news-record.com

Wow.

When we decided to invite readers to share Mother’s Day tributes, we had no idea what to expect.

We were deluged with e-mails, letters and drawings — including 63 from one school and a dozen or so from others.

They ranged from brief notes, scrawled by young hands to poignant tributes painfully written by a daughter who’d had a stroke and others serving time in jail.

Some made me laugh out loud; others brought me to tears.

We’re running as many as we can in today’s paper. I also took the liberty of shortening some a bit so we could squeeze more in.

Hope you enjoy the tribute and slide show posted here.

-- Cindy Loman, editor, Guilford Record and Rock Creek Record

Wear clean underwear

My mother Janice is my heroine and champion. As I get ready for Mother’s Day, I celebrate our relationship and remember three pieces of advice my mother gave me. They’ve stayed with me throughout the years.

First, be careful what you pray for. You might get it. This never made sense to me until I prayed to lose 10 pounds to fit into my prom dress. I contracted a stomach virus and was as sick as a dog, but I did manage to squeeze into the dress. I would have preferred a different way, but I should have more specific.

Second, always wear clean panties when you go out in case you are in an accident and have to go to the hospital. Sure enough, I DID get into an accident, but when I got to the hospital, NO ONE LOOKED! Maybe that advice was bogus.

Finally, Mother told me never to try to be a “perfect mother” because she doesn’t exist.

Instead, she told me to try to be a happy mother and raise a happy child. My daughter, Jenda, is now 5.

My mother passed away 14 years ago, but her advice still resonates with me, and I realize that the love that a mother has for a child transcends life, death, and everything in between.
Catherine Harp, Kernersville

Gift of 38 cents

I was 12 years old when my mother dropped me off outside the church where there was a small gathering of young men waiting to board the bus for a field trip.

Before she would let me go, she reached inside her purse and retrieved a small coin purse.

She started to cry softly as she handed me a quarter, a dime, and three copper pennies and placed them in my hand, “It’s all that Mommy has, and I wish that I could give you more.”

Years later, I still carry that 38 cents wherever I go. It’s a treasure that I will never let go, buried deep within my heart.
Lloyd Kevin Smith

Helping with twins

My mom, Mary Duke, had recently retired from over 30 years of being a school teacher and had just gotten out the hospital in January 2007 with a severe stomach disorder of Diverticulitis. She almost died.

Shortly after her discharge, I found out that I was pregnant -- with twins.

Though she barely had time to recover from her stomach surgery, she pressed forward on my unexpected journey of being a single mother of twins.

Throughout my pregnancy, she stayed positive and encouraging while I submerged myself with depression. She didn’t miss one doctor’s appointment with me. She and my sister threw me an incredible baby shower, and she was there to see my twin girls -- Juliana and Julisa Duke -- enter into the world.

She also had to have two knee replacement surgeries right after they were born and she still continued to help me during one of the most difficult times in my life. She doesn’t realize how much of she means to me.

Not only is she a wonderful mother, she is an excellent grandmother. God made her my mother to set an example of how I would like to become.
Eboni’ Duke

Thanks, mother-in-law

This Mother’s Day I would like to convey several reasons why my Mother-in-law, Jamie Sykes, has been so special to me.

I am fortunate to have had a very close relationship with my mother-in-law. We were always able to talk to each other and share a lot.

We share a love of children, a love of cooking, a love of laughing, and a love of family.

She told me stories of her youth, both happy and sad. She told me stories of my husband’s youth, mostly happy and funny! I’m glad that she shared her stories with me, because it makes me feel that I have been in this family longer than the 32 years Andy and I have been together.

Jamie (“Mom”) gave us the space we needed to make our own life, but she was always there to help.

When our children were babies and young children, she adjusted her schedule to be with them.

She let me know often what a good mom she thought I was. She told me I was more than a “daughter-in-law” and gave me the biggest compliment by telling me I am like a daughter to her.

Unfortunately, Jamie has Alzheimer’s and cannot share stories anymore or realize that it is Mother’s Day.

She holds all of that inside her now, we hope. But I love her and thank her for all that she has given me.
Marti Sykes, Greensboro

Partner in crime

My mom is a beautiful goddess of hygiene, delicious food and ancient wisdom that is always eerily accurate.

Though she is strong and even formidable, she effuses tenderness and that mysterious mommy-warmth that you just want to hug all the time.

She is also proficient in the art of occasionally spoiling her kids.

