Mother's Day

Mother's day can be so many things to so many people. We all have a mother-- whether we like her or not, someone gave birth to us! My mom, as many of you know, reads my blog. She wasn't always there for me, but I still have learned a great deal from her (even it was just what not to do!) I LOVE YOU MOM!!

I was raised primarily by my grandmother on my father's side (pictured above). She was the strongest woman I ever knew. She didn't know me as a mom for very long. She passed away when my oldest was 4. I would like to think she is proud of me. I would like to imagine that she is looking down at me, taking a break from dancing with Fred Astaire, and saying "good job, I love you, I knew you could do it."

My 11 year old daughter asked me yesterday if I always wanted to be a mom. I answered an honest no. I never really wanted to be a mom. I never wanted kids. My childhood was hard, we were poor, I couldn't bear the thought of purposely putting some one through that type of life. But, when God had other plans, I followed through with them, and here we all are-- including my Swiss son, our exchange student.

So, I want to thank all the woman out there who show me how to mother--- yes you all know I'm talking about YOU! And thanks for being great moms.

I am going to share with you why I cried this morning. Below is what my children gave me this year for mother's day.

These letters appeared in today's newspaper in NW Illinois.
My Swiss son organized the other two so these letters would be published today.

Thanks guys!

Happy mother's day everyone!


She’s always there

I think my mom, Citymouse, is the best mom in the galaxy.
When you need her, she is there.
When I am sick, she is there to help me get back to health.
When I am scared, she is there to comfort me.
When I am happy, she is there to share my happiness.
When I am sad, she is there to cheer me up.
When I am mad, she is there to calm me down.
When I am alone, she is there to be there with me.
When I am joyful, she is there to be joyful with me.
When I am nervous, she is there to make me confident.
When I am bored, she does fun things like watch movies, play board games, and all kinds of fun things.
When I need someone to talk to, she is always there.
I love her so much for the things she does for me.

By Youngest Child (the girl), 11



11 on 10-point scale

It’s a cook, it’s a real-estate agent, it’s my mom! Yes, folks, my mom’s a super hero. Even though she doesn’t lift up trains or run faster than a speeding bullet, she helps me a lot. I was once stuck on some algebra that nobody understood except my mom. She showed me how to do it, and I got an A+ on my paper. My mom is the most encouraging mom in the world. Like with the algebra, even though I did not get the work, her encouragement made it 10 times easier. My mom is also a champion volunteer. Not only does she volunteer herself, but she also volunteers us. My mother is very nice and always puts herself after others. On a scale from 1-10 I’d give her an 11 for love, fairness and personality, and she cares so much for us. To put it simply, my mom ROCKS!

By Older Child (the boy), 13



A second mom to me

I’m an exchange student, and who I’m writing about is actually my host mom, Citymouse, but exactly that fact makes her special. She loves me as if I would be her own son, and I see her as a second mom. It is amazing how you can join a family as a total stranger and, even after little time, feel such love and care. For all that, I love you, Mom, and I want to thank you for all you did for me, for your support, for you to be open with me, for our chats that sometimes last until morning – in short, for everything. I don’t think you know how much you mean to me. Love you, your swiss son.

By Swiss Son 17