Enter our SpaWish.com Mother’s Day Contest

In honor of Mother’s Day, ShopforMuseums.com has teamed up with SpaWish.com, to recognize the women who have helped shape your life.

Simply click here and tell us what makes your mother special. Is she a history buff, a scientist, a community leader, an artist, a museum volunteer? Does she appreciate nature, gardening or the arts? How has she influenced your life?

Feel free to comment about your mother, a woman who has been a mother figure for you or a famous historical figure who you admire.

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On Mother’s Day, May 13th, we will be selecting 5 entries who will receive a $50 SpaTacular Award from SpaWish.com to pamper yourself or your mother. Winners will take an online shopping spree, redeeming their Award for relaxation products like chimes, spa robes, mud masques and more… OR for a SpaWish Gift Certificate, good for spa services like massages, facials, etc. at thousands of first rate day spas across the USA.

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Click here to enter our contest.

Click here to see our selection of famous quotes and artwork on motherhood to help inspire you.

Buy Mom a SpaWish Gift Certificate Today.

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Mother's Day Stories:

My Mom is a woman with so many strengths, virtues, and values. She has truly been blessed with so much to give, and yet she has so little. Perhaps that’s because to her, the greatest gifts are those which hold no price tag; The sound of childrens’ laughter, the expression of someone’s face after receiving a gift, the comfort a sick or dying person feels as she holds their hand, the contentment and love her family feels after she’s cooked up a fabulous meal, the commitment to her church and pre-school Sunday School class, the devotion and caring she demonstrates with her handicapped daughter, and the forgiveness she shows to everyone. Her strength, loyalty, kindness, generosity, devotion, and forgiveness are unyielding. The needs and feelings of others are always foremost. The past several years have been particularly difficult, and they’ve taken their toll. Since 1989, she’s had to deal with the loss of a husband of 30 years, (a man of whom she adored and committed her loyalty to in life and in death), the loss of her home, breast cancer, and most recently the loss of her job of 13 years, and the financial instability it brings. She puts on a brave front, but I know all of these stressful events are beginning to break down her spirit, and I’m worried about her! The one thing she yearns for most of all is a home, a place that she can call her own. She misses having the opportunity to enjoy her family and take care of them like she has done her entire life. She needs a place where she can invite her loved ones to celebrate, and savor her incredible cooking, and most of all to shower them with love. She is currently living with a relative, but the space is very small, and she has many of her life’s memories in boxes stored away. At age 63 she must go to the laundry mat to wash her clothes. We all pitch in to help whenever we can so she doesn’t have to endure these continued hardships. She has just recently secured a job, but at a much reduced salary than her previous position, so because of the large difference in her income she not only works full time but she also cleans houses to supplement her income. She is tired, weak, and her health is failing. At age 63 when most people who have worked tirelessly their entire lives, retirement is something to look forward to. Unfortunately, in my mom’s situation, retirement will never be an option. With no pension or security for the future she relies on the love of her family and friends, the memories of her life’s work and the love of her God to sustain and care for her in the twilight years. My mom is a very spiritual person and believes that God works in many ways and through many people. My mom’s led an honorable life; as the mother of five beautiful daughters, grandmother to two wonderful grandsons, friend to many, and servant of God, I can’t think of a more deserving person than she to honor.

M. Conti, Hamilton, NJ

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My wife Jennifer is the mother of 2. She is the most amazing mother that i have seen. Our Daughter Emily was born 1/28/05 and 8 months Later our son came into the world. He was born at 27 weeks gestation. She has spent the last 21/2 years working so hard to teach her children right and wrong, values and love. Our son Zach has Cerbral Palsy. She has therapies most every day of the week for him. She is so good and the balancing act she has to perform from cleaning to taking time with each of our kids and most of all giving me the love that i need. I am so proud of her and feel like she needs to take just a moment for herself. She does so much for everyone else, yet she is the one that suffers. Please help me thank her!

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My mother has impacted my life by always encouraging me to be what I am and try what I want. Her strength in times of adversity has in turn given me the strength to continue to grow and succeed.

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My mother is the most amazing woman I have ever known. My father is dying of heart failure and my mother is now the bread winner. She works all day and then comes home and takes care of my father and makes everyone dinner and then cleans up for everyone. She still has enough energy to spend time with 4 rowdy grandchildren. She does everything. I hope one day I can be as strong as she is. She has sacrificed everything to make everyone else happy.

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My grandmother was a great inspiration to me. She taught me to be strong and do what I wanted all the time.

A. Shafer, Kansas City, MO

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My friend Gloria, treats everyone with kindness, from young and old, to strangers in life. She always wants to help, someone in need, a heart of gold, and not an ounce of greed. She will go out of her way, to help someone she can, in her lifespan. She could use a weekend, at a spa, this terrific GrandMA.

V. Shamp, Port Angeles, WA

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My mother is so many things. She's my best friend..my maid of honor..my hero..my inspiration..my muse..my everything. She teaches school--such a selfless job and impacts not just my life, but hundreds of young minds. It is time for her to have HER place in history--as winning this contest as an important mother and role model.

A. Tamayo, Allen, TX

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My aunt is the women who I would pick to be a mother figure. She is always thinking about other people before herself. She is helping the people around by taking them to doctors appointment and just doing for people. She is always there when you need for myself and her two sons. If everyone could have aunt like her they would understand the word kindness. I no longer have a mother and she is the closest thing to a mother for me. Thank you for being there.

S. Ladd, Milton, FL

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My mother is Irish, superstiious, an excellent conversationalist. She was an RN at a big city Chicago hospital and has many stories to tell of life and death. She has always told me American ends in I Can and that I could do whatever I wanted to.

