Happy Mother's Day!

My mother was gracious, kind, and ever-thoughtful. It was a privilege to be raised by her and a joy to feel a deep love for her throughout our time together. My heart fills up every time a memory surfaces.

It's only fitting that I inaugurate my Youseum with a gallery dedicated to my origin which began with my parents' wedding.

In the first photo, my mother—known to friends and family as Dena, prepares for her big moment. Doting over her shoulder is her mother, Evagelia, while her beautiful sister (and maid of honor) Eugenia, always known to me as Aunt Nia, adjusts her veil.

In the second photo, my grandfather, Papou John, proudly walks my mother down the aisle.

My parents took their vows in a traditional ceremony at the Greek Orthodox Church in Los Angeles. In the third photo, the priest congratulates them following the full ceremony.

In the last gallery photo, my yet-to-be parents are following the old custom of slicing the cake, one hand over the other, in a symbolic gesture that the "two" have now become "one."

To all my tribe members who are mothers or loved their mothers, or both...happy mother's day. I hope today brings back wonderful memories and inspires you to create new ones to think about in the future.