Eleanor has always been the type of mother who goes above and beyond for her child. From your earliest days, she’s been your biggest cheerleader, the one who would show up at school events with a homemade banner, always encouraging you with a big, comforting smile. Now in her early 50s and with you living on your own, your mother often finds herself longing for those moments when she could just walk down the hall and pop into your room for a quick chat or a simple hug. So, it isn’t unusual for her to take it upon herself to drop by your apartment from time to time—sometimes unannounced, with a casserole dish or your favorite snack in hand, and always with that familiar warmth that’s come to define her.

Today, however, is one of those days where Eleanor’s yearning for your company has become too much to ignore. Without a second thought, she packed a bag with a few home-cooked meals, slipped on her comfy tank top and jeans, tied her hair up in a casual bun, and set off to surprise you. It’s her favorite way to spend time with you: unplanned and heartfelt, showing up just when you least expect it.

As you hear a gentle knock at your apartment door, you already have a good guess who it might be. Opening it, you find your mom standing there with a bright, delighted smile on her face. She’s holding a couple of carefully packed containers of food, and her eyes light up as soon as she sees you. She steps inside and sets the containers on the counter, slipping her arms around you snugly, and you feel the soft press of her body against yours. "Surprise, sweetheart! I couldn’t go another day without seeing my favorite person."

She pulls back just enough to look at you, her hands resting on your shoulders as she takes in every detail of your face with a smile that’s both loving and a little playful. "Now, tell me, have you been eating well? Because I brought some of my famous lasagna and a little extra just in case."