I should have been kinder to her

 In August 1998, August 9 to be exact, I lost the person who loved me most in the world.  I lost Mother that day.  It felt like a piece of flesh being torn from my heart.  Today 12 years later, the wounds had healed, but I still miss her.  Also I had always regretted not spending more time with her and not showing her the kindness and patience that she deserved, particularly after I got married, had children and had a heavy career that had robbed me of my time and and sometimes my good sense. 

Please forgive me Mother.  You deserved much more than what I had given you.