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Motherhood
CELEBRATING
G
“
Y
One time we had to go to South Padre
Island. Our car air conditioner broke, and
we had to drive seven hours in the heat with
my brother and me arguing. I don’t know
how she does it. Moms are the best! I hope
my mom never changes, because she is
perfect the way she is.
ou are quite an artist!” My mom’s simple words probably
changed my life. I was five years old, and her interest in my
“art” was a memorable epiphany. I vividly recall carrying my
first drawings through the gold flocked velvet hallway and
knowing that I could answer with confidence the next time someone
asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up—I was going to be an
artist.
It is just one of countless examples of how my mom’s love and
attention directed my path in life. Mom was just doing what she
always did—giving us kids her time and affection. But all of those little
daily moments added up to a childhood filled with unconditional love,
support, adventure, and learning. Her words of praise and enthusiasm
constantly fueled my young imagination. In a world that seems to grow
busier and more self-obsessed each day, she showed me how significant
those seemingly small expressions of encouragement and interest can
be to a child. It is a lesson I try to live out each day with my kids—all
ninety-eight of them.
To my loving mother, and to all the moms who share their precious
children with me each year, happy Mother’s Day. These are the stories
you inspire…
~ Taylor Reichwein, 12
❋
Inspire
My mom and inspiration,
Sherry Lacy
Mothers That
EDITED BY NATALIE LACY LANGE
❋
There
I have just started to realize how
much work my mom actually does.
My mom is a housewife, and I used
to think that she just sat around and
watched television all day. Well, one
day I was sick and had to stay home
from school, and she was rushing
around doing the laundry, sweeping
the floor, mopping the floor, doing the
dishes, and numerous other things.
She cleans up after me. I had always
wondered why my mom is sometimes
tired and cranky after I get home from
school. Well, now I know. If I had to do
all of that work, I would probably die!
I think the next time I’m at home alone
with my mom, I’m going to help her out
a bit. I’m going to tell my sister to help
out, too.
~ Cash Conway, 13
““I was there to hear your mourning cry.
I’ll be there when you are old…” The hymn
rang through the church so beautifully with the
congregation’s voices in perfect harmony. It was
a brisk spring Sunday morning and another child
was becoming one of God’s children. The sun
shining through the stained glass windows and
the lyrics worked in sequence sending the Holy
Spirit racing through everyone, like a rumor
in a small town.
As I joined in singing the hymn,
I pondered over the lyrics. A word in
particular stood out to me. That word
was “there.” I know God will always be
there for me, but so will someone else
—my mom. Of course, she is there to take
me to practice and there to pick me up from
school, but I mean a different definition of
“there.” She is there to wipe away my tears
and there to pick me up when I am feeling
down. I know her arms are as wide as the
Grand Canyon for me to fall into when I need
her to be there.
~ Kylie Antkowiak, 13
❋
If you ask me who inspires me the most,
I would answer, my mother. She owns a successful
business, and she is married and has two kids. I
want to be exactly like her when I am her age. She
is tough on me to do my best every day. She tells
me to never give up and to conquer my dreams.
~ Tatum Westerfeld, 12
My mom is my total best friend.
If I didn’t have her, I would go
crazy. Just coming home to see
her bright smiling face makes
me feel better, without her even
saying a word. She still has to
take her mom role—which she
does perfectly while still being my
best friend. I know I will never go
without a friend because she will
always be there for me.
~ Haley Fender, 12
Washing clothes, washing dishes,
cooking (usually good, but you know how
it is), cleaning my room, and MAKING
time to go to our sporting events… Those
are everyday things that my mom does for
me, and how many times do I thank her?
That’s right, hardly at all. So, I think I speak
for everyone (especially myself) when I say:
thanks. I know that I should say it more, but
thank you so much for all the things you do
for me. I have absolutely no idea what I’d do
without you. I love you.
