Winning Entry
Praise for Mary Ann's Mama
I believe that my mom is a Mexican Wonder Woman . . . strong, funny, fearless, and wears a cloak from God. My mother was a single parent and raised 5 girls on her own. As much as she's sacrificed, my mom has always helped people, especially those who are less fortunate. I'll never forget the story...one day arriving home, opening the door, and facing a strong 'stench'. My mom quickly went to the door and explained that she'd invited a homeless woman to take a bath in our home.
I was used to my mother's constant volunteer and community work - helping kids in juvenile hall, working to bring peace between gang members, and serving food to day laborers. However, this seemed to be pushing the limit and I thought "why bring it home?" My mom described how she'd seen the homeless woman regularly walk by and she pitied her. I felt a pang in my heart as I realized two things. Firstly, my mom truly knows the meaning of 'loving your neighbor, as yourself'. Secondly, could I ever be as generous to bring a stranger in need into my home?
That's my mom. One of her dreams is to open a 'House of Refuge' to take in the poor, homeless, and oppressed. "How will you do that? What will happen?" I ask my mom. "God will take care of it", she replies. This leads to one of the most important 'big' lessons from my mom - which is trust in God and to have faith.
My mom does so much for so many - it's very rare to see her 'spoiled'. A CasaQ Mother's Day present would light up her life, just like she's done for so many.
Runner Up Entries
Praise for Celeste's Mama
I grew up in a traditional Mexican-American household but my mother taught me that stereotypes can be broken. Of course I learned how to iron a shirt properly, set a spectacular table and to cook the best chile rellenos and lengua this side of the border. But she also showed me how a woman could have a successful career, and a sparkling clean house all while juggling 5 (yes, five) needy children and an ex-bullfighter for a husband. Her love of God is an inspiration. She taught me about the power of prayer, forgiveness and how to love unconditionally and to help others in need. She taught me that even a few people can make a difference if they make an effort together and rally support for their cause. I'll have to say that although I never wanted to be like my mother I can see that the best parts of me are because of her. Thank you Mom for showing me how to get 20 things done in one day while looking perfectly coordinated! My old fashioned mom taught me to be a confident modern woman.
Praise for Glen's Mama
My mother was a WWII survivor having lived in Southern China under Japanese occupation. She experienced many hardships and witnessed atrocities carried out by China's invaders. After the war she came to the United States as a young 20-year-old not knowing the language and culture due to an arranged marriage which materialized quite a bit in post-war China as she was female with no parents.
She eventually divorced the man she hardly knew and met my father. Imagine a Chinese immigrant divorcing her husband during the early 50's? Due to the war, her education did not exceed the sixth grade level. Yet, she became a local department store floor manager. There she met her best friend, a woman from Japan. Mom accepted this person for who she was and not to hold any blanket grudges against Japanese people due to the war.
Her story demonstrates why my diminutive mom (4' 10" tall) has been a positive role model for me to persevere whatever challenges I encounter and to accept each person I meet as an individual and not to stereotype and discriminate against groups of people despite the misdeeds of a few.
Praise for Sara's Mama
Mi madre is my best friend and we usually spend long hours talking about everything and fantasize that we could solve the world's problems. In one of our long talks, she said "you should always remember to respect the rights of others" (it sounds much better in Spanish). I realized that her advice was very similar to one of the most famous phrase said by Benito Juarez. However, coming from my mother it felt very real. I always remember my mother's advice and apply it to most aspects of my life - from the relationship I have with my husband to the daily contact I have with complete strangers.
Praise for Stacey's Mama
My mom taught me that "stuff is just stuff". My family went through hurricane Katrina and our home went under 23 feet of water, we lost everything we owned. My Mom and Dad, came out from California in their RV to rescue us from New Orleans. We had just remodeled our home three months prior, and we had all new "stuff", furniture, artwork, kitchen appliances etc... When I told my Mom about the five day stay in downtown New Orleans, and that we has lost all of our worldly possessions to the flooding, my Mom reminded me that stuff is stuff, that we are only the temporary owners of items. This gave me much solace and I have reminded everyone who has heard my story of survival, that stuff is stuff!
Praise for Teresa's Mama
My mom was diagnosed with a brain mass in 1974 and given 6 months to live. She went to mass almost everyday and turned to her family and prayer for comfort. The brain mass unexplainably disappeared a few weeks later. She was, however, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and endured painful medical testing, and occational loss of eyesight, paralysis and loss of touch. Despite her illness, my mom never gave up. She chased her dreams and became a teacher in underprivileged high schools all over East San Jose. She raised our family and fought for social justice, even running for City Council. She lost hearing in her left ear in 1992 and is happy she can no longer hear the bad language in her classroom. She doesn't let her disability get her down - she learned to read lips and started running and
lifting weights when she turned 50. My mom taught me to never let life get me down. She taught me to find joy and happiness in everyday and everything I do. She taught me that life matters and our family matters and our community matters.