Mother’s Day wishes

* EDITOR’S NOTE: We asked our readers to share their photos and

stories in honor of their mothers. Each letter writer and photo sender

had one thing in common. They all wanted to wish their moms a happy

Mother’s Day.

Our mothers are still full of surprises. I just discovered this poem

that my mother, Fran Miehl, wrote 30 years ago:

o7 I am a slow-maturer

Insight came too late

Motivation’s furor

Is seeking a rebate.

f7 I never knew my mother wrote poetry. She wrote this while

attending junior college at age 55. Most of her adult life was spent

raising three children. I wonder what her life would have been like if

she could have spent more time writing.

SHARON FAIRBORN

* * * *

My mother is like rainbow,

She is many colors,

She stretches out to me,

She has a pot of gold at the end of her,

That is what makes her so rich.

KENNY BATTRAM

* * * *

My mom, Carol Westling, is my very best girl friend. I turned 29 a

short time ago, and while my mom is just a little older than me, I look

at her in a totally different light than I did all throughout my

childhood.

You see, my husband and I were transferred to Sacramento two years ago

and to say that this move away from everyone and everything that we know

and love was difficult, that would be the understatement of a lifetime.

My mom has always been my friend even when I was just a little

ankle-biter. She became a stay-at-home mom when I was born and has been

there for everything -- words, teeth, steps, tears and even the infamous

hissy-fits. I have a lot of great and very special memories of times

spent with just my mom and I, which I will treasure forever not only in

my heart but in the various pictures that are all over my house.

Being my mom’s daughter is one of the greatest blessings that God

could have given me. I couldn’t have wished for a better friend,

companion and secret-keeper. I feel that I am one of the luckiest girls

to have been blessed with such a beautiful and kind and lovely mother.

In our family, I believe that all of the love, hugs and support made

me what I am today. Without the incredibly strong family bond, I honestly

think that my life would be a lot different today. My parents molded me

into what I feel is an almost perfect replica of themselves, and I don’t

think there is any amount of words that can ever express to them how much

love I have for the both of them!

I love you, Mom, and I want to wish you a very happy Mother’s Day!

CARRIE ANDERSON

* * * *

Jeanne Whitaker has many names -- Mom, Nana and best friend to all

that know her. Jeanne, our mom, is a woman with a heart of gold. For

Tiffani and I, she is our best friend, our helper and someone that is

always there for our families and us.

She is a woman capable of all great things. Not only does she look

fabulous, but also she lends a shoulder to cry on, she lends an ear to

listen and we always have great fun with her.

Tiffani and I can’t thank her enough for all that she does for us.

Without her we would be lost.

HEATHER WHITAKER PULLIS and TIFFANI GOFF

* * * *

Happy Mother’s Day to Terry McMahon.

We thank you for your constant display of strength and unconditional

love. With love from all of us!

CLAIRE McMAHON

* * * *

A message to my mom:

Thank you for being a good influence in my life. I love you and hope

you have a good Mother’s Day.

ANTHONY WALKER, 10

* * * *

I mailed this letter to talk about my mother, to explain to people how

generous and sensitive she is.

I’m Italian. I got married last August to an Italian guy living in

California for 15 years. I moved here seven months ago, so I don’t speak

English well.

My mom didn’t have a very “happy life.” She grew up in very strict

conditions after the Second World War. A few months before she (was to

be) married, her boyfriend told her that he had had relations with

another girl and that she was pregnant. My mother said, “I can not live

thinking that a child [would] grow up without his father. Now you have to

think of your son.”

After a few years, she knew my father, and at the age of 27, she got

married. They had two kids -- my brother and I. But after only seven

years of marriage, my dad died. I don’t remember anything about that, but

I can imagine how painful it was for my mom.

Anyway, she was a very beautiful woman, and there were men who wanted

to marry her. But she thought “I have to think of my kids now. I don’t

know if another man can be a good father for my children. They have

suffered enough. I don’t want to risk (that) they suffer again.”

