But let’s put all of those concerns aside this weekend and focus on celebrating the women in our lives.

Like most of us, I’m incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by amazing women.

I can go on and on (and do) talking about my incredibly talented and beautiful wife, who is my best friend and my inspiration on so many levels.

I owe my own wonderful mother far more than I will ever be able to repay. She has provided unlimited love, direction, compassion and guidance — despite the fact that I wasn’t (and still am not) always the easiest child to deal with.

And then there are the many, many other amazing women I have been around and watched. There are the family members, including my sisters, sisters-in-laws, grandmothers, mother-in-law and the next generation of young women.

Add to that all of the many co-workers, neighbors, coaches, athletes, friends and colleagues, and the list just continues to expand.

Some of these women in my life are mothers; some are not.

I believe it is important to celebrate every one of them on this holiday, although I didn’t realize that was part of what Mother’s Day was supposed to be from the beginning until I looked into its history (see this week’s Living section).

It’s an opportunity for me to express my gratitude and appreciation for who they are.

Because I know that as a man I will never truly comprehend what it is like to be a woman or a mother.

The physical differences are obvious, of course, but the mental and emotional strengths and challenges aren’t always as apparent. All are components are what make women so gifted, although I don’t always understand them.

But while I may not see the world through their eyes, there are things I can do to work together better with them.

So I will continue to try to listen and understand what I can as the women in my life discuss their trials and triumphs, their aspirations and frustrations.

I will work to value all of the innumerable talents they bring while also respecting that not everything will align with my own perspectives.

I will stand with them to promote the value of their views and perceptions, even when their experiences differ from my own.

Frankly, the women I know don’t truly need my help or support. They are strong, capable, intelligent, dynamic and successful.

But I’ve seen that working together can elevate us all, and so I look forward to making the most of those opportunities.

I’ve gotten a glimpse of some of the difficulties women and mothers face, how hard it can be as they take on the tough aspects of life.

But, just as resistance makes muscles grow stronger, I’ve seen how the most daunting challenges result in women being tougher, more resilient and more unstoppable.

So this weekend, I want to use this platform to say thank you to both the women I know and all those who I have never met.

Thank you for all the good you bring to the world, as mothers and in all other roles.

Thank you for caring, for seeing the best in us.

Thank you for fighting through the hard times and emerging ready for whatever else life will throw at you.

Thank you for making a difference, one day at a time.

I hope all of us will take advantage of this holiday to tell the women in our lives how much they mean to us.

Happy Mother’s Day.