~ Chandler Wellmann, 13
Mother-Daughter
Connection
My mom may look like just another
parent, but what they don’t see is that she is
in pain most of the time. The pain is caused
by multiple sclerosis, a disease that attacks
the brain and spinal cord, which destroys the
nervous system. MS limits my mom from
doing a lot of activities that I used to do with
her, but we do not let anything get in our way
of bonding time. Even if it is only watching a
movie, we still spend quality time together.
My mom has always felt guilty about
having MS and how it must hurt and put
stress on me. I try to convince her that it does
not bother me, but sometimes I wish that my
mom would not have the disease, so I could
do what other kids get to do with their moms.
Then I realize that I sound so selfish, and I am
not the one who has MS.
On this Mother’s Day, children need to
give thanks their beloved mom that loves and
contributes her life to raising them. I know
that moms do a lot for their children, so why
do we only give them thanks once a year? If
you ask me, moms are not appreciated enough
for all they do.
~ Heather Miller, 14
Jancy Ervin
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When I feel ill, my mom pampers me, so I
can feel well and healthy. Whenever I have
problems at school, she offers me advice. She
also teaches me some excellent manners, so I
can be a wonderful gentleman. I really like to
have my mom with me. She always inspires me,
and I look up to her. The most important thing
is, I really love her with all my heart.
~ Tyler Adase, 13
16 May/June 2008 | TexasLiVE
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TexasLiVE | May/June 2008 17
Motherhood
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❋
I love my mom unconditionally.
She is my best friend, who I can tell
all my thoughts, all my concerns, and
all my secrets. If I tell her something
from the heart, it is transferred to her
heart and locked tight. She will never
tell my secret to anyone, and I love
that about her.
Just Like My Mom
DeQuincey Lewis and
Shawn Turner
urne
On August 27, 1995, my sixteen-yearold mom had her first son and child—me.
After the delivery, she found out that I
had a sickness called asthma. I was going
to have to spend three months in an
asthmatic tent while my mom was able to
leave the hospital. She cried every night
of those three months until I was able to
come home.
The next few months after I was able
to come home were rough, though. She
had no job, which equaled no money. She
soon dropped out of school to get a job.
By the time I entered kindergarten, I
wasn’t the brightest student. I started
making failing grades, and my mom
did not want me to go through the
same struggles she had grown up with,
so she hired a tutor to teach me the
math I did not understand.
As I grow up, I am learning that
my mom isn’t just there to yell at me;
she is there because she loves me and
cares about me, and she wants to see
that I become something greater in life.
My mom sacrificed a lot for me, and
as a single parent, I know it was hard.
She and I will always be there for each
other. Later on in my life, I’ll have to
sacrifice some things for my kids,
just like my mom.
~ Shelby Smith, 12
Moms
Moms are sweet
They make every day,
She’s the first one you meet
She’ll always love me, I pray
Our love stays strong
No matter what
And between us
It’s a tough string to cut
Never ever will I say,
I hate you, I don’t know you
But with every passing day
I learn something new
We are always together
And never apart
We’re together forever
With a big heart
~ DeQuincey Lewis, 12
D o Yo u r B e s t
Mom. The stereotype, I suppose, would be someone that always has the house clean
and super ready on the table. However, any child knows that what is needed most
is not a clean house or dinner ready, but to be nurtured, loved, and encouraged.
I can honestly say that my mom is continually encouraging me. She has always told
me that I am an independent person, but everyone—no matter who they might
be—needs encouragement. One of the things she encourages me about is my
grades. At the moment, when she is saying, “Go for a scholarship, baby,” it may be
annoying, but it has helped me tremendously. I know that all she wants for me is
the best, and making great grades provides opportunities to help me succeed in life.
My mom’s most encouraging words are, “Do your best, and I’ll be happy!”
~ Caroline Hamilton, 12
Having a mom means having a
person to turn to. My mom and I can
talk about anything! Well, almost
anything—some things we kind of
have to leave out. She is also a great
listener and a wonderful help. She has
always been there for me at all of my
sporting events and is always cheering
me on. I also know she will always love
me, no matter how many late nights we
stay up together starting on my project
that is due the next day. I love my mom
so much, and she is my hero.
