For now, the sun is out on this Illinois Mother's Day. My Mom died too young 24 years ago,

[Atticus]

but she still lives in my heart.

Especially at this time of year, I see Mom everywhere---the red cardinals and ruby-throated hummers she loved, the redbuds and dogwoods she taught me to love and the sweet Williams, Dutchmen's breeches and Jacks-in-the-pulpit we used to pick on walks in the woods.

Overhead, as wedges of geese wing north, I recall watching these from our back yard as Mom hung damp just-washed clothes on our wire clotheslines.

She gave me all that and much much more. How could I not say I still love her?

Happy Mother's Day, Mom.