I look for her, but she seems to evade me. I look for her loving look, her words of encouragement, her inspiration, her company, her affection, her unconditional support, her love. I’m still looking. Please don’t leave me! Hey, Mom, I’m here. Would you like to be with me? To share some time with me—without judging me? Mother, I’m not perfect! Mother, are you listening? Can you love me as I am? Are you there?

How many of us have found ourselves in this same...