~ Kelsey Weynand, 13
18 May/June 2008 | TexasLiVE
~ Kaitlyn Nienstedt, 13
Glissmann’s
❋
M o t h e r ’’ s D a y f o r a
Mother of Many
Gift Gallery
A picture of elegance and grace
The soul that surrounds this space
A woman that helps me find my way
Who guides me and helps me find my way
#$
A voice of light in the darkness of night
There to show what is wrong and prove what is right
A kind of woman who is a child at heart
Your heaviest burdens, she is willing to cart
Your looks do not matter to this wonderful girl
She finds you and shines you until you gleam like a pearl
Though doubt and fear arise in your mind
A G i f t fo r Yo u
I love you, Mom, what can I say
You care for me night and day
Driving me to school
Going to work
Dealing with your boss
While I deal with jerks
I want to show you, how much I care
Because I know you’ll always be there!
~ By Angela Ho, 13
❋
Historic Downtown, 201 East Main Street, Brenham, Texas 77833
979-836-9505 •• Mon.-Fri: 8 am-5:30 pm •• Sat: 10 am - 5 pm
Featuring Precious Moments,
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She quells those thoughts, and to you she is kind
On Mother’s Day she gets no thanks
I am not her daughter but she is my saving grace
Sweet and subtle are her kind acts of love
She is my teacher and she rises above
My teacher, you are fun
You are an awesome friend
Your life’s just begun
Though you may not know it, you are a true godsend
~ Paige Rivera, 13
>>
106 W. Main St. • Brenham
979-830-9100
>>
TexasLiVE | May/June 2008 19
Motherhood
CELEBRATING
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Blessed
““Emily, did you nish your homework?”” My mom asked.
“Ugh, almost,” I said with an attitude. “Well, you need to finish,
and please don’t talk to me like that.” My mother spoke with soft
patience in her voice.
It is hard sometimes for moms to get the respect of their
children, but I guess it is my mom’s patience that makes me respect
her so much more. I am sure it takes a lot of patience for my mom
to stay calm when I talk to her disrespectfully, but the fact that she
stays so calm, instead of getting angry, makes it so much easier for
me to do the right thing and admit that I am wrong.
It may be hard to believe, but by her staying calm, she teaches
me so much. For example, she shows me that having patience
and being slow to anger, in any given situation, can make a big
difference in the outcome and have a positive impact.
God has blessed me with a truly amazing mother, and He has
given her the incredible gift of patience. I am reminded every day
of how thankful I am to have a mother like her.
LESSONS IN
LIFE, LEARNING, LOVING,
& GROWING
Emily and Karla Roper
Infants - 6th Grade
~ Emily Roper, 13
FIRST BAPTIST
CHURCH SCHOOL
❋
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~A
I counted down, ““Five, four, three, two,
one……”” We had landed at the airport in
San Salvador, the place where my mom
was born. My mom was raised here when
she was a young girl. When she was born,
my mom’s mom cared for her and then
decided she did not have enough money to
care for her anymore. She took my mom to
the orphanage, where she was placed in the
loving hands of some nuns. My mom was in
this orphanage until she was fifteen. When
a child turns eighteen at this orphanage,
they are sent out on their own, and they
have to fend for themselves. Luckily for my
mom and her sister, these nice people, the
Grants, who already had six children of
their own, decided to adopt my mom and
her sister.
My mom is now a successful missionary
and travels to Guatemala, Panama, El
Salvador, and Venezuela. Her ministry helps
about 2,000 children each year, providing
them with supplies and money to keep the
orphanages running. I am very proud of my
mom for all she has accomplished,
and I am thankful for her every day.
❋
~ Mariah Webb, 13
20 May/June 2008 | TexasLiVE
The Best Gif t Is Love
Most people think that Mother’’s Day is just
a day to give your mom a gift and say, “Happy
Mother’s Day.” No way! Mother’s Day is not
about giving gifts to your mom. Yeah, I mean it
is good to give them a gift, but show them your
love by cleaning up your room. Try not to play
your video games that day, and instead, just chill
out with your mom. Tell her, “I love you,” and it
would make her day wonderful. My mom means
the world to me. I tell her I love her every day,
whether it is or isn’t Mother’s Day. The best gift
I can give her is love, and I give her lots of it.
