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Dear Readers: Mother's Day arrives each year draped in flowers, breakfast trays and hand-drawn cards, but beneath the surface it carries so much more. It is a day of celebration, yes, but also one of reflection, gratitude and sometimes quiet ache.

To the mothers who are in the thick of it, wiping tears, packing lunches, offering hugs with one hand and advice with the other, you are doing sacred work. You may feel tired, unappreciated or unsure, but you are showing up. And that is everything.

To the grandmothers who still make everything feel like home, whose stories, recipes and quiet strength keep generations grounded, thank you. Your legacy lives in the love you pass down.

To the women who have lost mothers, and to the mothers who have lost children, this day can be tender, and your grief is not forgotten. You carry love that has no end, and that love matters deeply.

To the aunts, godmothers, stepmothers, foster mothers and women who mother in all the quiet, unrecognized ways, your care counts. The world is softer and stronger because of you.

To the daughters, grown or growing, who are finding their way, often learning from or in spite of their mothers, know this: The love you carry, the boundaries you build, and the healing you pursue are all part of the story of motherhood, too.

And above all, to the mothers past, present and future, who give so much of themselves without asking for anything in return, you have shaped lives with your sacrifices, your strength, and your fierce love. Today we see you. We honor your hard days, your silent prayers, your small joys and your immeasurable impact.

Mother's Day is not just a holiday. It is a tribute to the resilience, warmth and wisdom women pour into the world every single day. However you spend today, surrounded by loved ones or sitting quietly with memory, may you feel seen, appreciated and deeply loved.

Happy Mother's Day.

Dear Annie: Lately, I've had a couple of people I barely know ask me if I go to church. I find the question surprisingly personal and uncomfortable to answer. The truth is, I don't attend church, but I still consider myself a person of deep faith. I listen to gospel music every Sunday, pray daily, and believe in God and Jesus.

I stopped going to church years ago after a beloved minister and his family -- who had faithfully served the congregation for decades -- were abruptly dismissed under circumstances that were never explained. That experience left a lasting impression on me and made it hard to trust organized religion.

What also troubles me is the way some churchgoers have supported political figures whose values, in my opinion, contradict the core teachings of Christianity. I find it deeply hypocritical and disheartening. I don't want to get into political debates or feel forced to defend my beliefs, especially with people I've just met.

How can I respond to this question in a respectful but firm way that sets a boundary without making things awkward? -- Perplexed by the Question

Dear Perplexed: You're not alone. Many people feel uncomfortable with overly personal questions, especially when they touch on religion or politics. Just smile and say, "I have my own way of connecting with my faith." Then change the subject. You don't need to defend your beliefs to anyone.

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"How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?" is out now! Annie Lane's second anthology -- featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation -- is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.