I believe it was Abraham Lincoln that said, "All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother." Another quote attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson says, "People are what their mothers make them? Both of these quotes are supposed to be taken in a positive way. Mothers do have, or try to have a lot of input on the lives of their children. They want only what's best for them and they do everything in their power to see that they achieve that goal. Sometimes the children don't listen, no matter how hard the mother tries, but for the most part mothers are responsible for molding almost all children into adulthood.

Some mothers also have to play the role of fathers as well as being the mother. They don't complain because they love their children. In my business we have some children and adults as well, that many of us have given up on. But their mothers are still having input in their lives, still praying, and still lending money, and being there when called upon even though others tell her to give up. Many a successful man or woman when asked will tell you their mother played a large role in their success.

Success comes in many different ways. It's not always about titles, money, or recognition, sometimes success is just getting through life with the least amount of trials and tribulations. Mothers are always there, cheering you on, and coming to your defense, no matter what you've done. My Mom always made me do the right thing as I was growing up. More than once I had to go and redeem myself with some adult because of my actions, and although Mom made me do it, she was always there for me, even though I had been wrong. In a mother's eyes her children can do no wrong.

I am so grateful for the influence my mother had on my life. I may not have always listened to her advice, nor always done as I should have, but good or bad she was always there for me. She visited me by bus, in Washington DC when I was working for the FBI, she visited me by bus, in South Texas several times. She never visited me in Vietnam, but if she could have found a way, she would have been there. That's just how mothers are, and I thank God for giving me the Mother he did. I don't know how my life would have turned out without her guidance and love.

So this Sunday, let your mother know how much you appreciate her. Tell her while she can still enjoy the moment. Someday it may be too late. For all the Mothers, young and old, God Bless You for input you have on your children , and have a great Mother's Day. Call your Mother, I wish I could call mine.