Mother's Day Cards

Walt Maciborski

My mom is the best. She is a strong woman of faith. You could call her a prayer warrior. In good times and tough times, she was always there praying for me and still does today. Her grounded guidance has served me well. And, if there is one thing my mom instilled in me it would be to "never settle." In other words, my mom knew when I would just go along with something even though it wasn’t what I thought was possible or what I really wanted. So, she would, in a quiet prayerful way, push me to go for it, go for what I really wanted.

I credit my mom for teaching me anything is possible, even if it doesn’t seem like it at the time. Thank you, Mom. I love you.

Linda Hurtado

My mother, Connie Yokum, passed away from breast cancer more than a decade ago. She was my best friend and my greatest supporter. The most important advice she ever gave me was to believe in myself even when others did not. That advice brought me through tough times both personally and professionally. It kept me from quitting when a boss, I really admired, told me I would never be a news anchor. I try to instill that self-confidence in my children every day. I also want to teach them the skills to achieve their dreams no matter what others think about their chances. I miss her but am thankful for the time we spent together.

Dan Shaffer

That's my mom, Judy, as a 20-year-old young woman just starting out married life with my dad. Behind her are the building blocks of their first home in Pompano Beach, Florida. I love this picture. To me it shows what was most important in mom's life - strong foundations. The most important thing my mom did for me and all my siblings (there are five of us in all) was provide strong foundations, and demonstrating what that means every day. She helped us develop our good character, our faith in God, and encouraged us in our talents. She also showed us how to foster a lasting, loving relationship. She and my dad have been an example of that for more than 50 years now.

These are the things I love about my mom.

Deiah Riley

My mom, Pat, is affectionately known as "Lucy" in our family, as in Lucille Ball. It’s not because of her red hair but her fiery personality and hilarious antics over the years.

She is the funniest, most fun loving person I know. She’s a natural comic, you know, one of those people who make you laugh without effort. I could write several books about her. Oh, the stories I could tell.

Her humor, flair for fun and fashion are what I love most about her. She lives by the mottos…."Never take yourself too seriously or you’ll get frown lines" and "always wear high heels, they make your calves look great."

I thank God everyday that my 18-month old daughter, Riley, inherited all of nanny’s "fabulousness"! I pray that my second baby girl due in July will be just as lucky!

My mom is truly special! I’m so blessed that God sent me to her. So Lucy, here’s to you…Desi says "get dressed, you’re going to the show!"

Brendan McLaughlin

This is Margaret Jane McConville with my father during WWII. They were probably engaged by this point, but hadn't a clue that they would raise six children. They certainly wouldn't have dared to hope that all six kids would remain close through their adult lives, but we have.

William F. McLaughlin left us 12 years ago after more than 50 years of marriage. Mom is still living independently in the house we grew up in. The best advice my mother gave me had to do with raising my own children. She said, "Honey, don't notice everything". She knew how important it is not to smother your kids with rules and guidelines and corrections- to be generous in letting your kid get away with a little mischief every now and then. Children who are never allowed to screw up find it hard to avoid trouble later in life. It was brilliant advice. Suffice it to say, I love my mother very very much.

Wendy Ryan

I had two moms growing up. My birth mom, Myrna and my step-mom Shelli. Both have given me great advice over the years and both have led by example.

At a very young age, my mom, Myrna, taught me how to be a survivor. She taught me how to take care of myself, be responsible, and respectful. She also taught me the value of a dollar... even teaching me how to file my own income tax return at the age of 4! (Yes, I was working at a very young age.) She also gave me the best advice I use on a daily basis... "Treat people the way you want to be treated."

My step-mom Shelli always had the time to listen and sometimes that's the best kind of support you can get! She also led by example simply by being a warm, kind, and generous person to whomever she meets... and was always there to give me a hug...just when I needed it!

Being a step-mom myself has humbled me too. Hannah and Ian are wonderful... and I work every day at being the best role model for them I can be.

So in honor of both my special moms... Happy Mother's Day and to all the ladies... enjoy your special day! You deserve it!!

John Thomas

Where does it start and where does it stop?

It runs the gambit from, "how to load the dishwasher" to "how to pick your friends."

But I can safely say the best advice she ever gave me is "always ask yourself: what would your father do?"

In my family, that is the ace that trumps everything. It's a heavy load to bear, but happily accepted by all.

And more often than not, we get it right.

It is clearly and indication of her belief in character and strenth of family.

Thanks mom.

Love,

Your favorite son.

Sarina Fazan

I never realized how happy someone could be until I had my little Samantha. This is my first mother's day, and I feel like the most blessed person alive! I did not have a mother's or father's guidance since I was 17. I remember listening to other kids talking about their parents and wishing that could be me. I want my Sammie to be able to come to me with anything. I strive to have an open mind and open heart. I will also tell her, despite what the odds are you are never given a dream (like mine of being a journalist) without also the ability to make it come true.