In honor of my own mother, who is 3000 miles away and, for the first time in many years, will not even be in the same time zone as her son on Mother's Day, I decided to reprint this. The story behind the rest of the present is as such:

When I was a little boy, my mom used to read me this book called Puddleduck. The subject matter is irrelevant, but Mom loved this book. As I grew older and started to learn how to read, I began reading the book to her rather than the other way around. (Mom likes being read to when she goes to bed, I still occasionally do it when I'm back at their house, the good son that I am.) Either way, somewhere along the way, Mom gave Puddleduck away, but came to realize a few years later that she wished she hadn't. She mentioned it more and more frequently, but unfortunately for all the research I did, I kept finding out that the book was out of print and no one had it. So for her 50th birthday, I called in a favor. One of my best friends (the one who's actually here in L.A.) was doing an internship in Washington, D.C. with her congressional representative, and therefore had access to the Library of Congress. I found out the ISBN number for Puddleduck, asked her to track down the Library of Congress' copy (since they have everything) and made a photocopy of the book's pages. She managed to find the book, copied it and sent it back to me, which I took to be bound so I could present it to my mom for her 50th birthday. But I added a foreward at the front of the book, and she seemed to think that had just as much if not more impact as the actual book itself. Here's what I wrote: 11/12/1997
Once in a great while, someone comes along that touches the lives of many. Someone who, in their infinite kindness, patience, and caring, makes it a lot easier for the rest of us to make our journeys through this world. I am lucky enough to be able to call this one "Mom."

For almost 21 years, you have raised me with all the loving in the world, and have shaped me into the person I am today. You say on countless occasions how proud of me you are, and how it makes you happy to hear others speak of me with fond memories. However, you must realize that every one of these compliments is not directed at me, but towards you in recognition of the wonderful job you have done in molding me into the person I have become.

On this, your 50th birthday, reflect back upon not just the past 21 years, but also the rest of your life and realize how many other people you have touched. Your presence has been a steadying hand of reason and help to guide us, a laugh to lighten the moment, and a cradle of support.

I hope to give back some of what you have given me through this present, in acknowledgement and grateful thanks for the years of your life that you have invested in me. I love you very much, and wish you nothing but the best for your next 50 years.

Five years later, the sentiment still holds as true as ever. Happy Mother's Day, Mom. I love you.