Less Is Fabulous.

It’s time to honor your mom. I’m lucky enough to still have mine…Rosalynn Piekanski. Roz to everyone. Rozzie when “wine coolers” are involved…her favorite beverage to order. I know. Endearing.

Even though more than 2,000 miles separate us and I can’t take her to breakfast, she knows how much she means to me. After all, I did send her a Dairy Queen gift card. Sounds silly, but I knew she’d love it and she did, and isn’t that all that matters? I’m certain Zales would disagree, but my mom and I both know that making someone smile doesn’t require Zales. It’s one of countless lessons she’s taught me.

My mom and I are very different in terms of our career choices, life paths, worldviews and personalities. Growing up, she’d say black and I’d say white. Without fail. These days, she says beige and I say khaki. I now find myself doing some of the things that made me insane when she did them. Drying splashes out of the stainless steel sink comes to mind. We’ve come a very long way, as many mothers and daughters do over a lifetime, and I feel so lucky to have her. She supports me in every way, even when we both know she would make “the other” decision. I’m grateful. She has taught me to be independent, be strong and be myself. Always. I carry this with me. They are the most important lessons. They apply every day.

Hallmark can’t come close to crafting a card that’s just right for my mom…beautiful…nurturing…resourceful…predictable in a lovable way…organized beyond words…fan of Train…lover of instructional manuals…extremely thoughtful…an exceptional grandma to my niece…cheerleader and #1 fan even when she has to research and learn what she’s cheering for when it comes to some of my interests…luckier in a casino than anyone I’ve ever met in real life or the movies (Rain Man excluded).

She also has hot legs! And damn can she dance!

So to my mom, a complex lady that I love deeply, I raise my Bartles & Jaymes exotic berry wine cooler to you. I miss you. Every. Day.

Love,
Tara