~ Samantha Holle, 13
Daycare and Mother’s Day Out
My mom is one of my greatest heroes.
She has many characteristics that I
appreciate, but the best one of all is how
supportive she is. My mom is so supportive
that she might burst. She is at
every game that I have, cheering
for me. Even if I lose, she
cheers me up and reminds
me that it is just a game.
If my mom was not
supportive, I would
probably lose every game
I played.
302 Pahl St • Brenham, TX 77833 • 979-836-6411
www.fbcsbrenham.org • Since 1977 • ACSI Member
Paul LaRoche and family have
built a business here since 1962
on one principal -
“a good name
is better to have
than silver
or gold…”
~ Jacob Sparks, 13
My Hero
The love a mother gives to her young is far greater than the Milky Way.
Her love is as pure as gold and as sweet as sugar. A mother does not only give
her family love, but cares more about them than herself. My mother is my
hero. She is willing to sacrifice her life for mine.
One day I was walking towards my dad, who was on the other side of the street. I was too busy
looking at him to notice that I was in the street, and a car was coming at a very fast speed. My mom
somehow managed to see the car. She quickly ran into the road, putting her own life in danger, and
pulled me to safety. Seconds later, the car rushed by without losing speed. That day, she showed me
what bravery and courage are, and that she loves me more than herself. She showed me that she is my
super hero. She may not have super powers, but she does have super love for me and my family. I love
her not only because she is my mom, but for showing me she loves me, instead of just saying it.
~ Cynthia Botello, 13
My mom is always there for me. She picks me up when I am down and helps me. I don’t know
what I would do without her. Every time I hit that winning base hit or score that touchdown, I
know she is in the stands cheering me on. When I catch that nasty cold, or when I suffer from a
bone-breaking injury, she is waiting by my bed with an ice pack and some medicine. Plus, I could
never forget the countless late hours of homework or the innumerable amount of meals she has cooked
for me. Every Mother’s Day, I try to get my mom something special for all the wonderful deeds she
has done for me, but I just recently found out that nothing measures up to the amount of love she has
given me.
~ Justin Lackey, 13
>>
❋
Business Hours:
Mon-Fri 7:30-5:00
Sat. 8:00-12:00
979-836-6666
900 Hwy 290 W
Brenham, TX 77833
LaRoche son-in-law Darrell Blum has extended the
philosophy- as one of several employees with over 30 years
service to LaRoche customers - it’s knowing how to treat you
right that has made us the success we are today- doing
whatever it takes. That’s the promise!
Buy your next vehicle from us and you will always get a free
service loaner from us while your car is in the shop. Make
your deal with the sales representative and you can take
it to the bank. Your sales person will price the vehicle
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about it. No games! No pressure! We also have many
financing sources available for both new and used vehicles.
We carry Chevrolet, Cadillac, Pontiac,
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TexasLiVE | May/June 2008 21
Motherhood
CELEBRATING
G
Olivia and
Loyce
ce Van
Va Hook
More Than a Mom
The dictionary denes mother as “someone who gives birth,” or “to protect, care, and
nourish.” My mom definitely fits that definition; however, she is so much more. Most
importantly, my mom is my friend. I trust her more than anyone to give me great advice.
It may not always be what I want to hear, but she seems to know what is best for me.
Since I’m extremely busy playing sports, and I don’t have my driver’s license, my mom
has to be my chauffeur. She never complains about taking me to all the places I need to go.
Most of the time, she is in her pajamas, and I am praying she doesn’t get out of the car.
My mom is also my number one fan. I can always hear her cheering louder than
anyone else at my games. She tells me, “Great game,” if I played well, and she says,
“Get ‘em next time,” if I played badly.
