ON THIS MOTHER'S DAY, SHOW YOUR LOVE

There is a big difference between Mother's Day and its companion holiday next month, Father's Day. There's even a big difference between today's special celebration for mothers and the relatively new card-giving occasion, Grandparents' Day.

Why?

Mother's are, without a doubt, the strongest of the sexes when it comes to feelings for their offspring. Fathers and grandparents are not to be maligned here, but most caring and loving fathers and grandparents would quickly acknowledge the dominant role of mothers. Certainly grandmothers would understand that.

So what do we really think about our mothers?

It's hard to find anyone who doesn't have, at a minimum, some emotional attachment to a mother. Sure, some teen-agers strain their maternal ties as they are learning to spread their wings. The best mothers finds ways to give freedom to their maturing children in proportion to the soundness of the training and values that have been instilled in infancy, young childhood and adolescence. Mothers who are confident of their efforts have the least worries -- and the most love.

But not every mother is perfect -- unless it's our own mother, of course. Some mothers struggle with their responsibilities, often for reasons beyond their control.

Regardless of their abilities and challenges, however, mothers retain a strong sense of duty and responsibility. They want their children to be happy, protected, well-fed, cared for, healthy.

And employed.

At some point, of course, virtually every mother is ready for her adorable offspring to find a way to make a living.

Some mothers worry about their own performance in the child-rearing department. Others fret when their children show a lack of maturity as they grow into young adults. Still other mothers wonder if the deep love and affection they have for this children is reflected in the same measure.

Here is something everyone should know about mothers: On Mother's Day, mothers like to get mushy cards. Those cute cards with snappy jokes and crunchy punch lines are funny. But mothers aren't looking for funny today. They're looking for a spark of the unconditional love they have bestowed on their children all their lives.

Take time today to tell your mother you love her. As Paul Harvey used to say in that commercial for florists: "I wish I could."