It’s ridiculous how much of a baby I still am. I’m 16, and my mom still rolls me out of bed in the morning, gives me the weather report, makes me breakfast and packs my lunch, sending me off to school with a kiss on the cheek as if it were my first day of kindergarten. If it weren’t for my 5-foot-7, 125-pound frame, she’d probably carry me off to bed and tuck me in, too.

Aside from coddling me as much as humanly possible, my mom is also my best friend, or rather, partner in crime. We naughtily stay up late at night to watch several episodes of “Heroes” or “24.”

Sometimes we furtively indulge in Chinese food or make a clandestine trip to McDonalds on stressful days, destroying the evidence on the way home. Machete in hand and charged with a holy quest, we hack through the lacy jungle of prom dresses to find the perfect one.

Being loved by such a fantabulous mom has arrested my development. As long as she’s around, I’ll always be her baby.
Amy Taggart

You still make my lunch

When should a mother stop taking care of her child?
My childhood is far behind me, but I am still benefitting from the care of my mother.

My mother (Betty J. Fodrell) makes my lunch for me every day that I go to school. Now, that wouldn’t be unusual except that I’m a school teacher who’s married with grown kids.

It may not seem like much, but I want her to know how much her home cooking nourishes me not only in my tummy but also in my heart.

Once while doing lunch supervision, a colleague passed by and commented on how scrumptious my lunch looked. Every day this colleague passed by, she would ask what I had for lunch. My meals range from homemade soup to prime rib, and when my mother packs it up, it looks like her own version of Betty’s-To-Go. My lunches are packed so exquisitely that they are almost too pretty to eat -- almost.

A great deal of love and care goes into packing a lunch like that. I thank God every day that I arrive at my parents’ house and take my lunch for the next day out of the refrigerator. God has blessed me with one more opportunity to enjoy my mother’s love. A love that’s good for my heart as well as my tummy.
Desirée F. Best

Loss of a father

Thank you, Mom (JoAnn Massei), for showing me how to find the patience and quiet strength needed to overcome the loss of a father.

Losing Dad last year was the worst experience of my life, yet perhaps the greatest experience has been discovering just how fortunate I am to have the brave woman that you are in my life.

You are a wonderful mother, a kindred spirit and a dear friend. I love you.
Micah Massei

No time for herself

I am 11 years old, and I admire my mom so much.

She is a full time mother to me, my 9-year-old brother, who is special needs and totally dependent on her, and my younger sister who is 4.
My dad is a pilot, and when he is away from home, our mom has full responsibility for us and she still spends quality time with each of us before bedtime.

She is so busy that she seldom has any time for herself but even though it might be late at night she stills reads for her weekly Bible Study class.

My mom doesn’t complain, and she sets a good example for us.
Olivia Fox

My superwoman

When I think of the words tenacious, smart, beautiful and hardworking, my mother, Sharon Dodd-Walden, appears in my mind.

When I’ve thought I was alone and couldn’t see how I could make it, she was my superwoman. My mother has made it clear that no matter what, I’m a winner, and I love her for that.

She’s a survivor from every storm she’s encountered. My mommy is a lady of class and integrity. She’s my best friend, my rock and comforter. There will never be an ample amount of words that describe her because in my eyes, she’s perfect.
Christian A. Dodd, Greensboro

The way you raised me

I don’t have you to go with my trials as you’ve been gone to heaven for a lot of years.

I’ll never forget the sweet relationship between us as I grew up.

I’m a Christian woman with two precious Christian children, all because of the way you raised me.

I’ll meet you again one day as you dwell with Jesus and he with you both forever.

Margie Bailey

Fighting for her life

I have the best mom ever! Her name is Shirley Johnson.

Your family values start with how you are brought up. My mother always put family first. That is why we have such a close family.

I am a 43-year-old with 9-year-old twins. I am so blessed to have the love and support from my mother. She has the biggest heart of anyone.

She has lung cancer now and fighting for her life. The love of her family has kept her alive much longer than expected. She is an incredible person and I would like to say I love you very much and hope to be just like you.
Suzanne Michelsen, High Point

World’s Best Mom

We believe our mother (Jessie Donathan Howard) has earned the “World’s Best Mom Award.”

Her philosophy taught us “you don’t take away; you give back!” God and her faith, family, friends and nursing care are her life activities. Lowest socio-economic status was only a catalyst to “you can achieve anything by self-motivating, commitment and hard work.”