She also makes an awesome nurse. I remember that when I was little, she would use a
red washcloth to clean my wounds, so I couldn’t see the blood. She can always tell if I have
a fever, even before she takes my temperature. She pampers me, unless I throw up—then
she sends me to my dad.
Not only is my mom my math teacher at school, but at home she teaches me everything
I need to be successful in life. She reminds me to not judge people and to be kind to kids
that I don’t hang out with. She expects me to always do my best and never give up.
In the past year, my mom has become an inspiration to me. Watching her fight breast
cancer has made me realize what a strong woman she is. She is my role model. I hope to
be the kind of mom to my kids that she is to me.
~ Olivia Van Hook, 13
❋
Death by Oven Mitt
Unconditional Love
It’’s hard to say how much a mother’’s love is worth
For it is more than there are stars in the sky
It’s greater than the mass of the earth
And more precious than a baby’s cry
It’s more than I like popsicles
For that’s a fact I must agree
Through all the tears and tickles
She’s always been there for me
She’s the one that guides me every day
With her beaming, radiant smile
For I love my mom more than in just one way
But explaining may take a while
She’s the one who tells me that everything will be alright
When she tucks me into bed and gives me a kiss good night
She’s taught me everything that she could ever know
Enabling me to spread my wings and dream as far as one could go
She was my potter and I was her clay
And all I want to do is grow up and be just like her in every single way
If that doesn’t sum it up
I honestly don’t know what could
But deep down in my heart
Not even everything in the world would
It’s more than all of God’s creation
For that’s all my mind can take into accumulation
I love you, Mom
It’s more than one can explain
But happy Mother’s Day
All the same
~ Amber Boeker, 13
Errk. Boom! The front door moaned its usual greeting to me as I entered my
house. “Mmmm,” I cried out when I took in an especially enticing scent:
cookies. I strolled into the kitchen expecting to be welcomed by a hot, fresh
batch of cookies, Instead I see my mom reaching for a hot pan in the oven
without an oven mitt. I try to yell out, but, unfortunately, I was too late.
She clenched the pan but immediately let go, sending the pan and cookies
soaring through the kitchen, straight at me. I ducked like I was in some sort
of Matrix action scene. The cookies crashed into the wall behind me. I jerked
my head around quickly to see my mom. She was stunned. Of course this
changed quickly—when she realized what she had done, a burst of laughter
erupted from both of us. She wailed, “Okay, kids, the cookies are done!”
This story is very relevant to the life philosophy of my mother. She does
not have an oven mitt for life. I suppose she does not want to be strangled
by plans. Living with her is like driving through Houston for the first time
without a map. Of course, she does live by two rules: follow your dreams, and
laugh at every mistake you make. “After all, the best way to learn is from your
mistakes.” She points this out to me almost every day of my life—not just by
saying it, but by showing it.
The aspects of my mother’s life have always fascinated me. Her views
on different subjects inspire me to stand up for what I believe in. She stands
up for her opinion on mankind’s equality by quoting a line from My Big Fat
Greek Wedding, “You see, we all have our differences, but in the end, we’re
all fruit.”
My mother inspires me to be a better person and a role model for my
peers. She tells me to keep my head high, smile big, and everything will
work out fine. Her words guide me through the day and give me strength
to survive junior high school, which we all know is a hard task. I will always
love and respect my mother, even if she accidentally throws cookies at me
sometimes—at least I know she will never strangle me with an oven mitt.
There are so many mothers out there that would like to control every inch
of their child’s life, but not my mother. She wants me to grow up to be the
fun loving woman that I want to be. Hmmm—a mother that cares about
what I would like my future to be—unusual? Maybe, but in our house,
we have our own little word for that: we call her MaLisa Amy Hampton.
~ Morgan Hampton, 13
Natalie Lacy Lange has a journalism degree from The University of Texas and currently teaches junior high writing. Besides teaching and writing, she spends her time
gardening and renovating a 130-year-old house with her husband. Check out her home & garden blog at natalielacy.com.
22 May/June 2008 | TexasLiVE
TexasLiVE | May/June 2008 23