You can't tell mom. She's not here.

But what if you could? What if she was?

What would you tell?

Growing up, my sister and I spent a lot of time arguing back and forth. Often at the end of a verbal debate, one of us would yell “I’m telling mom!” to which the other would yell back “I don’t care!”

Often, those words weren’t true, we cared, but mom was not there, so we had to pretend.

My sister and I no longer argue. Nor do we threaten to tell mom. Arguing is not what we do and our mom is not here.

But what if she was? What would I tell?

I’m telling mom. I care. No need to pretend.

I’m telling mom how much I love and miss her. I’m telling mom how much I appreciate her. I’m telling mom how much I value every lesson she ever taught me. I’m telling mom how thankful I am that God chose her to be my mother.

I’m telling mom how grateful I am for everything she’s ever given me. I’m telling mom that all those times I said she didn’t love me, have proven not to be true. I’m telling mom that all those times I called myself not speaking to her because I was mad at her were not worth it.

I’m telling mom that all those times I didn’t want to hug, kiss, or say “I love you” because of who was watching were missed opportunities.

I’d do it now in a heartbeat.

I don’t care who’s watching.

Especially since she’s not here.

What about you?

What would you tell your mom?

And if you can, what’s stopping you?