With a teenager and infant, our mom worked to earn money to attend nursing school to become a registered nurse and 40 years of local professional care. This demanding schedule never disallowed our daily needs; she was always our best friend in sickness and health; even to this day, with any need we have, when we talk to Mom, everything seems to be all right.

Thank you, Mom, as we share hearts!
Cynthia H. Spivey, daughter; James LeeVann Howard, son

Just like Mom

My Mom’s been gone
For many years,
And though she’s missed,
I’ve dried my tears.
The times go by, and
Some days with laughter
I’ve got to admit
I am just like her!
Lou Hudson, Greensboro

You give so much

Anna, you do so much for us everyday all year that we thought you deserved a special day for yourself. You are the best mom ever and we are blessed to have you. You amaze us every day with all the little things you do for us. You put yourself last after tending to us.

You give and give and give and always with such love.
Nicholas, Julianna and Ronald Glantz, Greensboro

Sunday Call

Dedicated to Ma Ma, my grandmother, who passed away Feb. 21.

Now that you’re gone, I’m sad and feeling kind of blasé
No longer can I hear your voice or call you on Sunday
I miss your smile, your laughter, the twinkle in your eye
I’m not angry with God, but why did you have to die?
Your time on this earth was not in vain
That gives me comfort; it eases the pain
You carried yourself just like a lady; you really handled things
Now you’re in heaven flying with your angel wings
Beautiful, light skinned, alluring and tall
I miss your laughter, I miss your voice
But most of all, I miss our Sunday call
Jennifer D. Davis

Shining from the inside

My mom (Yvonne) is really special.

Ever since I was a kid, and even still today, people have always commented on how beautiful and elegant my mom is.

I know she is beautiful on the outside, but when I see her she is just Mom. To me and the rest of the family she shines from the inside.

Ever since I can remember everything she does she does well and with grace.

Of course, she is not perfect, but to me and my children, she is so cool.

Her talents are endless. Her nickname is Martha Stewart’s evil twin because she is so darn crafty.

She is by far the best cook I have ever seen. Her thumb is green to the core. We love her so even though we tease her much.

She is our Mom and Nana.
Love, all your monkeys. Shawn Isakson

Patience inspires

Kara, over the past years I realized how important you are in my life.
A lot of children have no moms at all, or they do but she doesn’t care about her children at all. I am so blessed that I have you.

When I make good grades, I am trying to please you, Daddy, and God.

Sometimes, when I get in trouble, you fuss at me because you know that I know better and you want me to learn from my mistakes.

The thing that I adore the most about you is your patience. I know sometimes you want to choke me, but you sometimes let it go.

Mom, what I want to say may make you cry so hold back your tears. Some moms wear makeup but you don’t cause your beauty comes natural, and some moms don’t care about their child’s education but you put me in a school that cost thousands of dollars!

Mommy, you are the sunshine when it rains and you are the healing of my pain. I love you and that will never change! You are the best, hard-working mom in the world!
Mikaila Milton, Vandalia Christian School, sixth grade

Mom goes without

My mom’s name is Cheri McCray. I am so lucky to have her as my mom. My mom always makes me feel special and loved even if she is not feeling well.

It doesn’t bother my mom to go without if it means someone else is better off than they were before her help. I can talk to her about anything good or bad and I know that no matter what she will still love me with all her heart.

My mom tells me that if I always follow my heart, I can’t ever make the wrong choice even if it may feel like I did at first, it will work out right in the end.

My mom also always tell me that who I am is Gods gift to me but who I become is my gift to God. When I grow up I want to become the kind of mom my mom is to me.
Katie Goettsch, 9, Stokesdale Elementary

She was always there

How do you thank a mother who is so selfless and thinks of her children 365 days a year, 24-hours a day?

Like many people, it took some bumps in the road of life for me to finally appreciate my mother and to see that she had always been standing in the wings when I needed her.

She was there when I scrapped my knees as a little girl, when I cried as she left me at college for the first time, when I cried as I was moving out-of-state as a young newlywed and when I cried to her that I was getting divorced. She was always there.

As a teenager, I shunned her help at times thinking I knew better, but now I run to her for advice before anyone else. She was always wise; it was I who was not.

My mother is the Proverbs 31 mother, and her family is blessed by all she has done for her children and continues to do for her grandchildren. She has not realized many of her dreams because she put them on hold for us, and there is no way to truly repay her for the years of sacrifice. I hope that just maybe this small thank you will be a memory that my mother can hold close after a long, hard day.

