For those who may not know — or may have forgotten — Mother’s Day is coming up Sunday. You still have time to run out and get those flowers, that gift or a card. Personally, I don’t do cards. I’d much rather use my own words rather than Hallmark’s to express how I feel.

I consider myself blessed that my Mom is still with us as she moves into her mid-70s and know celebrating holidays with her are getting fewer. So many of my friends are not as fortunate and that saddens me.

Many of those same friends have adopted my Mom as their surrogate. She has encouraged them through life just as she has her three sons.

My Mom is healthy, despite a couple shoulder surgeries the past two years, sharp as a tack and can still get in the kitchen and whip up a great Southern dinner for her family.

Although she still thinks in her mind that she’s in her 20s or 30s, she can no longer roll around on the floor with her great-granddaughter and make a fort using blankets thrown over dining room chairs; work in her flowerbed as often as she’d like or get on the riding lawnmower and cut five acres as frequently and that naturally frustrates her.

She learned that work ethic from being the youngest of nine girls in a family of 15 children picking cotton and working the family farm outside Drew, Mississippi, in the heart of the Delta. Her Mom was the same way – working, cleaning, cooking and taking care of her family.

My mom also acquired wisdom from my grandmother. When I was going to college at Delta State, I would often visit my grandmother for a good home-cooked meal that was often served with a side of wisdom about life. When I left my grandmother’s home, my troubles didn’t seem to be as big as they were when I arrived. I get that same feeling when I go for a visit to the Coast to see my Mom.

I don’t call as often as I need to or come visit as much as I should, but I realize how truly blessed I am to have the mother God blessed me with and that is something I will never take for granted.

If your mom is still alive, I hope you will take advantage of the opportunity and tell her how much she is thought of and loved. And if she isn’t, I pray that you will reflect upon happy memories of your mom. And to all of you Moms out there, I hope you get the chance to enjoy your day with those who mean the most to you.

Rob Sigler is editor of The Vicksburg Post. He can be reached at rob.sigler@vicksburgpost.com. Readers are invited to submit their opinions for publication.