Expressed affection is the best of all methods to use when you want to light a glow in someone’s heart and feel it in your own.

—Ruth Stafford Peale

Tomorrow is Mother’s Day and this column is dedicated to an affectionate look at mothers; some we can hold, others we now hold in our hearts. The truth is this: Those mortarboard placards on sale among the graduation supplies all say, “Hi Mom!”

She’s that important.

My mother resides half a nation away. If she were here, I’d prepare a beautiful breakfast for her and show her the family cookbook I’m building for my own young adult children. Some of our happiest moments have been spent in the kitchen together and we frequently talk about recipes over the phone. We both read cookbooks for fun and collect cooking gadgets.

My life is also enriched by a loving step mom and we are known for our lengthy text messages to each other. She never forgets to remind me that my dad would have also been thrilled by the very things that bring me the most joy.

I asked a number of friends to pay tribute to their mothers and the beauty of their words speaks to the best in all mothers.

Heather: I miss having Saturday morning coffee with my mom and talking about the week. While we only live a few hours apart, it’s becoming harder to get together, and phone calls and text messages just aren’t the same. I should clarify that I have coffee. She has a cup of Coffeemate-flavored creamer with a splash of coffee.

Summer: I appreciate that Mom takes her time to show my kids love and how to do things I’m not blessed having a talent in, such as gardening!

Dianna: I miss being able to pick up the phone and share important news or discuss world events with my mother. I always knew that she would be interested in whatever I had to report. I also miss the lively conversations we had over politics and her unique sense of humor. My mother was born and raised in Australia, but became an American citizen in her 20s. She was so proud to be an American and couldn’t have been more patriotic. She was the best!

Darbi: I love how my mom loves me no matter what! She calls just to chit-chat or sends me a package because something reminded her of me. It’s not what we talk about in our conversations or what she sends me in the packages, but the meaning behind them. I know she does it because she loves me and to remind me that I am thought of and loved by her.

Cindy: I miss my mother’s contagious spirit and laughter and how she made life fun. But most of all I miss her availability at any hour, day or night and how she seemed to have the answer to all my problems — big or small.

Happy Mother’s Day!