With the utmost respect and undying love to my mother,
Lynne Brandon

Mom does so much

I would like to thank my mom for all she has done for me. She takes vacation days from work to go on field trips.

She is also the PTA president at my school and helps out with all the school activities. She helps me study for tests. She also takes vacation days to go on mission trips with me and my church.

She is also a big influence to me with horseback riding. She helps me with it and helps me when I am doing something wrong. She also helps me clean the horses’ stalls. I have the best mom in the whole wide world.
Samantha Crosier, 11

You’re no push-over

Maureen Mallon, thank you so much for being my mom!

I love the way you care so much. I love the way you are always there no matter what. I love the way you would give up just about anything to help out your kids.

I love the way you are not a push-over, and you have boundaries that if we cross, you’ll let us know. I love your cooking. I love your hugs. I love your adventurous spirit and your creativity. I love your work ethic. I love that we talk about things, no topic is off limits.

You are a wonderful mom and I am so blessed to have you in my life. Thank you for everything that you have put up with throughout all these years and all the love that you share on a daily basis. You’re awesome!
Maegen Fetter, 26

Mom works hard

Thank you for everything you have done mom you are the best mom in the universe and in the world you can do anything.

You work your tail off every day, and I notice that. Sometimes I like to be a little good girl and help out in the house. You are very nice to all of us.

You help us with our laundry and put it away for us. You help us with anything we need usually. You can do stuff you like to take us places.

Sometimes you let us use our homework pass if we get good grades on our report card. You are the best mom in the universe.
Isabella Goria, 7

To Moma Liz

Dear Moma Liz (Mary E.Le’Gette), we love you very much. You mean a lot to us.

We enjoy your cooking, singing, and your love for us.
God blessed us with an angel when he gave us you.
Your Children and Grandchildren

To our precious Omma

I remembered that my fingers turned red from dying the paper red. My fingers started to shake from folding the perfect red paper carnation for Mother’s Day.

It took me a whole day to make the perfect red carnation when I was little. I stored it in a small box and hid it in my book bag.

I couldn’t wait until Mother’s Day, so I could see you smile when you saw the red carnation that I made for you, Omma.

That perfect red carnation turned into a white one when I lost you over a year ago. Although I was told that the white carnation is for the mothers in heaven, last Mother’s Day I gave you a red carnation.

You were an amazing lady, who immigrated here with five children a million miles away from home, to give us a better life. You sacrificed your entire life for us. Your journey on this Earth ended on Nov. 13, 2007. But you are with me every day, because I can feel you all around me, watching over me from above. This Mother’s Day I’m sending you a perfect white carnation. However, a red carnation will have a special place in my heart, forever.

In memory of Chong Sun Kim Jan. 2 1925-Nov. 13, 2007
The Chong Family: Diane Jackson, Shawn Maron, Shannon Matherly, Kellie Chong, Rick Chong, Jennifer Matherly and Brandon Owen.

Took care of 5 kids

Our Mom, Beulah Vaughn, was the best mom there ever could be. The way she took care of the five of us was a blessing to me.

Mom lost her mother when she was only 5.

I often wondered how she knew all the right things to do for five children.

We didn’t have much money, but Mom and Dad gave us everything we needed.

When Dad got sick with Parkinson’s disease, Mom went to work at Fieldcrest Mills to help support the family.

Mom, we want to thank you dearly for all the sacrifices, love and caring that you gave to us.

We hope to make you proud.

We can’t wait to see you and Dad again in heaven’s beautiful home.

Love always, Mary, Patsy, Brenda, William and Wayne
Brenda Coe, Greensboro

Unconditional love

You were there after school, sometimes you were there at school (grade mother and PTA).

Thanks for hours spent in the stands at the ballpark. Thanks for letting all the neighborhood kids play at our house.

Thanks for being there for us, even though we are adults now.

Thanks for loving God, our dad, our children, your large extended family and us. Over the years, you have given unconditional love to all children and changed the lives of many. It comes as no surprise your name is Gracie.

We love you!
Kim, Jan, Mark, and Barry LeClair Family, Climax

Mom buys toys

I love my mommy a lot. I love her because she does nice things for me and buys me toys. I like everything about her. Thank you Mommy for dinner. I love you.
Cody Marion, 6

I love to snuggle

I love my mommy. She buys me nice toys from the store. I love my mommy because she takes care of me when I’m sick. I love to snuggle with her. Thank you Mommy for giving me nice clothes.

