Jennifer Love Hewitt, the acclaimed actress, is opening up about her profound connection with her mother, Patricia Mae, in her new book "Inheriting Magic." This deeply personal account sheds light on the enduring impact of a parent's love and the ways in which Hewitt has carried on her mother's legacy of making everyone around her feel special.

A Radiant Spirit That Captivated All

Hewitt's mother, Patricia Mae, was a true force of nature, a woman whose infectious joy and warmth left an indelible mark on all who crossed her path. "I would be on a very successful television show, we would walk into a restaurant and people couldn't care less about me; that was my mother," Hewitt shared in a conversation with her "9-1-1" co-star, Bryan Safi. "They wanted to know who was the woman that I was standing next to because she was light, she was joy. She made friends with everyone, there was no stranger in the world to her whatsoever."

Bringing Magic to the Everyday

Hewitt's memories of her mother's ability to transform even the most ordinary days into something extraordinary are a testament to her unwavering spirit. "If I had a broken heart or a bad day, she would put up Christmas lights because she believed that that sort of lifted the mood," Hewitt recalled, laughing at the cherished recollection. "If I had bad cramps, there were lights." These small acts of kindness and whimsy were the hallmarks of a mother who understood the power of creating moments of joy and wonder.

Navigating the Grief of Losing a Beloved Parent

The passing of Patricia Mae on June 12, 2012, at the age of 67, was a profound loss for Hewitt. The news of her mother's death reached the media before Hewitt herself, as she was in Monaco for a television festival at the time. "The part that I didn't put in the book is that actually the press knew that my mom had passed before I did," Hewitt shared, reflecting on the surreal experience of learning about the tragedy through the public eye. "The flight time with me getting back was so long. It was like a 10-and-a-half-hour flight, so by the time I arrived, everybody knew, and it was such a weird thing for me."

Honoring Her Mother's Legacy Through Creative Endeavors

Twelve years after her mother's passing, Hewitt has found the courage to share her memories and the profound impact Patricia Mae had on her life. "I honestly hadn't ever said that much about my mother after she passed, because I didn't have the words," Hewitt told The Hollywood Reporter. "I just didn't know what to say, and this felt like the right time to talk about her and sort of say, 'This is what she left behind.'"This sentiment is reflected in Hewitt's latest creative project, "The Holiday Junkie," a Lifetime movie that she directed, executive produced, and starred in alongside her husband, Brian Hallisay. The film, which features a special guest appearance from Kristin Chenoweth, a close friend of Hewitt's mother, is a heartwarming exploration of grief and the search for love during the holiday season. "I really wanted a movie for everyone," Hewitt explained. "I wanted a movie for people who were happy and for people who felt sad. I wanted both parties to be seen in the holidays because it is that way."

Cherishing the Smallest Moments of Connection

One of the most poignant memories Hewitt shared was the simple act of holding hands with her mother before leaving for work. "Every time I left the house for a shoot, no matter the time of day or night, my mother would ask to hold hands," Hewitt recalled. "And she said, 'I want you to take my love and support with you to work during the day. I want you to feel it and know that I'm with you.' And I miss it," Hewitt said, her voice filled with emotion. "It's the thing I miss the most. I wish I had her hand."Through her book "Inheriting Magic" and her creative endeavors, Hewitt is honoring the legacy of her mother, a woman whose radiant spirit and unwavering love continue to inspire and guide her. In sharing her story, Hewitt invites us to cherish the small moments that make life truly magical and to find solace in the enduring power of a parent's love.