A. Zemer, Oak Brook, IL

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My mom said that true beauty comes from what is in your heart. No cosmetics or clothes can bring beauty to the most important part. Her beauty and strength are more than skin deep. Her faith and values are what we reap. Hard work and dedication can bring anyone’s dreams. She sent us to college by mending other’s seams. Because of her heart, she is the most beautiful lady despite her wrinkles and gray hair. Her example made me be a beautiful woman despite my non model body and frizzle hair. My mom deserves to be a Dove angel because of her kind actions and the things she does say. She gives her all everyday. Her beauty and strength are more than skin deep. Her faith and values are what we reap. Her actions taught us strength and love. And we learned about God above. Hard work and dedication can bring anyone’s dreams. She made the money by mending other’s seams. In her community, she hired moms in her sewing business. Helping other families to make ends meet, she is a saint I confess. She cared for her parents into their nineties. Which brought laundry, doctors and their fees. She worked 80-hour weeks to pay for college degrees. With a drop in salary, my dad became a teacher at mid-life. She helped him live his dream and end his business job strife. At 26, I became a young police widow. Mom held her through all the moments that were low. She told all of us that losing our faith would be our only foe. With her, we all made it through the grief. How did she know? All the time, she brings out the best in us. Just giving of herself and never requiring any fuss. For all that she is done. She is truly number one.

C. Miller, Southlake, TX

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My mother is my role model to me becasue she has raised me to respect myself and respect others. She has taught me to be a mother to my kids. I love her becase she is a caring woman with integrity. She is a god fearing woman. She always puts other people first before herself.

T. Young, Birmingham, AL

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Someone should give a treat to my mom. At my games, she cheers with her pom-poms. She teaches me the Psalms. She helps me read and is so sweet. Going to all my baseball games, she can’t be beat. Giving toys and clothes to the poor, my mom is so neat. My mom teaches us about faith. When she was 26, her cop husband died. She created a police widow charity despite her strife. Finding another good guy, she married my dad and took a second chance at life. She deserves a special day. It would make her day.

Cr. Miller, Southlake, TX

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My mom...not afraid to tackle anything or give you confidence in yourself. We began a catering business from nothing with just a whim, She was 56. she worked cleaning houses for women who had it all and we nothing, but because she canned vegetables from our garden to making everything we have out of someone elses thow aways. she wanted to write a book about all of our escapades like catering an auction during a tornado, to almost getting thrown out of a store from mistaken identity! Its been a hoot. I've learned alot and i am not afraid to attempt anything because of her guidance. (spelling was not her strong point) Thank you Fern.

D. Pavcik, Sharpsville, PA

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My mother always kept a positive outlook on life, she used the "Power of Positive Thinking" to raise her children, and this gave us all an edge in life.

E. Downing, Florence, AL

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My mom inspires me every day because she continues to overcome obstacles and always has us at the top of her priority list. She had a brain tumor that was removed and had a hard recovery. At the same time, she was going through a divorce but still took great care of all of us. She was never worried for her well being, only ours. She continues to fight with medical issues but never stops being a great mom! Now in her fifties, she put her career on hold to take care of my new niece and also helps take care of my grandmother. She is one amazing woman! She is the glue that holds my family together!

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SHE HELPS ME WITH EVERYTHING.

M. Jones, Somerset, KY

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Unfortunately, my mother, Mary J. Duell, is no longer with us but when she was you never went hungry. She never used a measuring cup or spoon. I remember when I got married and would call her for a recipe I would have to visualize her making the dish as she was telling me how to do it. A pinch of this a shake of that, sprinkle this, handfull of that. Now taste, you're not a good cook if you don't taste. The one recipe I never conquered was her Blueberry Rolls. The dough when it was rolled out overflowed the whole table. But those Blueberry rolls my God (I'm sure he is enjoying them now because the recipe belongs in heaven with her) Happy Mothers Day Mom.

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I would like to enter my mother in to the contest as the person who has impacted my life. She raised me, my brother and my sister on her own and she had all three of us by the time she was 21. Shortly after she had my sister (who is the youngest) our father decided that he didn't want a family anymore so he left and never payed child support or came around. My mother gave us everything she had and tried her best to give us what we needed to get by. Of course there were times when we didn't have anything to eat but she tried her best to keep food on our table and clothes on our backs while working full time and not making that much money because she did not have a college education. Still to this day she is taking care of my sister and her 5 year old daughter, she just moved back to Michigan from North Carolina because my sister's husband passed away. She has sacrificed everything, everyday to raise her children and her children's children and has never been rewarded. She has never owned a home, always rented because her credit was never that good since she had to raise all of us. I really think that she deserves this award and I hope you agree. Thank you for your time.

J. Kelly, Mt. Pleasant, MI

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As a poor child and then a depression era young woman, my Mom worked at a young age, learning how to pinch pennies and stretch a dollar. Never educated beyond grade school, Mom had a thirst for knowledge and became a voracious reader. Fiercely independent, she has always insisted on doing what needed to be done herself without waiting for assistance (often, much to my Dad's chagrin) She is a "cash customer" never having owned a credit card - doesn't believe in it. "If I can't pay for it I won't buy it" she exclaims. Mom is 90, still smart, independent (and frugal). She has gifted me with a sense of worth and words which cannot be taught in school.

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My mother is the most important woman in my life. She has been through so much and is an exceptionally strong person.Even in hard times, she always did her best to provide for us, even if that meant sacrificing herself. One occasion always brings tears to my eyes when I think about it, when I was a 6 or 7, my mom and I went to the fair. By the time we left it was late and no buses were running. Our car did not work at the time and none of our family members would give us a ride. My mom decided that we would walk home, she carried me 5 miles on her back. I will never forget that night.

