Everyone has one- a mom. But not everyone has one for long. I lost my mom last February, and since that date is a week away, and I'm not prepared, I thought I'd share my thoughts on what I've learned without her.

Even if you aren't close, you'll miss her. You came from her, and not having that person in the world hurts.

You want to tell her things you can't tell anyone else. All I want sometimes is just to talk to her about my dog, or my grades.

Her favorites sneaks up on you. And suddenly you fall in love with koalas, and the color orange. You want to be closer to the things she loved.

There aren't words to describe the ache you have in your heart. Sometimes you get sad for no reason- like when you're on your way to work, or when you hear a song you both used to sing.

Sometimes when you think of her, you think of all the good she did, and not the bad. Everyone does bad things, and sometimes it takes something big for you to realize that.

You appreciate all of the notes you saved from her. I find myself rereading them often, because I can tell her physical presence touched these pages.

You get sad on her birthday, and the day of the month she died.

You miss her a lot, and you wish you could just have one more phone call with her.