My mom has been the Other Hero in my life. This was printed in Ann Landers and in Chicken Soup for the Mothers Soul. I reprint it for my mom out of love and devotion.  Dear God, Now that I am no longer young, I have friends whose mothers have passed away. I have heard these sons and daughters say that they never fully appreciated their mothers until it was too late to tell them.   I am blessed with a dear mother who is still alive. I appreciate her more each day. My mother does not change, but I do. As I grow older and wiser, I realize what an extraordinary person she is. How sad that I am unable to speak these words in her presence, but they flow easily from my pen.   How does a daughter begin to thank her mother for life itself? For the love, patience and just plain hard work that go into raising a child? For running after a toddler, for understanding a moody teenager, for tolerating a college student who knows everything? For waiting for the day when a daughter realizes how wise her mother really is?   How does a grown woman thank a mother for continuing to be a mother? For being ready with advice (when asked) or remaining silent when it is most appreciated? For not saying, "I told you so" when she could have uttered those words dozens of times? For being essentially herself - loving, thoughtful, patient and forgiving?   I don't know how, dear God, except to ask you to bless her as richly as she deserves and to help me live up to the example she has set. I pray that I will look as good in the eyes of my children as my mother looks in mine.   My mother gave me a plaque once that said "My daughter by chance - my friend by choice". Well, Mom, I am most honored to be called your friend!