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Having come from an emotionally abusive household as a child, I didn't expect much of myself in this world... until I met my step-mother, Joy. She has given me courage, confidence, self-esteem, and a new outlook on life. Without her I wouldn't have grown up to be the woman I am today. She has taught me that nothing is impossible, everything is within reach, and that I am worth it. I will always have her love and support and I am forever grateful.

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I guess I'm like most typical people... never gave a thought to how much my mom really meant to me... until I had a child. Only then did I think about how my mom raised 2 kids on her own before meeting my dad and having 4 more, how one of her children died of leukemia and yet she still had the strength to raise the other 5, how she baked cookies from scratch, how she sacrificed so that we could have better things. It took me 37 years to realize that being a mother is not just a title, it's your soul. I never gave much thought to how much my mom really means to me... until I had a child. As soon as I saw my little girl, so innocent and fresh, did I feel that lightning bolt go through me... anyone who's a mother knows what I'm talking. All of a sudden, I felt guilty and so selfish for not realizing all my mom did: how she raised 2 kids on her own before meeting my dad and having 4 more, how one of her children died of leukemia and yet she still had the strength to raise the other 5, how she woke up at 4 am so she could fry some chicken for our lunch sack on field trip days, how she always had homemade goodies waiting for us after we got off the school bus, how she sacrificed so that we could have better things. This is the legacy that I try to fulfill everyday for my daughter. To this day, when I'm feeling sick, it's not my husband I look to... I call for my mother. Hopefully, my daughter will feel the same way. I'm just sorry it took me 37 years to realize that being a mother is not just a title, it's your soul.

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Two years ago at the age of 20 I was run of the road by am aggressive driver where I became paralyzed from the chest down. My mom has been by my side ever since. She quit her job and became my full time care giver. She has impacted my life in so may ways. Shes my hero and sacrifices so much for me daily, I wish I could give her something in return.

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I don't have a "mom" but I have a mother in law and she is the best because she fills the "void" for me! She is 73 and has been battling cancer for 7 years! She has reg. treatments that make her feel bad but she continues to work full time and also cleans her house and works in the yard! She has 4 kids, grandkids and even great grand kids that she is there for, STRONG WOMAN that I admire and get strength from. She is an inspiration to me and others, I don't know anyone that is a better person than her.

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My mom was a frontier nurse in Kentucky in the fifties...She rode her horse through "hollers" and across streams, delivered babies, bandaged wounds...She came back east to become head nurse at her hospital, and met and married my father. When she had my sisters and me, she left nursing to mother full time...only to return to nursing when we were older. She's raised sheep, chickens, and a host of other critters...She cans and freezes the bounty from her gardens, and she volunteers her time and money to various causes. She handles my headstrong father with grace, she's honest, caring, and she's modelled strength in adversity as she's dealt with medical challenges...Some daughters vow never to become their mothers...My sisters and I could imagine no greater goal.

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Mary Webster wasn't known to many. She was an average, everyday woman that I worked with. Whenever she would talk to her family on the phone, they always ended the conversation with, "I Love You". As one that grew up with a very independent minded mother, we were not very touchy-feely open-feeling'd people. Night after night I would hear Mary speak her feelings. So, one night I decided to call my mom and tell her that I loved her. I was surprised at how hard it was to let those words slip from my lips after 30 years of feeling it but not saying it. As soon as I did, my whole body felt lighter. Now, 15 years later, not only me, but my mom, sister, daughter, son, and husband all say, "I love you." whenever we are leaving or just ending a phone conversation. Mary died about 10 years ago, but I think of her often and think about how nice it was that I KNOW before she left this world, the people she loved knew it...and mine will, too.

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My mother came to the USA in 1921.She was quarantined at Ellis Island because she had measles. She was treated poorly by the others because she was a child. They took her blankets and she froze at night,her food was often stolen. It was not easy for an 8 year old. When she married my Father she was so happy. They had 2 children within 13 months of each other. (My brother and I). However. when my Father was 38 he died. My Mother was inconsolable. (She was only 32). She realized she had to live for us. When I was 12 she remarried. My step-father was a wonderful man. Together they raised my brother and I as well as my step-sister and they became parents of a little girl who was the ligh tof all of our lives. She was a wonderful Mother who had many friends. Her glory and happiness came from her children and grand children.She taught us compassion and most of all love. She passed away in 2004, but I still miss her terribly. I hope that I have given to my children all the kindness and love that she gave to me. I love you Mom.

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My daughter Maria Cooper has two children ages 2 and 3. Her husband,Chris, was serving in the Army in Iraq on the day her 3 year old was born. He phoned her from a rooftop in Bagdad to get the news. Chris was in Iraq again 1 1/2 years later when Tyler was diagnosed with Leukemia. Maria has been a good mother to both children throughout Tyler's many hospitalizations. She has been teacher, consoler and nurse. She plans special times with her children and rarely gets time away for herself. Tyler is on chemo and many meds making it hard for her to get anyone to watch him while she gets some time to herself. She could use a break!

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My Mom is an artist. She has painted my whole life and her creativity has seeped into my veins. Although we have very different styles, she has influenced me like nothing else.

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My mother is a hard working person that never thinks about herself she works and cooks for older people and she loves everyone she her eyes are always glowing and smiling and our son that we was blessed with a year ago, was blessed with her eyes his are always smiling and shining just as her's does.

