Let's hear it for Mom!

It doesn't seem fair.

For all they do, only one day of the year is set aside to recognize moms.

A week seems more appropriate. But then again, most busy moms don't have more than 15 minutes, let alone a week, to take a well-deserved bow and collect the multiple "thank-yous" they so richly deserve.

So we must settle on a mere 24 hours.

Tradition dictates that on Mother's Day we should give moms a special gift that says, "Thank you for all you do, and I love you." Of course, flowers, a picture frame, a sentimental card or a piece of jewelry make nice gifts, but most moms would simply be happy with a great big hug and kiss and a sincere "Thanks, Mom!"

We could fix them breakfast in bed or take them to a fancy restaurant, but many moms will tell you it's who they're with, not where they are, that makes the day so very special. Still, it's nice for Mom to enjoy a meal where she doesn't have to: (a) cook, (b) do dishes, (c) set the table or (d) all of the above.

So here's to all the moms out there; we salute you: the stay-at-home moms, working moms, stepmoms, adoptive moms, foster moms, grandmas, great-grandmas and all the other women in our lives who are shoppers, chefs, laundresses, bill payers, housekeepers, chauffeurs, healers, comforters, protectors . . . the list goes on.

We apologize for all the times we've made you worried, tired, stressed, angry, baffled, late, embarrassed or simply crazed. We love you.

Even when mothers are wrong, and it doesn't happen often, their hearts are almost always in the right place. They overlook our faults and love us unconditionally.

The Jewish proverb is so right: "God couldn't be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers."