Its been nearly six months since the death of Gov. Rick Scotts mom, Esther Scott. He calls her the only constant in his life.
"Mothers Day will be a tough day, he says, holding back tears.
Scott says he starts most mornings these days playing his moms favorite Patsy Cline song on his iPad Wont You Please Come Home Bill Bailey.
Scott says his mom was a doer, pushing her children to succeed, demanding that they always do the right thing.
Her persistence, her unfailing hope, helped propel Rick Scott from public housing to the Governors Mansion.
She believed in the chance to live the American Dream," he remembers. "She told all of us that we could do whatever we want with our lives.
Esther Scotts down-to-earth personality made her a political celebrity in the 2010 campaign.
Hes a good boy, she said in his most famous TV ad.
The memory of that campaign ad and the beaming pride she felt for her son leaves Rick Scott speechless now. And emotional.
Today Gov. Rick Scott is one of Floridas most powerful politicians. He is wealthy beyond most peoples wildest dreams and hes famous. But hes also a son who dearly misses his mom.
You just think about what your parents gave you and Tears halt his phrase.
Again from the Esther Scott ad: We didnt have much but we gave it everything we could. Good values, integrity, appreciation for hard work.
Now Scott prepares for the 2014 campaign without his mom, but he smiles when he thinks of the fun they had making a dream come true in 2010.
There was an article in the paper and it called her a minor celebrity," he recalls, "and she wanted me to call the newspaper to let them know that she was a major celebrity.
Scott knows this Mothers Day may bring some tears, but also many smiles.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is an exclusive interview, copyrighted and only available for use or re-editing with Dave Heller's permission.
Dave Heller is a Tallahassee freelance reporter/videographer.
