A Note About Moms

Mother’s Day is in May, and it’s a reminder of something most of us already know: moms matter in a way that’s hard to put into words. They shape who we are before we even realize it. They show up, they listen, they structure our days.

My mom was my hero, and talking to her was like therapy. Her love for us was fierce and she modeled how to live until the day she died.

As a mother myself, I’ve tried to follow her example. And I’ve learned that being appreciated is often something small. Like a sponge that’s been sitting by my kitchen sink for years that says, “Home is where your mom is.”

My son gave it to me his first Mother’s Day after he got married and moved away. I’ve kept it all this time. It still gets me.

When I asked some of our agents to share a bit about their moms, the responses came back honest, real, and even funny. (Being able to laugh with your mom is pretty important, I think.)

Mark Hummel didn’t hesitate. In a family of six kids, he’ll tell you he’s the favorite. The catch is, every sibling says the same thing. One year they all leaned into it and got matching shirts: “I’m Mom’s Favorite.” That probably tells you everything you need to know about her.

Kevin Phenix said, “My Mom should be on the fast track to Sainthood for raising 3 boys, myself, my brother, and Dad. She’s the best to ever do it, Love You Mom!”

Lauren Ballard said her mom has “an uncanny ability to make other people feel comfortable.” It shows up in Lauren’s own life and how she is with people. She’s raising young kids now and says this season looks different. “Time is the gift.” So, Mother’s Day is breakfast out with her family, then a little space to herself. And every year, she brings fresh flowers to her mom because she “deserves to have someone buy her fresh flowers.”

Laura Polite says, “My mom showed up for me in every way, cheering me on, giving advice, and keeping me in line like the boss she is. If I ever stayed out too late, she had a built-in tracking system calling out, ‘Laura, time to come home!’ loud enough for the whole town to hear.”

Our moms are all different, just like our relationships with them. But the stories we shared tend to circle back to the same place. If we’re lucky, we had someone who showed up when it mattered and left us with something we still carry.

However Mother’s Day looks for you, I hope it feels like home.