I heard this acoustic version of Lenny Kravitz’s Thinking of You a while back. He sings it as a tribute to his late mother, actress Roxie Roker, on her birthday.

Now I love Lenny Kravitz and more than that I deeply love my mother. She is a soldier, as most mothers are. For taking care of me, for putting up with all my drama and attitude, loving me unconditionally and always giving it to me straight, even though I don’t really listen.

I have a few friends who have lost their mothers when they were very young. I lost my father, and although it would have been special to have my dad around, and not to take anything away from dedicated and loving fathers, a mothers love is a rare gift and for those of us who are lucky to receive it, it never waivers, even when you take it for granted.

To all the mothers, especially my own.

Happy birthday Ma. Thinking of you.