"MOTHER'S DAY: A ROSE OF ALL TRADES"

WANTED: Female, must be loving, compassionate and nurturing. Lots of patience, understanding and a quick wit is also required. Must know how to kiss boo-boos, mustn't be afraid of runny noses, skinned knees and can make a mean batch of chocolate chip cookies at a moments notice.Those with a good sense of humour (you're definitely going to need it!) will be considered. Only serious applicants need apply.

If I were to take out an ad for the job of mother this is what I'd like it to read. It has all the qualities I'd look for and want in a mom. Fortunately for me, I've been blessed with an incredible mom who not only possesses all those wonderful qualities (and more) but has the biggest heart this side of the T. Dot and beyond.

Our relationship runs deeper than that of mother and daughter. She's my best friend and confidante. You know I may be so bold as to say that I've known her all my life.

We chat a lot about everything. Well, most of the time I talk and she listens (okay, sometimes it's more of a rant and she still patiently listens) until I run out of things to say. In fact, that's something she's openly admitted to me that she does. The method to her madness involves not fueling the fire so that I eventually run out of steam. Now why didn't I think of that? The answer. Oh yeah she's a MOM!

Her cute quirky traits are unique only unto her that if I'd try to change them I'd be putting an end to what comes naturally to her (like watching a thriller on TV and she'll close her eyes and then ask me what just happened). The scary music (or the screams!) building to the climax gets her all the time. Don't open that door I say. Don't open that door...Eeek!

She's my shopping partner in crime (her 'Thelma' to my 'Louise' minus the convertible). You should see us tag team in grocery stores. This puts a whole new meaning to the words 'Price Chopper'. Weekly in-store specials we're coming to get cha!...Muhahahahaha!

Did I mention she's a great cook? Her tasty traditional italian dishes will bring tears of joy to your eyes. Homemade pasta and tomato sauce, sausage, veal, chicken, pizza...Oh God!...Even her 'tiramisu' is simply heavenly. It's a pure work of art. Yes folks, she's the Michelangelo of the kitchen!

My Florence Nightingale when I'm feeling under the weather. Polysporin, Benelyin cough syrup, Advil. She's got all the bases covered along with my favourite homemade chicken soup made with all the TLC a mother can give and more. It's the 'awwwww that's so sweet, I love you mom' factor that gets me every time. It always has a way of bringing me back to when I was a little girl. I could really use a hug about now (and she knows just when to give me one of those too).

Lastly, she has this strong connection with me that's telepathic. I'm convinced that it's beyond the womb. If I'm thinking of something (or about to say it) she'll say it out loud (or think it) and vice-versa. This has always had us dumbfounded as to how deep the bond between mother and child really is. I can't explain it. It's a feeling like no other but it's one that I wouldn't trade for the world.

Honouring our mother's is something we should do all the days of the year. Besides, being a mom is a lifetime commitment even long after we've left the nest. So those are some pretty big shoes to fill (even if they are a size 7 1/2 white leather loafer).

Btw you're perfect for the job...You're hired! (and can I please have an espresso with that tiramisu Mom? Thanks!)

Love you, M

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!