‘Remember to call your mother. It’s Mother’s Day.’ How many times have all heard or given that reminder?

I wish I could call her.

This year Mother’s Day has special significance for me. I lost my mother in February to cancer. She fought hard and died with grace surrounded by her family.

To make it easier to care for her she moved in with us when she was diagnosed in 2014. We were able to celebrate everyone’s birthday, attend USC football games, watch silly movies and cook meals together as a family laughing the whole time. She often came to the spa for an oncology massage and facial.

Watching my role model struggle against the cancer inside of her was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. I am so humbled and appreciative that I was able to care for her the way she cared for me as a child.

Hearing stories about her life from friends and extended family only reinforced how awed I am at what she accomplished as a mother, a dentist, an advocate, and a friend. I am profoundly lucky to know she was proud of me and loved me unconditionally. I feel the same way about her.

Call your mom.