Everyone has a story about their mother. Mothers are as different as their unique personalities. Some are patient and kind. Some are loud and obnoxious. Others are very opinionated. In spite of these characteristic differences in a mother's personality, they do the best that they can, as there is no wrong way to love their child.

Let me first point out that being a mother is the most challenging, yet rewarding, experience in a woman's life. Women have the ability to love their child unconditionally, in spite of the circumstances. It is said that a Mother's Love begins at the very thought of conception and never ends; not even after death.

My mother is celebrating her eightieth birthday in a couple months. She is one of those women who needs nothing, and who finds happiness in the simplest things. I decided to pay tribute to her life, and especially her motherhood, buy selecting an assortment of Italian charms that would each have special meaning to her. Each charm reflects a certain period of her life as a wife, a mother and a grandmother. I'm sure it will bring tears for her, but I'm sure it will also remind her of many happy times with more to anticipate.

A new mother's love is blind as she gazes at her red-faced, wrinkly, toothless newborn. She honestly believes her baby is the most beautiful in the world. Her love for this infant has grown as her womb has expanded. She has lovingly and unselfishly prepared for this moment, for her life as she has known it is changed forever with the birth of her child.

The mother of an obstinate two-year-old, whose boundaries are constantly being tested, patiently teaches the right way to behave. She allows her child to experience anger and frustration, but ignores tantrums, choosing instead to reward good behavior. This mother's love is patient, for she understands this stage in her child's life is short-lived.

The love for the school-aged child can best be described as consistent, as the mother learns to let her child develop an individual personality. She allows her child to socialize; enables her child to experience life; challenges her child to become independent; supports her child through trials and triumphs, alike. Through all of these stages of development, her love is unwavering.

In a mother's eyes, her child can usually do no wrong, regardless of the circumstances. Not so true in the tumultuous adolescent years. Because the mother did such a good job of raising her child to be an independent, self-reliant individual, teen-agers often push themselves into adulthood before they are actually ready. Mistakes are made. Often, all a mother can do is guide the child to learn from their mistakes; to make better decisions; to accept that her child is not perfect. In this stage of motherhood, her love needs to be very forgiving and understanding.

The child who becomes an adult understands and appreciates the love their mother has shown them over the years. They realize she has been their biggest fan; their strongest support; their best teacher; their most sincere critic. The mother of an adult child finally sees that her sacrifices and efforts in raising her child were not in vain. The love she has for her adult child is full of pride.

There is a special bond formed by mother and daughter once the daughter becomes a mother. The mother's ever-changing role is now defined by the name "Grandmother", and she understands…she knows…she empathizes and sympathizes with what her daughter will need to be as a mother. For, there is no stronger love than that of a mother; and no love more rewarding than becoming a grandmother!