We celebrate Mother’s Day later this week on Sunday and it’s that special time of the year we celebrate the special women in our lives.

All moms need recognition for all the love and support they give us and we all say, “My mom is the Best,” which may be true but I want to celebrate a mom that is truly the best and that is my mom, Bobbie Sternfels.

Bobbie is a mom who has been there for me no matter what trouble I got into growing up or may have done to disappoint her. Moms are special like that and she has been a mom who is always there to listen to me and give me advice when I need it. She never turns her back on me or anyone else. She has a big heart for everyone and that’s what makes her so special.

When I was robbed living in New York after being there for only a week, I called her and said, “Maybe this city isn’t for me.”

She said in response, “It was terrible what happened to you. You worked hard to get there, so learn from it, keep your head up and move forward. Make a new life for yourself in New York.”

That’s my definition of tough love because she didn’t just get scared and put me on the next plane back to Fountain Hills. She was watching out for my best interests and not hers and that’s making it in a city I had dreamed of living in one day since I was a little boy.

I also remember how hard she worked when I sold my house in Mesa to get it cleaned up and ready to sell. She was there deep cleaning every day for a week while I worked and this helped me so much since at that time I was going through such a busy time in my life. I will always remember things like this that she does for me as well as the little things.

I have many other stories but these are just examples of who my mom is and the big heart she has for me or anyone else. I can never repay her but I can keep my head up and move forward with my life and just be happy and that’s all a mom wants from her child. Happiness and success are all that matters to them and I feel I have accomplished that for her. I have bad days which may bring her down temporarily, but we all do. No matter what kind of day I am having, she smiles and has that positive attitude that helps me get through the tough times.

I also want to wish my step mom, Diane, a Happy Mother’s Day because she has also been there for me and has been such a great wife to my father and she goes all out for her kids and grandchildren. Happy Mother’s Day, Diane.

My wife, Gina, I love you very much and you are a very special mom and Michael is so lucky to have you in his life and so am I. Happy Mother’s Day, Gina.

To my sister, Holly, I am proud of you and the life you have provided for Brooke and Addy through all your hard work. You’re a great role model for the girls and I want to wish you a Happy Mother’s Day.

My mother-in-law Barbara Parton, you’re so special to Gina and all of us. Thank you for bringing your daughter in my life. Happy Mother’s Day, Barb.

And to Grandma Cruikshank,too!

There are so many moms out there I can wish a Happy Mother’s Day to but my column is only so long. Happy Mother’s Day to you. If your mom lives in another state pick up the phone and call them no matter how you left each other the last time you saw them because you never know what tomorrow will bring and that one call means so much to them. Mothers have that unconditional love for you and you mean the world to them.

I will end this by wishing my mom, Bobbie, a Happy Mother’s Day. You have done so much for me and I appreciate you so much. I am so lucky to have the “best mom in the world.” I love you and will always push to make you proud of me.

To the person reading this, enjoy your special day with that special someone and remember to make that call on Mother’s Day.