Thank you for making our home special. I love you.
Chloe Marion, 4

Things I love

The things that I love about Roixe Elliott being my mom are

• she is caring, loving
• goofy
• I can tell anything to her
• she is encouraging
• she is a saved mom
• she never lies to me
• looks over me
• she makes sure I am living well
• she sets goals for me to go to heaven
• And the main thing why I thank God for making a awesome mom for me is no matter what, she will always love me!

Mylick Elliott-Dargan, sixth grade, Lincoln Middle School

Poetic tribute

My Mother
I love my mother
My mother is always
so sweet and caring
always helping
and always full of love
I love my mother
all she does for me.
thinking of everybody but herself
She is always there to help me
I love my mother
I do
My mother
E.R. Gertz, 10, Greensboro

Depression survivor

She would adjust well to these hard economic times because she lived through the ‘30s Depression having four children etween1928 and 1932 and had already birthed four others before that.

We never knew we were poor because she never told us. She knew few or no indulgences during those years, she helped grow our food, made most of our clothes, stretched a dollar as far as anyone could, provided an atmosphere of joy in our home and trusted in her God to get us through.

She was a special lady, and her faith still inspires us eight living children to exemplify that same faith as we face tough times with our children and grandchildren.

Abraham Lincoln said: “All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” I feel the same way about mine.

Thanks to our mother, Margaret Veigh Leonard Thomason, 1903-1996
Peggy T. Wegwart, daughter, Lexington

You do so much!

Dear mom, I love all the things that you done for me! For taking me to the park. Taking me to the movies. Letting my friends come over to play. But most of all taking me to church to learn about God.

I love you very much.
Jayla McCloskey

You never gave up

Thank you for being so good and supportive of six children for 74 years.

For 57, years your never gave up. You never asked for a bailout or lifeboat, you just kept on paddling. Now, at age 94, it is “rest time”!

(My dad died at age 36, on my 17th birthday and left my mom a widow at age 37, leaving her with six children. I was the oldest.)
Marge Williams, Greensboro

You care for me

Thanks for taking care of me and loving me, you are the greatest mom in the world.

I love you,
Reece Alexander Moore, Greensboro

You pick me up

Through the years you have always been there to pick me up when I have fallen. You gave so much of yourself just to make me happy.

When I fell this last, time I knew that I let you down and that caused my greatest pain. The road I have gone down, I did it for you, and without you I could not have made it as far as I have.

Your support has meant so much to me. I know that if it was not for you, I would not have my beautiful wife that makes me so happy.

On this day, “your day,” I want you to know that you are loved.
Cliff Holder, McLeansville

Poem from prison

For your hugs when I was on drugs
For your heart when you gave me another start
For your kindness when I was not at my finest
For your lenient when I was disobedient
For your obligations in my situations
For your enhancing in my circumstances
For encouraging words you said; still linger in my head
For “Life”; even though I put you through strife
For giving me a place to rest; when I was obsessed and made a mess
For a relationship as my friend as well as kin...
For being faithful, I am grateful
For praying for me, when I could not see
For God’s word to read in a time of need
For all you did even when I was a kid
Thanks Mom and just in case, remember no one
can ever take your place,
Wilda Ann Petty.
Btilda Ann Petty, Southern Correctional Institute, Troy

Love you bunches

Thank you so much for all you do! Thank you for cooking every night and thanks for buying my clothes! You are awesome! I couldn’t have a better mom! Happy Mother’s Day! And also, I love you bunches!
Laine Parker

A poem for Mom

Mom,
I love you,
It makes me want to say “YAHOO!”
You make sure we are fed,
And you tuck me into bed.
You gave me life,
And you let me watch Barney Fife.
You have me drink good milk,
And you lend me your scarves, made of silk.
You help me grow up,
And you gave me a pup.
We named him Bennie,
And I learned to sign from Ginny.
You make sure we all have rest,
And you are the best.
I just want to say anew —
I LOVE YOU!
Lilie Romie

Mom shows strength

I know one thing for sure I love my mom so much. I say to her I love you up to the moon and back. My mom will give everything up for me. I want to say thank you for making me soup and getting me crackers when I am sick or just being there when I need you.

My mom has been through a lot. She has thing called Wegener’s granulomatosis. It’s when your throat gets small and you can’t breath. In the past couple of years she has been in the hospital a lot. It’s really scary but I know my mom will always make it through because she is the bravest, strongest mom I know.

She’s the most loving person I know. I can’t last a day without my mom.

