Have you ever missed an opportunity to tell your mother how much she meant to you, only to sing a tearful tribute from the shadows of a memory? Have you ever missed the chance to tell someone about their positive impact on your life?

My mother would tell my brothers and me, “Give me my flowers while I can smell them, for when I’m dead and gone, I cannot smell them.”

My mother gave these and many inspiring words of wisdom that have guided me throughout my life. Like her, I believe it is the highest honor to tell and show our love to people while they are living. After they are dead and gone, they cannot receive the accolades you give them. They also cannot smell or see the flowers you bring.

In this book, I share the positive impact my mother had on me, and give 21 inspirational words of wisdom she gave. Along with these messages are my photographs of flowers. I honor my mother ”Bernadette“ and all mothers.