It is Mother's Day, and I am childless -- my daughter is at a sleepover at a dear friend's home and most assuredly having the time of her life. But we'll be together later this afternoon with grandparents, and an aunt, uncle and cousin. My daughter will spend the remainder of the day finishing a school project on Egypt. And I'll be nearby, offering the encouragement and glue, staples, magic markers and scissors. But that's OK. That's what we moms do.

I hope I'll remember to thank my own mom today, now 79 years old, for all that she's done for me -- and, even now, still does. I hope I'll also remember all of the women in my life who, though perhaps they do not have children of their own, have always been at the ready to nurture and love our kids. Teachers. Neighbors. Aunts or cousins. I don't know where my daughter and I would be without them.

Wishing you all a glorious May 8. To all women, whether moms by birth, adoption, happy circumstance or a nurturing countenance, Happy Mother's Day!