The word "mother" is defined as, "A woman who conceives, gives birth to, or raises and nurtures a child." In my opinion, when you look up the word mother, it should say, "see: Wein, Rosemary."

For the last thrity-two years, my mother has been everything to me. A mom and a dad, a friend, a confidant, an advisor -- and one hell of a cook. But as of late, she has helped me in ways no one can imagine -- and she will never know how grateful I am for all that she has done for me in the last year. It's no secret that 2003 was not my best year. Instead of the "Happy New Year" we all hope for when the Ball drops, I got financial horror, felt betrayal and heartbreak -- and almost lost myself due to the tremendous stress I endured day in and day out. And just when I thought I would never recover -- there was mom. Through her encouragement, support, assistance and love, I moved from Drama Central to Home Sweet Home. And since I have been living here, I am happy to say that I have seen more of my mother than ever before.

We have always talked at least once every day, but there were times that, for one reason or another, I went a few weeks without seeing her. No matter what the reason, it was never by choice, and I missed her very much. Now that I live walking distance from her, we see each other at least three times a week. We have dinner on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and go to breakfast either Saturday or Sunday morning every weekend. I really enjoy the time I spend with my mother. She has a good sense of humor and is more than just my mom, she is someone I enjoy spening time with.

Even my friends -- both the ones who live here and the ones who live all over the world -- always tell me that my mom is a great person. I always make it a point to bring my friends over to her house to meet her -- especially the ones who live out-of-state, because I am very proud of my mom and love to have my friends see what a great person she is.

Yesterday morining, my mom called and invited me to Church with the family -- my sister, niece, nephew and my Aunt Anna. On the way there, she asked me when I would be able to get a computer, since I did not have one at the time. I told her that I would get one as soon as I had the cash, which would probably be in a few months. She then offered, to my complete surprise, to put it on her credit card -- as long as I paid it off as soon as I got my tax refund.

Deal.

So off to Best Buy we went, and mom once again came through for me, as she always does. And the best part is it is not just finacially that she comes through for me. She offers me advice, listens to me vent, "fills my belly" -- and has given me 32 years of unconditional love -- and a true lead by example.

I am absolutely the man I am because of the way my mother raised me. She has always told me that I can be anything I want to be, and that I should always be a good person. She has given me character, empathy for others, the ability to love -- and shown me the importance of family. I know in my heart that I would not be the man I am if not for her and the upbringing she gave me. And I know I speak for my sister when I say that I thank God that Rosemary Wein is my mother.

So thanks mom. Thanks for the computer, the advice, the wonderful childhood memories -- and for being the true definition of a mother. Thanks for always being proud of me when I succeed -- and never being ashamed of me when I failed. Thanks for opening your home to well over a hundred of my friends throughout the course of my life -- and thank you for bringing me into this world.

I love you mom...very much.