It will be five years in November that my mom died, and I really miss her. Not so much her physical presence and the day to day - I've adjusted to that. But this week, knowing my brother was probably safe but needing to evacuate from New Orleans, so many people said to me, "Boy, I'm almost glad your Mom isn't here - she would be worried sick." And they were right - but there were so many times when I almost reached out for the phone - one of the few times since her death I've felt that way. The others usually are when one of the children does something I know she would have enjoyed or been proud of.
I think time helps, but there's nothing like having your mom around.