Today, I’m stepping away from discussing leadership insights and professional growth to share a heartfelt reminder for your personal life: Reach out to your mother.
This past year has brought numerous changes to my career. I stepped down as co-CEO at a financial services company, embraced new opportunities as a public speaker and leadership editor at SUCCESS magazine, and launched my debut book. These have been significant milestones that I know would have filled my mother with pride, and during each celebration, I find myself wishing she could be there to share the joy.
My connection with my mom was deeply special. Even as my professional journey expanded and my responsibilities grew, I consistently made time to speak with her daily. Sometimes, she would call to share updates about family matters or happenings in our tight-knit hometown. Other times, it was simply to tell me something humorous; she had a wonderful sense of humor. Her unique ability to uplift everyone she encountered made a lasting impact on those around her.
A few weeks ago, while visiting my hometown of Covington, I took a copy of my book to my mother’s resting place. I spent a few moments with her and expressed what I had penned, wishing she could read it. I truly believe she would be proud of my achievements, which brings me solace, yet I still feel her absence keenly.
Do you remember Pandora’s advertisement from the previous year? They blindfolded several children aged between 3 and 9 to see if they could identify their mother among a group of women simply by touch and scent. This ad served as both a subtle nudge for partners to buy a “one-of-a-kind” gift for the special woman in their lives and an experiment demonstrating the profound bond between a child and their mother. Time after time, these young ones accurately picked their moms, a tearjerker that showcased how powerful that relationship is—one that truly never fades.
I am continually moved by the vivid memories individuals have of their mothers, even many years after their passing. Whether it’s the sensation of their hands, the scent of their perfume, or the sound of their laughter, these recollections endure. I know someone whose mother favored Estée Lauder Youth Dew. Almost twenty years after her passing, she still finds herself searching the room for her mother whenever she catches a hint of that fragrance, envisioning her in a homemade dress and signature red lipstick that she wore until her final days. Much like her, I would give anything to have my mom back with me for just a moment—to bask in her scent, touch her gentle skin, and share precious moments together.
If there’s one lesson I’ve learned from losing my mom, it’s to treasure every moment you have with her while she is still with you. We often shy away from the thought of losing our mothers, but life is incredibly fleeting. She won’t always be around, and every time you let a phone call go unanswered or miss an opportunity to visit, those moments will slip away forever. Once she is gone, the regret of those lost interactions will weigh heavy. No matter our age or independence, that maternal bond remains irreplaceable.
As I reflect on my longing for my mother, my most important advice to you is this: If you are lucky enough to still have your mom in your life, grab your phone and call her right now. Don’t opt for a text or an email. Dedicate a few minutes out of your day for a genuine conversation where you can hear her voice. Express your love for her, share an amusing or interesting event from your day, inquire about hers, and express gratitude for the countless ways she has shaped you into who you are today. Make this a regular practice.