So she had the possibility to have an easy life, with a husband and

without problems of money. But she chose to live for her children.

She did everything for us. She worked at home in order to stay with my

brother and I. For years she didn’t buy anything for herself in order to

save money for her kids. I remember (that) she dressed always (in) the

same clothes, year after year.

Two years ago, when I decided to get married, she was upset; she was

scared about that. She knew she was losing her baby.

She had a bad time last year. But, finally, she said “You’re not mine!

I hope you’ll be happy in your new life. I love you, babe.”

Now she lives with my little dog in Italy. I call her every day, and

every day she says to me “I love you, and I miss you.”

I’m trying to go to Italy every three months, and I hope to have my

mom here as soon as possible.

I lost my dad when I was three, but I was lucky to have such a

beautiful woman as my mother. I want to say thanks to my mom, because if

I am a good person, if I believe in the family, in the children, in

respect and love, (it) is for her.

Thank you, mom, (for) always being present in my life, for your

generosity and for your love. I love you too.

ANTONIETTA BIANCHINI

* * * *

My loving mother:

My mom is someone no one can replace,

She is always there for me with a happy face.

Yesterday, tomorrow, forever she will be,

The greatest person close to me.

SAPNA LOHIYA

* * * *

My mom, Kimberly Perry, is the best ever. She’s so sweet and is always

there for me. The times we spend together are unforgettable.

She reminds me of a tulip -- always happy, even when her stem is

drooping.

I love her soooo much!

MEGHAN HUBBARD, 12

* * * *

My mom, Marjorie Elaine Smith Odell, has raised four children, eight

grandchildren and has been married 60 years to my father, Luther James

Odell. Congratulations, Mom, for being such a dedicated, patient mom and

sharing all your words of wisdom.

NANCY ODELL TURNER

* * * *

M is for mother who cares for me.

O is for the way my mom opens her arms to hug me.

T is for the times she teaches me right from wrong.

H is for all the help she gives me.

E is for the everlasting love each time she hugs me.

R is running together along the beach.

My mother is like no other.

She is sweet and kind,

And has a wonderful mind.

She is a good cook,

And reads me lots of books.

I am glad I have a mother like no other.

TAYLOR BATTRAM, 8

* * * *

From the day I was born, I was always told that I was surrounded by so

much love and so lucky to have a mother like mine. Now, at age 19, I

understand what everyone was talking about.

My mother is amazing. After raising my brother and I, she is

fulfilling her dream, working as a flight attendant for American

Airlines. She loves her job, and when she’s not working, she spends time

laying out on the beach, working on our beautiful home, walking with

friends and cooking wonderful meals. But most importantly, she spends

time with us . . . her children and her family.

So today, Mom, I just wanted to thank you for the love you give so

freely and the countless moments we share. Happy Mother’s Day. I love

you.

MEGAN MELTON

* * * *

My mom, Mary Ann Rector, is so cool. When we step out, folks think

she’s my date. Fun! And I’m so proud she’s my very loving mom.

LEE MALLORY

* * * *

Isabel Hunter Tappan, born 1910, is a mother of three and stepmother

of three. She is also the grandmother/step-grandmother of 14 and the

great-grandmother/step-great-grandmother to 29, soon to be 30.

Mother, you are incredible, always there to guide us through life with

your wisdom and protect us with your love. You have made us stronger

because of what you have overcome.

“Thank you, mom,” doesn’t seem to say enough as we think back on the

memories that you have made for us. Always the care giver. Now is your

time, and we hope you know how much you are cherished and loved. Happy

Mother’s Day from all of us.

KATHRYN PICKRELL

* * * *

My mom is like a star,

That twinkles in the night.

She is shone by moonlight,

Because she is so bright.

She does everything right.

She is like a kite so peaceful and quiet.

When I was a baby,

She would stop me from crying,

But she would not stop trying.

She makes me happy and sometimes sad,

But never ever mad,

TIFFANIE BATTRAM, 10