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My mom was the greatest influence in my life. She was one of the strongest people I know. Her first marriage ended in the late fifties/early sixties after years of abuse. She came back to Mississippi with five children. She had to fight her ex-husband for the shild support he owed her kids. She sacrificed to keep them fed and clothed. When she married my dad, her life was much better. She continued to put her family first and was willing to sacrifice her own health for her family. Throughout all of her life she displayed an amazing strength. She showed me that faith in God and love of your family was more important than anything. I love and miss her still.

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My Mother is the sweetest, prettiest, and most tender-hearted mother I know. She is in her late sixties, works as a hair-stylist, takes care of Dad, cooks for family members any time, and still has smiles, love, and goodwill for all. She meditates, she inspires us to always do better, and she manages to keep herself healthy, happy, and full of giving. I am very proud of her. My mother has four grown-up kids, with kids of our own, and she somehow manages to keep track of all of us, and make sure we are o.k., she brings us together, and makes the home a place where you want to be. I would love to show her how grateful, inspired, loved, and proud we all are of her. She is simply wonderful, and makes life worth living. I am her daughter, I would be lucky to grow up and have her grace. Thank you for this chance to express my sentiments about my mother.

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My mother is a single mother. She had me at the age of 18. She tried to attend college but was unable to because of me. She has worked hard all her life in order to support us and I will love her for the rest of my life for it.

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Evelyn Ryan, the Prize winner of Ohio is a mother who has impressed me very muvh. Although long gone, her upbeat and sunny attitude in the face of harsh realities of her life has taught me to be grateful and happy.

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My mother is the greatest person I know. She has been a Christian example to me and my brother our entire lives. She is smart, funny , beautiful and ALWAYS there!!. She has stuck by us through HARD TIMES ( recovery from drug addiction, unplanned pregnancy and so much more!! Words dont do her justice!

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Through her work as a nurse she has inspired me greatly.

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I am writing about my youngest of 3 daughters. She is now 28, but her life a few years ago was not one that we wanted her to be in. She was big into the drug scene and we had lost touch with her. She came to us in desperation to tell us that she was pregnant and we were frantic as parents. Because of her drug history we didn't know if she should be having the baby. She was of age to make her own decision, but she needed our help. We respected her decision and because of her situation she lived with us her whole term of pregnancy. The father was not involved at all, and we found out he was killed in a hit and run accident 2 months before the baby was born. Syvannah was born on Sept 7, 2004 and both my husband & I were there for her birth and Grandpa actually cut her cord. Our daughter, Shannon, and Syannah lived with us for the next year. Shannon got her life together, continued in the nursing field that she loves, and got a terrific job. She works 4 - 12 hour days a week, wich gives her 3 wonderful days with her daughter. When Syvannah was just over a year old, her mother was able to buy a condo for the two of them and be on her own. What a turn around for our daughter this was. We are soooooo proud of her. She is drug free and states often that her daughter saved her life. Syvannah is a beautiful and exceptionally (of course we are her grandparents) smart little 2 1/2 year old child. We are SOOOO proud of our daughter and she has become such an exceptional and awesome mother that at times we are amazed. Her dad and I often chuckle that how we raised our kids was ok. Our daughter has turned out to be such an exceptional mother and young women that I would like to honor HER on Mothers Day. I love you Shannon, Your Mom, Skeeter

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I grew up in a family of nine children. I was the fortunate one born with health problems. I spent my whole life in the hospital. At the age of 16 I had open heart surgery. My mom was there every moment and never showed any sign of weakness to me. Now I am married and have two beautiful children of my own, but it almost didn't end up happy. While in the hospital with my second, I had internal bleeding and was given 10 pints of blood. I had two emergency surgeries and was put on a respirator. I wasn't even able to enjoy my new born baby. My husband and my mother were there the whole time to help me recover. I went home and was unable to do anything because my whole stomache was cut wide open. They couldn't stitch it shut beacuse I was on blood thinners. My mom was over at my house every day taking care of me and my newborn baby. I want to always be there for my children just like my mother was always there for me in the good times and the bad times.

S. Biedron, Cheektowaga, NY

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MY MOTHER, SUSAN IS SUCH A WONDERFUL, GIVING, AND PATIENT MOTHER. I AM NOW 31 YEARS OLD, BUT JUST AFTER I GRADUATED HIGH SCHOOL, I FOUND OUT THAT I WAS PREGNANT, I WAS SO SCARED, AND THE FATHER OF MY DAUGHTER WAS NOT A GREAT PERSON, SO I DECIDED TO HAVE THE BABY ON MY OWN. MY MOM WAS THERE FOR ME DURING AND AFTER MY PREGNANCY, SHE WAS MY "PARTNER" IN LAMAZE CLASSES, AS WELL AS DURING THE BIRTH OF MY DAUGHTER. MY MOM IS THE BEST, I COULD NEVER THANK HER ENOUGH FOR BEING THERE FOR BOTH ME AND MY NOW 13 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER, MACKENZIE!

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Mother was an elementary school techer, and she imparted to me her love of learning!

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MY MAMA IS REALLY SPECIAL! SHE HAD ME BORN AT OUR HOME ON MAY 30, 1982. SHE HAS NEVER SMOKED OR DRANK AND ATE ONLY VEGETABLES WHILE SHE WAS PREGNANT WITH ME. SHE LIVES A LIFE OF GREAT EXAMPLE! SHE HELPS ME WITH HER GRANDCHILDREN AND CONTINUES TO SET AN EXAMPLE FOR THEM. IT IS SO INSPIRATIONAL. TRULY SPECIAL. THANK YOU FOR ASKING ABOUT MY MAMA!

