There's seemingly little things that you think no one else will remember which demonstrate your Mom's impact on your life. The stories of growing up that get trotted out at family gatherings, that as a teen you squirm at but as an adult you love to recall, is one example.

You know the type I mean - the ones that morph into family legend. Deceptive in their appearance, these tales are powerful in the bond of laughter, love and fond nostalgia that they build between generations of families.

Let me share one of our family tales here. In my teens, I fainted while in the bathroom and actually fell unconscious into the thankfully empty bath. I woke to find my Mom hanging over me, half in and half out the bath, with tears of laughter rolling down her face as she hooted and hee hawed at my predicament.

Being disorientated because all I could see was white enamel surrounding me as I was coming round, frightened little me let out this really whining moan like an injured animal. That, combined with the look on my shocked face, made Mom just collapse in a heap of helpless giggles. My family can find humor in most anything.

Later Mom said that all she'd heard was the thud and came in to find me fully clothed and sprawled out. In my youth I fainted often, so it wasn't a big concern as there was no sign of a split head or a bump. That one I will never live down! Truth be told, if the roles were reversed, I'd have done the same.

Take a moment to look back on those favorite stories gathered throughout your life. You'll be surprised by how many of them your Mom was a part of, in some shape or form.

Either on the sidelines or playing a main role in them, steady as a rock, Mom could always be counted on to be there through times of both laughter and tears. She was the one offering support, encouragement and the occasional knock down line when she felt you were getting too big for your boots.

So let's hear it for Moms worldwide! Every one of them a hero, every one of them special in their own way. If you have your Mom at close range, you might even give her a hug, tell her that she is and say a sincere thanks for everything (and not just mean the clean clothes or dinner on the table).

Moms, give yourself a much deserved pat on the back for doing what's arguably the hardest yet most important job in the world. You're shaping our tomorrows.

Happy Mother's Day when it arrives no matter where you are!