaning only -- this day has been one of sadness since 2003, the year I lost my mother and my daughter.

I honored my mother even when we disagreed (not infrequently). Our love was untouchable and unconditional.

Each year before 2003, Rachel was ridiculed for any efforts to honor me on Mother's Day. Peter would mock the "Hallmark Holiday," while reminding Rachel that I was not actually her mother. So destructive to our family, and so deeply unfortunate.

But, prior to 2003, she did care about me and I have mementos to verify it. She overcame her father's goading, and let me know how she felt. Without these few items, I would doubt my memories of the love and closeness we shared between 1987 and 2003.

Honor thy father and thy mother.