In the afterglow of this Mother's Day, it is fitting to remember my own Nana, Doris Noonan, who raised four kids in Watertown in the 1950s and 60s with little fuss or support.

When they were small, her kids regularly came to her with the age-old question, "Mom, which of us do you love the best?"

Instead of feeding them that "I love you all the same" b.s., Nana took each of her kids aside and whispered, "I love YOU the best."

"But you must never tell your brothers and sisters YOU are my favorite because it would hurt their feelings," she would whisper to them. "Do you promise?"

Each child would dash away to play, smug and joyful, holding their secret with pride.

According to family legend, it was only after Nana died that the four very grown siblings -- sharing whiskey and warm memories after her funeral -- actually figured out the scheme.

They had all grown up believing they were their mother's favorite child. And even today, each of them still believes it to be true.

Nana was a genius, if you ask me.

Any Mother's Day memories of your own to share with us? Leave a comment or email me at enoonan@globe.com