My Mother's Day celebration was quite bittersweet this year. I enjoyed a wonderful day with my husband and children, but spent much of the day mourning my Mom, who passed away in September 2009 from lung cancer. I recalled all the fun-filled days with her of walking in the woods and identifying every plant and animal possible -- a tradition I maintained with my own children this Mother's Day as we took a 2-hour walk in a forest preserve. I tried my best to recall the names of the plants she had taught me so long ago, but I wished she could be there to teach my daughters with me.

To read this month's column, go to
http://www.ncpad.org/822/4208/F~I~T~T~May~2010~~~For~Mom.