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My mom has been the greatest influence on my life. She raised four children and worked full time and yet rarely missed a game, concert, conferences. She was the mom that our friends all loved and thought was cool, and I was never embarrassed to have her as a mom, unlike so many of my peers. She set the boundaries we needed, but wasn't afraid to let us branch out and become independent. She knew that sometimes, we had to make our own mistakes in order to learn from them, and made sure we took responsibility for them. She has the courage to say what needs to be said, knowing sometimes we don't want to hear it, but isn't always meddling in our lives. She is always available for a shoulder to cry on, and when it's over, brings us back to reality, making us see our part in the problem. She has taken my siblings and their children into her home, many times, and gives up here hard earned free time to watch them so my siblings can have time to themselves, go to work, etc. She always made me feel like I could conquer the world, and when I fell, taught me to pick myself up and keep going. She taught me to see the positive, to always be grateful for what I have, and I will love her always.

J. Renz, South Weber, UT

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My dad left my mom when I was 4. He left behind my mom who had no job and was caring for her eight, yes eight, children. Many people may have crumbled under the pressure. My mom immediately went to work, and went back to school to earn two degrees. She's always lead by example and taught me that the only thing you have that no one can take away -- is your word and your pride. I'm proud to have a mom like her -- and that she gave me the integrity to lead a life that I can be proud of.

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I am a Mom. So, I know exactly what kind of patience, love and sacrifice it takes to be a Mom. I know that there are millions and millions of Mothers out there who are most deserving of some kind of spectacular award, that they never get. No recognition, no trophy and often, very little gratitude. This Mother's day, I want to single out one mother. My mother, Patsi. She successfully raised four children, while working full time. She managed to obtain her college degree in between ballgames, homework and PTA. She rarely missed any kind of performance, or practice, or program any one of us ever had. But what is so "SpaTacular" about her, is that even now, that we are all grown, with our own children, she still sacrifices, day in and day out. She has been there for us and for our children. When my husband was deployed to Iraq, she put aside her hard earned free time to take care of my children at night, while I worked. Weekends, holidays, she never once questioned having to keep my children. She does the same for my siblings, sacrificing her time, so that we may work, go to school and sometimes, just so WE can have time off. Recently, My Grandmother (her Mom), was diagnosed with terminal cancer. My mother, without hesitation, gave up her job to go out of state to take care of her. She has forfeited her career, her benefits that she has worked years for and her life to be with my grandmother. She sits with her everyday and night in a hospital room, with little sleep, no bed and very often no relief to even shower. She has been there with her each day for about three months now. We don't know when she will be home. She has never once questioned her decision to go. I know there are some very extraordinary mothers in this world, but to give up so much, so often, to so many....and NEVER ask for anything in return, is truly sensational. She deserves so much more than I could ever put into words. I am so proud to be her daughter. So, I am a mother and I am a mother who stands in complete awe everyday at what a wonderful and giving mother that I have.

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My mother - the sun behind the clouds, the smile behind my tears, and the greatest influence on my life. Everyday she devotes her life to saving other people's lives. Being a nurse is risky and definitly not easy! I admire my mom for all her dedication and hard work she contributes at her job. When she gets home from work, I just feel this sense of respect come over me towards her. She amazes me... eight hours a day at a stressful job, and then coming home only to cook, clean, walk the dogs, and get done whatever needs to be done. Before I know it, the evening has passed by and she's getting ready for bed. Sometimes I just want to tell her to relax! Take some time out for herself! I've begun to wonder if my mom even knows what it feels like to be pamperd and re-energized anymore. I know I would be completly worn-out if I were in her shoes. She has effected my life in a very positive and influential way. She's raised me to be a hard working person. Ever since I was sixteen years old, I have held a job. It was not because my mom wanted me to, but because I wanted to help out financially. This is because she brought me up this way - to be generous. I am happy with the person I am today and grateful for the mother I have. I owe the woman I am today, to the tremendous impact she's had on my life.

B. Seeley, Rochester, NY

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My mother was a loving giving soul. Anything she could do to make things better for the people she knew and loved she'd do with love!

C. Cummins, Lansing, MI

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My mother's name is Brandee - she raised me all alone after my real Dad left us. My Mom taught me to be strong and that even though we did not have much - we had more than other people - cause we had each other. My Mom works hard all day, and then around the house - She has been my Baseball coach for 6 years now! For a girl, she is real good too. I think My Mom is just as special as any body else's Mom - just my Mom is the best 'cause she is mine:-) Thanks

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Mom had me when she was 21. While in the hospital delivery she was served divorce papers AND lost her job yet she still decided that she wanted me. In that situation I don't know what I would have done not knowing if I could be a good mother with no job and everything else going against me but she was. Growing up I would invite the homeless people from off the streets into our home for dinner (mind you I was very young) and although my mother said I couldnt do that because you never knew who you would meet I still did it and she always fed those that I invited over without so much as a bad word coming out of her mouth..she was as pleasant as could be. I would even take items that "I THOUGHT" we didnt need to give to them..IE..lamps, clothes, blankets. Mom didnt appreciate it but she wasnt that hard on me. She knew she had raised me into a caring person. We haven't always gotten along but I always knew no matter what that mom loved me and would always be there. I recently joined the military and one of the hardest things was to tell mom. I knew in my heart that it would hurt her but I knew in mine that it was what I was meant to do. Come to find out she knew that it was what I needed for myself as well. Even though she cried after she heard the news (didnt find this out until a friend of hers told me) yet she told me how proud she was. She has always stood beside me and for that I could never thank her enough or let her know how much I love her. Everyone's mom is special but for me my mom is the best there is. She has taught me one of the most valuable lessons in life which is to not only love myself for who I am but to respect everyone and everything for beauty is always there even if you have to see beyond the outside to find it.

