I made one of the biggest mistakes of my life the day I got married. During my “thank you” speech, I thanked my father and failed to mention my mother.

I have no clue how this could have happened, other than that I didn’t prepare a speech ahead of time and was winging it while overwhelmed by the occasion. My mother is the most important person in my life, and there is no way I would leave her out of my speech intentionally.

When it was pointed out to me that I didn't mention my mom, I, of course, tried to make up for it and thank her, but I know that it wasn't enough. So Mom, I want to have another chance to thank you publicly. Thank you.

When my mother was 10 years old, she lost her mother to breast cancer. From that point on, my mother was never mothered. This made her unsure of what kind of mother she would be.

She became the mother who always provided a freshly baked snack when we got home from school and a homemade meal for dinner.  She always made sure we knew we were loved. She did her best to teach us to always be prepared, and since she allowed us enough room to make our own mistakes, I’m guessing she she was always prepared for the worst.

I was raised knowing I was loved. I was always fed. I was raised to be my own person, march to my own drum. Her guidance encouraged me to pursue my dreams.  I was never judged. And the food was incredible.

As an adult, I now recognize that she was selfless. And a really good cook – have I mentioned the food?

She was, and still is, the perfect mother. I am grateful for the loving relationship my children have with “The Bub."

And although I pale in comparison, she remains my role model. I cherish her unconditional love and look forward to our daily phone calls. I know I was raised not to judge, but I do use her as the standard to which I compare all other mothers.

Even though, sometimes she made us hot dogs for dinner.

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My friend Julie lost her mother three years ago to Pancreatic Cancer.  You can read about that here. This Mother's Day, please consider making a donation or  joining my team for the upcoming Purple Stride event in Milwaukee on June 4.