My mom is a very special person. She’s the reason the world goes around.

She can make your heart warm, and she’s so cuddly and warm. You don’t even need a fuzzy blanket and hot chocolate to warm you up on a cold winter day, all you need is love from my mom. So I want you to know we have a very incredible mom in our house.
Danielle O’Brien, 10

She’s awesome

Let me tell you about my mom, Meredith Anne Apple. Meredith is a loving and caring mother of two kids. She is a wonderful mother who works at Guilford County court house in North Carolina.

I love her so much I would do anything for her. I am sure my sister would also do the same our; mother is the best mom ever. I bet she would do anything for us too. We are such a close family. It makes me feel really good about myself when I think about how much she struggles to keep us alive.

Every part of her is awesome. I mean, come on, you got to like her a little at least some.

If you think about it, there is a lot of things she does for me. She buys clothes, feeds me, basically she keeps me alive and I really appreciate that.

Bethany Leigh Mounce, Monticello Brown Summit Elementary

Your face lights up

Mom you are pure perfection
You go around and share affection
You’re never mad because you’re always polite
Most importantly your hugs are loving and tight
Mom, your face lights up the sky
I could certainly never tell you a lie
You’ve always pointed me in the right direction
Which has helped my character have a great complexion
Mom, life has many up and downs
Sometimes it feels like I have gone 100 rounds
However I always make it through
Because I know I’ll always have you
Mom, I love you so much
You certainly have the magical touch
I most certainly have to say
“Happy mother’s Day.’
Justin O’Brien, 14

What Mom does

My mom (Jan Goodman) does a lot of good things for me. I can’t name them all in this tribute, but there are a few things I can.

• She’s always there for me, good times or bad, day or night, light or dark.
• Lets me have friends over, and when they’re there, takes care of them too.
• makes me feel comfortable.
• cleans up everything I mess up.
• doesn’t get mad easily.
• and loves me for who I am.

I love you mom!
Mikalla Goodman, 10, Greensboro

Thanks to an aunt

Happy Mother’s Day Aunt Ruby. You know you are the back bone of this family. I honor you for your love, generosity, support and most of all your prayers for me.

I love you,
Your Niece Donnita Kiser-Pierce

MARISA

Seven little letters that make such a BIG difference

Makes good sandwiches
Always listens
Raids our rooms!
Is the # 1 mom
Should be a comedian
So forgiving
A sight for sore eyes

Thank you mom for ALL you do for us, we love you soooo much!
Claire Benton, Dudley High 12th grade; Kia Brown, Mendenhall Middle seventh grade; and Celeste Brown, Erwin Montessori first grade.

Don’t worry

Momma (Jennifer Garrison), we love you. Just relax and know that everything is GREAT and behind us. Don’t worry about anything.

We know that is hard for you but try for us please.

We LOVE you.
Will, Chay, Mason, Adam

‘You look like Mom’

My mom is the most important person in my life. I love her with all of my heart and I don’t know what I would do without her. Everyone always comments on how much I look like her.

I love looking like her because she is almost perfect in every way. She is a great swimmer and can cook up a wonderful dinner in 15 minutes.
Sabrina Greer

Notes from Eden

I have the greatest mom in the world. Not only is she my mom but my best friend. My mom is Anna Mae Clark of Eden.

My mom dedicated 38 years of our life to teaching other kids. She is a retired school teacher. She has given up a lot for her family and students, she didn’t really have a life of her own.

In 1982 I was involved in a serious motorcycle wreck that left me in the hospital five months even unable to feed myself. My mom ran back and forth to Winston-Salem two times a day as well as her full time job, husband and my brother.

She only gets stronger in the past four years her husband of 59 years had a stroke. He is still alive, her 19-year-old grandson was killed and my mom lost her baby brother.

She has always remained strong. She is a faithful member of our church and sings in the choir. She has also volunteered to help feed the homeless. She has been through so much that I wonder how she has done it! In October our home was broken into. The robber took everything, was caught, but our items were not returned or replaced.

She has been through so much, she needs a vacation or something! I can’t think of anything money can buy to show her all the love I have for her.
Mom, you are number one. I love you.
Daughter Lisa Clark, Eden

* * *

Helen Clark is my aunt. A aunt this like my mother. She is a great wonderful lady with a very special family and I wanted to let you know how much I love you and how much you mean to me. I feel so blessed to have you for a aunt/mom
Niece Lisa Clark, Eden