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Hello, I would like to nominate Brigitte Jeter, my wife, my best friend, and mother of 3, and volunteer of the Berks County community. She is the greatest mother because she is a hard worker and she is a strong person. When I was severely burned 4 years ago, she was there for me, and was a great mother, she never complained. 2 years ago, I was in a severe car accident that has caused me to have short term memory-loss and I know this has been very hard on her. I had to learn how to walk again, therapy, etc. We have a 5 year old girl named Kalista, 3 year old boy named Kyle, and a 1 year old little girl named Krystal. She has been the best mother to them even though our life has been quite difficult. She wakes up early and goes to bed late. I can see that she is tired. She needs to have some type of recognition that I am so thankful to a wife like her. I must go to many doctors appointments and she always makes sure I have a drink and snack for the trip.She has labeled many things so I can remember better in our house. She will put my toothbrush out in the morning and night with toothpaste on and 2 Q-tips. She will cut my food for me. It is these little things that make her amazing. During all of this, we have a little girl that we almost lost,she stopped breathing at age 1 month and was in the hospital, then placed on a apnea monitor. She lost oxegen during this time and she is delayed. I know that she has a lot going on but she never complains. She always finds time to read a book to her children, get on the floor and play, and do the yard work, and makes meals for people that are in need all at the same time. She is an amazing women and she truly deserves a recognition for all that she does. Last month, she lost her best friend that she had for years. Her best friend Genine was murdered. Her best friend worked at a phyciatric hosptial and she was killed with a knife by a patient. This has made her very sad and I want to cheer her up and let her know that she is the best hard working mother that I know. She needs to be acknowledged, she never asks for help, she does all of the mother's duties alone with a smile. Sincerely, J. Jeter

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My mother is an outstanding woman. She has been a teacher for 35 years and raised 4 children while my father worked off. She makes a positive impact in the lives of everyone she meets. She is beautiful and lives life to the fullest, even thought she is over 50. This year she will complete her education by obtaining a Doctorial Degree in Teaching. She makes me want to be more, because she has faith in everything I choose to do. It is great to have a best friend like my mom!

B. Fussell, W. Monroe, LA

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My mother was the most important adult in my life. Yes, we had a tumultuous time during my teenage years, but I loved and admired her. I admired her courage. She had had rheumatic fever when she was young, twice, and it had damaged her heart valves. Yet, she got her RN, which she was very proud of, and went off with a group of young nurses to live in San Francisco. This was light years away from Ogden, Utah where she grew up. I loved to listen to her stories of those years in San Fransico. All the women she went with married before she did. When the last one left, she got the car. She didn't know how to drive, but she learned - on those treacherous hills in San Fransico. She met my dad, another refugee from Ogden, and they married. She had us five kids: myself and four brothers. This put a lot of stress on her heart, but she said that didn't matter. She loved us all and helped us grow up to be responsible, loving people. I found out that I had the same wanderlust my mom did. I drew strength from her stories of San Francisco and her growing up with a weak heart. Mom underwent two open-heart operations. She never complained. Always smiled. Always wanted to know what we were doing. She didn't want another surgery. I had her first grandchild, and she was over the moon. But within three months, she died. Only 63. I miss my mom everyday. A role model I continue to look up to.

A.M. Coletti, Gardnerville, NV

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My mom is the greatest mom anyone could ask for. She's kind, loving and understanding to everything that comes at her. She's a very busy woman, juggling 3 jobs to keep our family up and running. Even though she's always on the run, she still has time to come to my soccer games and school events to cheer me on. She's just like a friend, easy to talk to and fun to hang out with. I couldn't think of any other way she could be a better mom. I just think she needs a break from her busy lifestyle with a day of relaxation. Thank you so much!

K. Evans, Frederick, CO

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I am nominating my wife as she is the most special person I know. Not only is she a 3 time cancer survivor (at age 10 she had a Brain Tumor [Menegioma], at age 20 She had Uterine Cancer [found when she was 6 months pregnant] and at age 34 she had skin cancer), and a 30% service connected disabled vet, but she was the singer/bass player in an all girl heavy metal band, she is motorcyclist, she has a CDL license (able to drive 18 wheel semi's), she worked on a spinal cord injury unit for many years as a nursing assistant and she is raising my 2 sons full time (her step sons) that one has Bipolar disorder and the other has oppositional defiant disorder and post traumatic shock from seeing my x-wife (the boys Biological mother) stab me in the stomach with a knife! One of her goals in life is wanting to learn to sky dive! She is not only inspirational, but loving and giving as well! In short she needs a little pampering, as she gives so much pampering to others.

J. Franklin, Medford, WI

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I would like to recognize Matilda Joslyn Gage as a historical mother whose message is still amazingly applicable today. Matilda Joslyn Gage worked side by side with Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony and other famous 1800s women to bring about the women's vote and improve the lives of many. Yet, because of her activism around peace and social justice, she was excluded from the history books. A wonderful group of people are working to bring her work back into the light. You can learn more at http://www.matildajoslyngage.org . Her words and thoughts have really impacted my life, and I am always moved by her strength of character despite the times she lived in. On motherhood, she says, "THE WOMEN OF TODAY ARE THE THOUGHTS OF THEIR MOTHERS AND GRANDMOTHERS EMBODIED AND MADE LIVE."

