In the wee hours of the morning, I awaken to the sound of gentle breathing in my home. Children sleeping soundly, snuggled warm in their blankets, safe against the life that awaits. All, but three. My son-in-law is deployed to far distant lands, his wife and baby are visiting his father for the weekend. They’ll join us later this morning for church.

Silence. Golden silent hours fill the early morning, before they waken. Once awake, there’ll be noise, chatter, rushing about, getting ready to leave the house, excitement, stories to tell as we catch up with each other’s week, and the rush to live the life that waits, just outside our door.

What means Mother’s Day in your home?

In ours, it’s a gathering and feeling of commitment within our family. Even if all the kids aren’t home. Even if we’re scattered to the four winds. Even if one is missing from the moment, that one is never far from our collective hearts. Close by, gathered in by love and prayers.

I grew up in a family where my Grandmother, the matriarch of the family for years after my Granddad passed on, was surrounded by family most any day. Including Mother’s Day. The trend continues as we gather close, holding onto family, love and the collective congregation of unity. We gather close. We hold tight.

Mother’s Day is a sensation that lasts all year long.

Generation to generation, the joy of sharing the day, of loving in the moment, brings peaceful love and family dedication. That’s what Mother’s Day means, every day of the year. The love of a family nestled close, no matter how many miles separate us, to the heart.

Happy Mother’s Day.