Hi neighbors. Did you bring your wife some coffee in bed this morning? How about breakfast in bed? Complete with a bouquet of flowers and a bed full of your children! When the talk turns to mothers, we all are eager to tell about things our mothers did with us and for us.

Those who, too, are mothersgladly tell about things our children have done, the first time they said "ma ma" (or anything that sounded like that) and all of their accomplishments as they grew. All of us who are mothers can also recall times that weren't so happy. We could all share periods from our childhood when things weren't so carefree, or times in our children's lives that were difficult or painful.

As often as we like to share memories of all our mothers have meant to us, we must admit the things we might remember most poignantly are the sacrifices our mothers made for our benefit.

As children, we sometimes didn't realize what our parents gave up in order to provide a home for us. Unless you came from a family that was always wealthy, chances are your parents did without some things they wanted -- or maybe really needed -- in order for you to have some things you needed or wanted.

The happy, two parent family with 2.6 children isn't really the norm in America now. Although many remember that lifestyle, it simply hasn't been the average family for the past several decades.

Mother's Day should also recognize those moms who are raising children alone, either because they are widows, divorced, or their husbands are in the military.

I'm not saying there aren't fathers in the same situations, but this is about Mother's Day, after all.

There are grandmothers raising grandchildren because the parents are deceased, or for some other reason not available.

Foster mothers may temporarily share their homes and hearts with any number of children. There are many adoptive mothers who take children under their wings and give them a lifelong home and family.

Stepmothers share their love with joined families.

But attributes of mothering aren't limited to those who take children into their homes. Some are temporary mentors, care givers, trainers or counselors to children of all ages. They display the endearing characteristics of "motherhood" to those who may no longer have a mother, those who can't be with their mothers for several hours or those who need particular care that their own mothers may not be trained to give.

Some of these "mothers in transit" may include family members, social workers who help children and adults through traumas and life situations, lawyers who help sort out the legal complications some families face, doctors who not only bring children into the world, but care for them throughout their lives.

Spiritual mentors or church members who helped you understand and appreciate that aspect of your growth are important to us all.

Female police officers who answer our calls for help. Women in the military who aren't afraid to become warriors to protect us. Nurses, who are there day and night to soothe a fevered brow or chase monsters out of closets in hospital rooms. Often teachers are the second mother figure many children know and are even called by that name the first year a child is in a classroom. Daycare providers fill the role of caregiver, comforter and rule maker for many children.

Take time to reflect on the roles all the women in your life have played and how much of that role could coincide with the role of "mother." Perhaps we should give them a call on Mother's Day. Just in case no one else has.

There are mothers living alone in nursing homes who have outlived their children and husbands. These women were good mothers and devoted wives, yet they may be forgotten on Mother's Day.

Did you have a favorite teacher or coach, employer or friend, aunt or baby-sitter? Even if these people are no longer in your life, it might be nice to remember them for the characteristics they displayed when you needed them.

Until the next time friends remember; Mother's Day is a time to honor and cherish our own mothers. But it can also be a day to show respect and appreciation to all the mothers we've known.