A story of unconditional love between a mother and her child.

It was a glorious spring morning as Riley and her mother sat on the front porch swing. The air was filled with the scent of wildflowers and a cool breeze gently caressed their skin. As the morning sun dawned so to did Riley curiosity.

Riley was a very curious child, at four years old she often wondered about the why's and the how's of the world. Her mother was a very patient, gentle women whose heart overflowed with love.

Together they enjoyed many mornings such as this. As they sat enjoying the serenity of daybreak Riley turned to her mother and asked "Mommy, why do you love me?"

Her mother replied, "My sweet child the reasons I love you are more numerous than the stars in the night sky."

Although Riley was pleased by her mother’s words she was not satisfied with the answer. She asked again, "Mommy why do you love me?"

Her mother answered, "Beautiful child the reasons that I love you are more abundant than the many faces of the moon.

Riley was beginning to get frustrated and said, "Mommy please tell me why you love me."

Her mother thought for a moment and her face began to radiate with love as she answered, "My child I love you for the wonder in your eyes, the tenderness in your heart, and the joy in your sweet smile." She continued, "I love you for the depth of your feelings, the wisdom of your words, and the innocence of your laughter. She took a deep breath and went on to say, "I love you for your glorious visions of the future and your dreams of making this world a better place."


Although she loved everything her mother had shared, she still was not satisfied with the answer. In an exasperated tone she yelled, "Mommy for the last time would you please tell me why you love me."

Her mother was beginning to run out of answers when a simple thought came upon her. She leaned over and held her daughter in her arms and said, "Riley, I love you because you are you."

Riley's heart filled with joy, for this was the answer she had been searching for. She threw her arms around her mother and giggled, "Mommy I love you because you are you too."


At that moment they were completely connected. What a beautiful gift they shared on that April morning. The gift of unconditional love filled their hearts and souls for many a day to come.

Debbie Milam is the author of The Secret to Raising a Happy, Successful Family. A syndicated parenting columnist for United Press International and therapist whose work has been featured in over 300 media outlets including The Miami Herald, Elle, Ladies Home Journal, PBS and The Hallmark Channel.

Visit her website for more products and resources to help you be a create a life of peace, joy, and success for you and your children. Sign-up for her newsletter at www.bestyoucanbe.org and receive your special report Creating Peace Within Yourself and Your Family.