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My mother has been an inspiration for me for all of my life with her love of learning. As a student in high school in Connecticut in the 1940's she was involved in drama and theater, which started a lifelong love of Shakespeare and other writers. She majored in Emglish in university, and then taught school before she and my Dad started their family...and started traveling around the world. As kids, we lived in Peru, Iran and Germany, and all of those experiences were even more educational due to her enthusism and energy. Today, at age 70-something (:o) she is an avid reader, loves the theater, history, and is actively involved in a seniors programme at a local college, studying among other things, Russian literature, short stories, current events, and the workings of the stock market. What a great example she is to me and my brothers, to always have an open mind, to always share your interests with those you love, and to always be willing to learn something new.

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I am an only child but my mother has many children! She looks after her whole family including her baby sister and her family, my cousin and his family and my dad! When her middle sister was dying from cancer, my mom stayed with her day and night and helped her and her husband cope with this awful experience. She neglects herself many times because she is taking care of others. I don't know what I or my family would do without her. She is not only the glue that holds our family together but the foundation it is built on. She is truly a Godly woman who deserves to be honored.

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My mother once told me a great story about my grandmother, Anne and her best friend, Tiny. My parents grew up in the 30s, 40s and 50s in the Bronx. During that time, the Bronx were definitely considered the outskirts of New York City, with open space and much of the Long Island Sound shoreline filled with summer cottages. As the full time population in the area grew though, government officials proposed that they build new parkways to accomodate the increased traffic. One of those highways was to go right through my grandparents' neighborhood, which meant many neighbors would lose their homes. After much debate the city decided to go ahead with the road project. So, as a last resort, the women of the community gathered themselves together and on the morning the project was to begin, marched as a group with baby strollers and children in tow to blockade the arrival of the bulldozers. Their stance held off the project for several more years. I think often about Tiny, Anne and the other women. They were no one famous, or known outside their community or even political. They were average everyday women and mothers quietly living their lives until an issue affecting them made them take a stand.  I'd like to recognize all the women and mothers who have found their collective voice along the way this Mother's Day.

K. McMahon, Syracuse, NY

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Carla Owen is an great woman. She has not invented anything; she has not created community programs, she has not been recognized for great deeds. She is always and simply herself. Carla cares deeply for her family and friends, will help anyone in need, and cannot ignore a stray animal. Her quiet kindness has touched more lives than I can even imagine. She is motivated sincerely by love. In today's world, headline making equals greatness and the quiet people who make their corners of the world better for everyday people are often unnoticed. Carla Owen is one of those people. Carla married my father when I was four years old. She has never viewed herself as my stepmother and has threatened dire consequences if I ever refer to her as anything other than my "mom". She is proud of my accomplishments, supportive of anything I undertake, and is my guiding light. From her, I have learned patience and forgiveness. I hope that I have taught my daughters all that she has taught me and those lessons will ripple out forever and that she will have more influence than any of the people who are headline makingly great. My mom is one of the truly kindest and best people I have ever met and I think that she deserves more recognition than she will ever receive.

T. Hemmerlein, Crawfordsville, IN

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She is a mother...no words are sufficient...enough said.

S. Nissen, Atlantic Beach, NC

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My Mom raised five girls and now helps with the grandchildren. She never complains and always has a positive attitude to help anyone who needs it. She is caring, loving and supportive. She would give anyone who needed it the "shirt off her back." She always cooks and tries to make things special for everyone in her family and church.

R. Lutes-Pulley, Mt. Pleasant, MI

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I could not have asked for a better best friend than my very own mother. She is the one person who has always been there for me through the good and the bad. She has helped me become the person I am today. We fight like we are sisters and laugh like we are friends. She is a person that has a heart of gold and a drive to do what ever she wishes. We can be sitting right next to each other and not saying a word and know exactly what the other one is thinking. We can be completely content just being there with each other. Her arms are always open to give me that hug when it is needed or that extra word for encouragment. I truly hope I am half the mother and friend she has been to me to my kids someday.

C. Ruef, Sussex, WI

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My mom has been there for me through thick and thin, put up with my teenage years crud, and then helped me escape an abusive marriage without ever telling me "I told you so!" But probably the best thing about mom is that she has been a "mom" to others in need. Mom's best freind died when her youngest daughter was 18, mom stepped in and "mommed" this young woman. 20 years later mom continues to be an important part in her and her family's lives.

L. Handlin, Cross Plains, WI

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That would have to be my grandmother. She arrived from Russia during The Depression years and always had a giant bowl of soup for people with little or nothing to eat. She did this for thirty years. Anyone was welcome.

D. Schraier, Venice, CA

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My mother once said, "It's not that I can't be Betty Crocker, it's just that I choose not to be." Anne Denny is the most incredible power-suit mother a girl could ever ask for. She is strong, and proud, and would fight for her children until there is no fight left. She's caring and compassionate, and has made countless sacrifices for her family. She could be a CEO if us stupid kids didn't get in the way. She is a great mom and a person I emulate. Thanks Mom, for showing me the road to success in all that I do.

K. Denny, Seneca Falls, NY

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Although my mother passed away 16 years ago, her insights and wisdom live on with her 5 daughters. We all live by the motto's she used to recite to us: *Never lend money to anyone you love, always give it and it will come back to you 10 fold. *You can't fight City Hall with a pea-shooter. *In one ear and out the other. My mother loved birds...she wanted to come back as a Flamingo...and strangly enough during hard times or times of reflection, all 5 of us have been amazed to find feathers...and we know she is there watching over us.

