Do You Have a "Best Gift From My Mother" Story?

I want your story. Yes, yours. But first I'll tell you mine to explain why.

A good friend recently lost her mother, and has been spending her free time clearing out her mother's home, sorting through clothes, papers, boxes, memorabilia.

I know what she's going through, and how difficult it is.

The Last Goodbye

One stall in my two-car garage is filled with items and furniture from my mother's house. I put them there after she died two years ago and I still don't have the heart to finish up this final task which - in many ways - is the last goodbye.

From Cologne to Childcare

Instead of going through the things she left behind, I'd rather remember the intentional gifts she gave me throughout our lifetime together.

Some were tangible goods, such as a bottle of Calvin Klein's Obsession which - when I put it on - still causes strangers to ask what scent I'm wearing.

Some were deeds that made a difficult moment bearable, such as taking my children for five straight days whenever I went in for chemotherapy during my bout with ovarian cancer.

And some were intangible things like advice, not always welcome at the time but nonetheless effective in the long run.

What's Your Story?

What are the gifts you remember getting from your mother? And which was the best gift of all?

This is not a rhetorical question. I'd like to hear from you. I'd like you to tell your story in 250 words or less. And if you don't mind sharing it, I'd like to use it in a future About.com article.

How can you submit your story? Let me tell you, and give you and example. I'm collecting them on the Women's Issues Forum.

Reasons to Write

Whether your mother is here and would be delighted (or embarrassed) by the tale, or whether she is no longer with us yet vivid in your memory, your words can introduce her to many, many readers. If you're long on creativity but short on cash this year for Mother's Day, imagine saying to her, "Mom, here's a link to a story about you on About.com."

No Gift Wrap Required

It's easier than an e-card and more lasting than a phone call. And even if I'm not able to include your story, you can always send it to her and say, "This is what you mean to me, Mom." (And you can take all the credit for the idea. Mum's the word.)