Hi, it's Mommy

That's what she always says when she calls. So simple. But sometimes I save her message in voice mail and play it back when I check my messages. It is reassuring.

Her voice is familiar, her words are familiar. She calls to tell me news. She calls to say hi. She calls to check on me.

I say 'hi ma, why are you calling?' (Well not so abrupt like that, but I work it into the conversation.)

She says she just wanted to say hi.

This is an ode to my mother whom I love so much. It is not mother's day. It is not her birthday. But if you ever get that warm protected feeling like there is someone who cares beyond physical belief, like you can fall and they will catch you- you know what I'm talking about.

"Hi ma, I'm just calling to say hi".

And she understands.