As we approach another Mothers Day I'd like to pay homage to one who made sure the ties between my mother and me will never be severed. Alexander Graham Bell.

Were it not for the telephone and the later miracle called the Answering Machine I feel sure my mother and I would have lost touch long ago and I would have missed out on such intimate conversations as:

BEEP: "Mickie, are you there? Mickie, Mickie? Mickie, if you're there, please pick up. (Pause) Mickie? Mickie? Well, I guess you're in the basement...." Click.

BEEP: "I know you're not there but I wanted to tell you that Bells has cantaloupe on sale, two for a dollar. They look real good. I got you two and I'll bring them to you if you want me to...Mickie? Are you there? Let me know so I'll know about the cantaloupe." Click.

BEEP: "I can't believe you're still not home. Where could you have gone? You said you had to wash clothes. Did something happen? Are you sick? Can you hear me? Mickie, please pick up if you're there.... Mickie?" Click.

BEEP: "Mickie. This is Mama. Lulabelle Linenkohl died. You know the lady who moved in down at the lake. She's from Plum Branch or somewhere like that. I don't know who has her body. Just thought you'd want to know." Click.

BEEP: "I sure hope you haven't gone to Augusta. I saw on Channel Six this morning that we're expecting severe thunderstorms this afternoon and I don't like you on the road in the rain. Besides, you didn't sound like you felt good when I called you yesterday. Are you taking anything? If you are, the medicine could make you sleepy and you really shouldn't drive when you're sleepy, and especially if you're not feeling good." Click.

BEEP: "Mickie, are you there?? Leta Jane just called me and said that on her scanner she heard that an escaped convict is headed this way. Make sure you're all locked up. And don't go outside for anything. If you're gone I sure hope you get this message." Click.

BEEP: "Guess you're gone again. You sure go a lot. Listen, I saw on Good Morning America that a virus is going around on computers and I know you have one. Don't you dare turn it on! Find out how to get rid of it before you do so you won't be in any danger of catching it. Love you. Mama." Click.

BEEP: "Mickie, are you there? Mickie?? I guess you're gone again! Ricky said he cut your hair today and I'm so glad. I know it must look better. You know, the older you get the shorter you should cut your hair. And it makes your face look slimmer, too. Not that you look fat. I'm not saying that. But it wouldn't hurt for you to watch your snacks and not drink so many CocaColas. Love you. Bye." Click.

BEEP: "Mickie, it's 10 o'clock and I'm getting worried. Where are you? Call me when you get this message. No matter how late. I'll be up. Love you. Mama." Click.

BEEP: "Are you two still planning on going to Atlanta tonight for Alex's birthday? I wish you wouldn't but if you do, please drive carefully. Flint and I were watching the weather channel and they said there were tornado warnings for this whole area and that the

worst part would be on the road between here and Atlanta! Call me." Click.

BEEP: "I just heard the siren and wondered if the boys were at home. It sounded like it was coming your way and I was worried. Call me. Mama." Click.

BEEP: "Mickie, another ambulance and the fire truck just passed by here. Please pick up if you're there! I'm going to call the Sheriff's Department and see what they can tell me. I sure hope all of you are home and not out on the road somewhere. Hello? Hello? Is anybody there?" Click.

BEEP: "Well, it was an awful accident. Marie just called me and said some man pulled out in front of a log truck and the man died. That is just so sad...just awful. At least now I can go to bed and not worry. Call me. Mama." Click.

BEEP: "Mickie, it's Mama. I'm calling to tell you to move your clocks ahead tonight for the time change. I changed mine this morning so I wouldn't forget it. I'm leaving my watch as it is though so I'll know what time it is all day. Love you. Mama." Click.

BEEP: "Hello? Are you there? Just wanted you to know that Jip had another kidney stone. He's at home but is in a lot of pain. Didn't you say your back was hurting? Kidney stones run in families, you know. You need to drink lots of water or maybe even some cranberry juice. Do you need me to bring you some? I'll be glad to. Call me." Click.

BEEP:

"It's Mama. I just wanted you to know that Billy Graham is coming on Channel 6 at seven o'clock tonight. I hope you get to see it. If Alex and the boys want to watch the Braves, come on up here and watch it with me. Call me and I'll turn the porch light on." Click.

BEEP: "Mickie, are you there? If you're there, please pick up. I just saw a car at Dr. Williams' office that looked just like yours. Are you sick? Where are you? I think I'll ride back by there and see if you're still there. Call me. Mama." Click.

Dear Hearts, I know there are many of you who have mothers like mine. Mothers who worry about their children and grandchildren and who may be a little bit overprotective at times. Sure, I laugh about the funny, endearing things my mother says and does, but I don't kid myself. I'd be lost without her.

Who else cares enough about me to see that I don't chew gum in the choir, that my slip doesn't show, that my medicine is picked up from the pharmacy, to remind me to read my Bible, to encourage me, to wipe my tears, and to love me whether or not I deserve it?

I have an answering machine full of messages that make me laugh, exasperate me, and sometimes even make me cry.... all of them from my mother.

Luckily, I know and have always known that my mother, with all her faults, truly loves me and, as evidenced by her endless phone messages, is totally focused on my well being, and that of my family. For this and especially for her I am eternally grateful.

BEEP:

"Mama, I'm not here now; but I'm safe, well, and happy. Thanks for caring! Leave a message and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. Happy Mothers Day! I Love you. Mickie."

BEEP.