Wednesday, May 7, 2003
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Wednesday, May 7, 2003 |
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Mother of the Year Winner #1 (We think this person is in the 18-34 age category - but if not we will declare a tie in one category. In other words, we will name three winners, regardless. It just means no one in the first age category 18-34 was nominated.)
I am writing to submit Dorrie Thompson for Fayette Woman Mother of the Year. I am submitting this for her son Robbie who is in second grade and has cerebral palsy. Robbie uses a motorized wheel chair and speaks with a digavox voice computer. I met Dorrie while organizing a group of community volunteers to build an handicapped accessible playground for all children. Dorrie Thompson is a tireless, cheerful mother of three. With her two older daughters and Robbie she is constantly giving of her self. Her husband, Rich, works out-of-town much of the time and Dorrie keeps the home running. She still makes time to help others and work on community projects to make life better for her family and others too. Dorrie is Asian (Phillipino) and shares her culture and interesting foods with school groups and her church. She quilts to give the quilts to charity for raffle fundraisers. I have never known her to complain. The whole time I have known her I have seen her take such wonderful care of Robbie. He is always smiling to testify to the fact. I know if he could he would nominate her for Mother of the Year. Sincerely, Colleen K. Sugar
Winner #2 (age 35-54)
I am writing this to request that my mother, Jan Shannon, be considered for your "Mother of the Year" recognition. Any mother whose children care enough to write you must be a great woman, even "Mother of the Year." My mom, however, carries the title of "Mother of the Millennium" in my heart. I have recently moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, to pursue a few dreams of mine. My younger brother has also recently moved to California to live with and get to know our father. My dad left us when I was nine and my brother was four (almost 16 years ago). My mom was left with a mortgage, bills, the cost of groceries, and her two children whose world was turned upside down. I can only imagine her pain now that I am grown, but she never let it show that working three jobs and accepting help from neighbors, family and friends was extremely taxing on her emotionally and physically. My mom continues to be the bravest and strongest person I know for the adversity that not only has she dealt with, but taught me to deal with as well. When I changed my career path last year she was the first to defend my decision claiming that my need for happiness should come first. When my brother wanted to move to move across the country to reconnect with our father, my mom helped pack his bags and encouraged him to establish a healthy relationship with his father. I know that it killed her inside to put my brother on that plane or wave goodbye to me as I drove away at 5:30 in the morning on my way up north. She did those things because she loves us and wants the best for us. I know that my brother and I were able to do those things because my mom taught us to be independent, compassionate, and happy people. She did what every good parent does: she raised her children to be good adults. I know that sometimes my mom wishes that we were still small and we needed her every day, but the truth is that we do still need her, for advice, a cheerful thought, or for friendship. I speak with my mom almost every day. Even when we don't agree on something, every conversation ends with "I love you." I cannot think of a better way to show my mom how much I love her and to thank her for 25 years of sacrifice and unconditional love than by honoring her with the title "Mother of the Year."
Winner #3 (Age 55+)
I think Mother of the Year should be my grandmother and mother Sandra Sanders. She adopted my brother and me and has taken care of us since we were babies. She always puts us first before her. She has just lost her job at Aberdeen Woods Conference Center for lack of work where she has been 9 years and really needs to feel good. She said when one door is closed another opens for the better. It is just waiting and that builds patience and makes you appreciate things more. She had worked at another company for 18 years when they had a lay off and she lost that job. She is 58 years old and has always worked. My grandmother and mother is Sandra Sanders. She always makes us feel special. On any day like Valentine's, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Christmas, etc., she packs our lunch that week with special treats and colors. Like this past St. Patrick's Day she got green bread for our sandwiches, green cookies, green drink, green apple and this is just one way she makes everything special. She always sees that we have what we need and things we want. She had taught us about God and taught us to treat everyone with respect and caring. She has taught us to volunteer with March of Dimes, to take clothes and food for the needy. She had taught us that we need a good education to make a good life for us. Our church, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, is a very important part to her and to our family. She had taught priorities on what comes first and that is church, family, work and play. She says do things that make you feel good about yourself, think about what you do, if it is something you want to hide or not tell anyone about it is something you don't want to do. She has taught us to shop wisely and not to waste money. To look for good things at lower prices. She is involved with our school to help when needed and always attends everything we are in taking pictures and more pictures. When we go on vacation it is always the whole family not just her and my grandpa. She says where we go you go, where you go we go. I love her very much and want her to know that she is special and loved and that we appreciate all that she does for my brother and me and my grandpa.
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