My father had won a prize for his stellar work at National Cash Register, his employer at the time. This prize consisted of one portrait of one person of his choice. That choice was my mother. My mother, much like myself, hated having her photograph taken. She never thought she looked pretty enough, thin enough, sophisticated enough, good enough. This portrait belies her protestations. Here she is lovely, serene and finally good enough.
I haven't seen her since she died twenty three long years ago. I still miss her. Having this beautiful photograph is nice. Mother's Day is a strange day without her.
But now, I am the mother and have been for 25 years. It has been an interesting journey. I'm glad to have chosen this path. To Christopher, Max, Mollie and Tess a message....though we have worked hard to pass through this time of growing up and growing older, I would not have changed this for the world. You four are the best, the coolest, the most significant thing I have ever done. Nothing I can do will ever top this. Never let me forget that. I love you all now and forever.