It seems that no matter how old you get, you still want your mother. This is especially true when one is sick, afraid or uncertain or during times of success, when you want to say, "Look ma, see what I did!"

I remember that late one night, near the end of mom's struggles with ovarian cancer, we were called to the hospital. In her medicated state, she called for her mother, who had passed on three years before.

This Mother's Day, I want her to know that she is still remembered for her strength and the many lessons that she imparted.

I was honoured to be invited to join a wonderful Master Mind group of intelligent women this past year. I just realized that among this group, I hear my mom's Dutch-accented voice.

It includes, but is not limited to, the following voices:

• Encouragement
• Reason
• Empathy
• Humour
• Problem-solving
• Direction
• Generosity
• Support
• Celebration
• Quiet

Each month, just as mom would have done, these "voices" are served up with tasty dishes of good, solid food! Savoury, sweet, bitter, tart...our taste buds have danced to all those tunes.

Thank you to Laurel Ennis, Nancy Glover, Gail McCartney and Kathrin Hardie.

If you are missing your mother this Mother's Day weekend, sit quietly and listen, there is a good chance that your mom is speaking to you through those present in your life.

Remember, too, that her voice and spirit are always with you - in your heart and in the way you (and your siblings) do things. Just because you don’t physically see a body, it doesn’t mean she's not there.

Happy Mother's Day to all those who embody the voice of mom! Family, friends and group members.