Mother’s Day holds a special meaning when your mom has passed away. My mother got a brain tumor when I was a sophomore in college, and passed away when I was a senior. I commuted for five hours a day between my hometown of San Diego and Los Angeles, where I went to college to take care of her, and my father. It was a painful time of my life, and I struggled to find my way without her guidance and support.
My mother was brilliant, loving and beautiful. She spoke five languages, taught English as a second language, volunteered, did homework with us, showed up for all of our sports games and dance recitals, played the piano and was an amazing cook. She loved Motown music, Cheez-Its, Martini’s and Christian Dior perfume.
My parents had the travel bug and loved showing my sister and me the world and other cultures. I was born in Vietnam and had been to New Zealand, Samoa, Canada, Mexico and most states by the time I graduated from high school. My appreciation for other cultures and my sense of adventure are two of my favorite attributes.
My mom died before I was an adult. It’s still painful and Mother’s Day is one of the hardest days of the year for me. I cry every year. I miss her. I wondered what she would say to me now, so I asked her best friend Anne to tell me what she thinks my mom would say. Here is what she said:
Dear Marna,
As your mom’s best friend, this is what I think she’d tell you on Mother’s Day: ” First of all, I hated leaving you when I did. I loved being your mom, and I felt you weren’t “finished” yet. You were so special to me. I’m proud that you finished your education, and even 
got an advanced degree! You have inherited my love of travel and adventure, and that pleases me. Your life choices have been “right on”, and I’m so proud of both you and your sister as young women. May you always feel the love I have for you.”
I do.
Marna Davis
