Sterling Holloway, a "Disney Legend," was the familiar voice of Winnie the Pooh and other classic animated characters including The Jungle Book's Kaa the Snake and Alice and Wonderland's Cheshire Cat. The late Mr. Holloway shared a connection with my hometown of Auburn, California. He was a frequent visitor in the home of his nephew and namesake, a resident of Auburn. I'm reminded this week--can it be, the first anniversary of my mother's passing?--of this exchange between Pooh Bear and Christopher Robin. 

CR: Pooh Bear, what if, some day, there came a tomorrow when we were apart?

PB: As long as we're apart together, we can certainly be fine.

CR: Yes, yes. Of course, But, if we weren't together. If I were somewhere else...

PB: Oh, well, you really couldn't be, because I would be quite lost without you. Who would I call on those days when I just wasn't strong enough or brave enough and...

CR: Well, actually...

PB: And who would I ask for advice when I didn't know which way to turn?

CR: Pooh, we...

PB: We? We simply wouldn't be.

CR: Oh, Pooh. If ever there's a tomorrow when we're not together, there's something you must remember.

PB: And what might that be, Christopher Robin?

CR: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.

PB: Oh, that's easy! We're braver than a bee, and longer than a tree, and taller than a goose...or was that a moose?

CR: No, silly old bear. You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart, I'll always be with you. I'll always be with you. I'll always be...   

I miss you, mom.  

Is there a treasured relationship you need to celebrate, nurture, or renew? Don't wait.