If your Mom is still alive call her today, not tomorrow but today. For we do not know what tomorrow holds.

I am 68 years old and I am retired. I am the Father of two children and I am living on Long Island in New York.

I post this every year and I am lucky enough to be blessed to have my Mom still with us after 95 years.

My Mother’s name is Rose Natoli. On July 28th, 1953 I was born. Many years have passed since that summer day in Brooklyn, New York and many things have changed since that time. The one thing that never changed was my Mom. I have such vivid memories of growing up it seems like it was just yesterday.

I remember a Mom who always had dinner ready for us at 5:30 pm regardless of how busy her day had been.

I remember when I was sick and my Mom would come into my room and check my forehead to make sure I was not running a fever. I remember my mom making homemade chicken soup and nurturing me until I was better. My Mom also had a way of knowing when something was bothering me. She knew when to give me space and she also
knew when to be stern. I never ever heard her complain in all my years. And Lord knows she could have done so easily!

One moment stands out in my life concerning my Mom. When I was in my early twenties my Mom was told that she had breast cancer. My father was crushed and completely fell
apart. I remember going down to Manhattan beach that day and walking up and down the boardwalk for countless hours. I was so worried and afraid. I must have said 50,000 ‘Hail Marys’ that afternoon and I prayed to God to spare my Mom.

The night before her surgery at Sloane Memorial Kettering Hospital in New York City, I remember vividly my mom walking me to the elevator as I was leaving the hospital. The words she spoke will stay with me until my final breath on this earth. My mom took my hand and she told me not to worry about anything that may happen because whatever happens she could handle it. To this day I can still hear those words echo in my brain. Her words of courage and words of reassurance. Mom never wanted anyone to worry about her.

My Mom had a mastectomy that next morning and the cancer had spread to several lymph nodes. The prognosis was guarded. I never stopped praying and my Mom never gave up.

I am happy to say that my Mom is still with us. I want to thank my Mom for showing me the meaning of love, hope, and sacrifice. And most importantly, courage.

Every night before I go to bed I get down on my knees and thank God that he blessed me with the greatest Mom that any son could have ever dreamed for.