Mother’s Day is coming soon. It’s the time of year we specially honor mom, give her a gift and say thanks for all she’s done. In my house, growing up though, my mom was not around much. In fact, she passed away when I was two. She only lived to be 28.

So I never really got to know her. What I do know of her is mostly from what my father and other relatives have told me. From photos I can see she was a nurse. She worked in a hospice that cared for the elderly. I imagine she was a sincere, kind lady.

Over the years, when I went to visit her grave, I would pray there, grateful that she brought me into this world. Just the thought of that was and continues to be very inspirational to me—she’s the reason I’m alive today. She’s the one who nurtured me in my first years of life.

My father eventually remarried. The relationship between my stepmother and I was kind of distant at first, mainly because we were from different cultures—she was from Taiwan and I, of course, am from Hong Kong.

My stepmother is a very independent and emotional woman. She runs clothing boutiques and is very focused on her business. When I was still young she loved to prepare fashionable outfits for me and my sister when she was in a good mood. But if she had a mood swing she would isolate herself and it was hard for us to be close to her. I admit I didn’t know how to love her at those times.

I have now outlived my birth mother. Heaven has given me more time on earth than my mother had. Realizing this, it’s like a reminder to me to cherish every single day of life and to make the most of the opportunities that she never had. I also need to cherish the family I still do have, while they are alive, and make every effort to repair any broken relationships. This is my motivation for changing my attitude towards my stepmother and not to give up on her when she’s moody. Today I appreciate the good times I have with her and the way she cares for me, even as I do my birth mother. We’re able to enjoy simple pleasures together now, like having a mother-daughter dinner and talking about our days.

There’s nothing more touching than a mother’s love. It’s an unconditional love when you think about it—mothers (and stepmothers!) put up with all our faults and still love us! So if you’re struggling with your mom, I hope you’ll learn to forgive and appreciate her. Happy Mother’s Day everyone!