A. Babenco, High Bridge, NJ

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This invitation to take part in this essay came at a strange time. Mom just had a radical mastectomy. True to form she was more worried about how I would take the news than anything else. That’s a Mom. I’m sure everyone’s Mom is this brave but I’m also sure that we’re all really floored when they do that stuff that Mom’s just do. That’s the thing about Moms. It’s all about us and we figure that out so slowly you wonder why they didn’t just give up. Troubled Teen doesn’t begin to describe what a joy I was as a child. How she managed not to drop me off at the mall and leave me there is beyond me. But here we are; she’s in her 70s and I’m in my 50s – best friends after all. Moms teach you that guys aren’t always right and that’s okay. Moms teach you that the boss isn’t always right and that’s okay. Moms teach you that it’s not the end of the world when the wrong guy and the wrong boss need a boot to the curb. Moms teach you that you really are beautiful no matter what. “Do I look fat in this dress?” is answered with the best answer ever. “No honey, you look healthy. You need curves and a little extra-something if you get sick.” Now – I did always think she was telling me in the kindest possible way that I was a little fat but that was okay. But no, she really meant that I needed some curves and a little-extra something if I get sick. Mom isn’t a small woman but she’s happier about that than she has been in her life. She’s got a little “extra-something” now that she’s sick. She’s a former nurse and she knows what will happen when she has to go through chemo. My sister-in-law has lung cancer and has always been very thin. She has nothing really extra to spare and I’m afraid for her. So Ladies & Gents; take a lesson from my Mom. You need curves and a little extra-something if you get sick. Be gloriously round in places. If it bounces, rejoice! You’ve got a little extra-something! I’m not saying give yourself a heart attack but take it easy on yourself. You’re the only YOU that you’re Mom made and she is incapable of making anything but a beautiful person. Be well all, The Injun on Andros, Bahamas Lynn

L. Puhle, Androstown, Bahamas

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On Sunday, my husband and I just attended a "Jack & Jill" baby shower for dear friends who are expecting their first child in June. We were surrounded with many of our friends from growing up, their spouses and their children. There is something magical about seeing your friends turn into mothers and all that entails. So I dedicate this to all of the mothers out there who work endlessly to nurture their children into who they become. It's certainly not an easy job, but has lots of benefits.

K. McMahon, Syracuse, NY

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When describing my mom, I used tell people she is as close to June Cleaver as one can possibly be. My mom is a retired nurse who was becoming increasingly disappointed in the economic change in her consciously chosen profession. She became a nurse to care for people, inside and out. Although she was interested and more than capable in the medical aspect of nursing, what she really loved and knew was most healing was to listen to patients. She listened with her extreme sincerity and put them at ease during a time that could be so scary. Patients fell in love with her kindness and many became her pen pals for long periods of time. As the number of patients that were assigned to her continued to increase each year, her love for her job started to decrease. She missed the relationships she had with patients. At 30, I recently suffered a serious, large blood clot in my arm that has required two unusual surgeries, difficult medications and NUMEROUS follow-up appointments. The highly qualified doctor that I found is located 1 hour away from me and 3 hours away from my mom. Since she was an amazing nurse, helping patient after patient for over 40 years, this hit her hard. Her baby shouldn't be in this situation. She was determined to be at every single appointment for me- not only to comfort me, but to ensure that every question was asked and that my health would not be compromised in any way. As the appointments continued, my mother didn’t miss a single one. For as quiet and mild mannered as she usually is, her tenacity in this whole ordeal has been unexpected (and quite entertaining at times, too, to be honest). She has been vocal, articulate, and demanding with doctors and nurses. She fires question after question, using medical terms I didn't even know were in her vocabulary. I have NEVER seen this side of her, and at 30, it's never too late to learn about your mother. I no longer say June Cleaver to describe my mom. I really don't have the words TO describe her now. Through my unfortunate situation, my view of my mom has permanently changed, but what won't change is the love that she has for her children and the lengths that she will go to see that they are safe. I'm so proud to be her daughter.

L. Wurtz, Ferndale, MI

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I decided to dedicate this to my "Mother in Law" Barbara. She is very much like a Mother to me The normal stigma for mothers in law does not apply to this woman. She is the first person to offer help, and the very last person to ever ask for it! I have never known a more generous, loving, caring and attentive person. I was very lucky to have met the man of my dreams, and his Mom is just a huge bonus and a wonderful addition to my life !!

S. Schwenk, Newark Valley, NY

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My mom is now 70 and retired. She was never a stay-at-home cookie-baking, boo-boo kissing Mom.  She was a businesswoman in a man's world in the 60s and 70s. She was intelligent, graceful, respected, and was a good 20 years ahead of her time. Mom somehow balanced being a wife, mother of three, and businesswoman. Through example, she taught us the work-ethic and how to be self-sufficient. She was always most definitely my role-model. Not surprisingly, I turned out very much like her, and my daughter tells me that I'm her role-model! I ask her if she ever felt angry or deprived that I didn't raise her in a more domestic household, and she said she never once thought that. The acorn doesn't fall far from the tree now, does it? I love my Mom dearly.

J. Newnam, Medford, NJ

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My mother is a wonderful woman - Always there for me.

T. King, Portland, OR

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My mother is a gardening fanatic. My parents' home is completely surrounded by flower gardens. You can get a tour and much advice on any given week and see plants you'd swear you didn't see the week before. Over the years my mother has been known to carry a ziploc bag or two in her purse just in case we happen upon a park or public garden that might have some flowers going to seed that she doesn't yet have in her personal gardens. Then sure enough, after helping herself to a few seeds, she'll plant them next year and have more to enjoy. As a family, we of course get laughing about how that particlaur plant happened into her garden and remember exactly each park where the seeds came from.

K. McMahon, Liverpool, NY

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