Homage to Mother’s

Mother’s Day is a time of celebrating the ones who have always been in our corner. Your first love and greatest source of comfort. These are a couple of people who want to take a moment and share with you just what kind of lasting impact their loved ones made in their lives and how they continue to be inspired to do great things.

By Kathy Bee

As a child, my mother was my first biggest fan. Always encouraging me to chase down my dreams. Today, I’m a professional singer and songwriter and attribute my musical success to her. I know that my talent came from my mom, who dreamed of becoming a singer herself. However, due to the lack of funds, opportunity, and the demands and responsibility of being the mother of seven kids, her dreams were silenced. Yet, her passion for music became the soundtrack of my upbringing.

After saving-up enough money from her house cleaning jobs, Mom purchased an old upright piano.  Consequently, our Saturday Nights turned into a wonderful time of singing, accompanied by my oldest sister, who flawlessly played the old-time hymns, and popular songs of the day, lead by our loudest singer… Dad. This event was brought to us by my aunt and grandmother, who paid for my sister’s private, classical piano lessons.

I began singing at the age of two. By the time I reached seven, I begged my mom to let me take piano lessons. Her answer was always the same, “We can’t afford it. There are too many mouths to feed.”

Although Dad worked at the VA Hospital, his salary only covered our essentials, while Mom’s house cleaning jobs supplemented the rest. Yet, I never gave-up begging. I realized in order to become a better vocalist, I needed piano lessons. Eventually Mom gave in. She made a deal with the piano teacher. Mom cleaned her house during my classical piano lessons.

Mom’s sacrifices knew no limits. She weaved a tapestry of music, love, perseverance, and unspoken dreams that catapulted each of her children. Every penny saved, every meal served, and every tear shed was a testament to her boundless love and selflessness…leaving loving footsteps to be followed by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren…Mom you’re my unsung hero!

By Mark Rodriguez

My Momma was a true Warrior. At 77, she was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer about five months after returning home to Santa Fe, New Mexico, from a visit to Phoenix, Arizona. She was taking care of me through my second double lung transplant. She fought this battle for seven years without a complaint and always a smile. Her unshakeable faith and strength she displayed were baffling when facing this affliction.

She always said, “It could always be worse, so I’m grateful.” Before my second double lung transplant, I was on my deathbed, and on one of my worst days, I asked her, “Why doesn’t God just take me already?” She then told me that he wasn’t done with me if he continued to wake me up. It was for a purpose. She told me to turn all that pain into a purpose and keep fighting because God was fighting for me and with me.

That was in January 2016. Fast forward to January 2023, and now it’s my Momma on her deathbed, struggling through her last days. In a moment of exhaustion and weakness, she asks, “Why doesn’t he just take me already?” I immediately recall what she said to me seven years ago when the positions were reversed, and God gave me these words. “Momma, I’m not that smart, but I know this: I have questioned God and my faith before, and a wise woman once told me that if God was still waking me up, it was for a purpose.” I also added, “Like I said, Momma, I’m not that smart, but I know questioning God has nothing to do with having faith. He is still waking you up, Momma, and that’s for a purpose. Maybe it’s to teach one more thing before he brings you home or for you to learn one more thing. I don’t know, but there is a reason.”

She said, “Thank you, Son. Only you can put it to me that way because you truly know this place that I am at. I love you, Son. Thank you for this.”

It was the biggest gift for me to care for my Momma the way she did for me and give her something in return. God called her home soon after that night. It was a true gift to see her peacefully go home covered in the most beautiful purple light, with my Dad and Nana’s spirits coming to guide her home to a place she had worked to get to her whole life.

I love you, Momma. Happy Heavenly Mother’s Day.

By Holly Porter
When I married my current husband, blending our families brought a whirlwind of joy, challenges, and endless adventures. Picture this: four girls, four boys, a bustling household, and not managing not just one business, but four! Amidst the chaos, I also wore the hats of a regional AYSO soccer commissioner, a Rotary International president, many volunteer positions, and just started selling Real Estate. Talk about a juggling act!

In those hectic days, I juggled responsibilities like a pro but also battled those moments of doubt and exhaustion. There were times I felt like I was falling short as a mom and a wife, moments when I questioned if I was truly giving my best. Looking back, I realize that while I thought I was showing up, I wasn’t always fully present. Cheering at soccer games while closing real estate deals on the phone? Guilty as charged!

Motherhood is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, trials, and triumphs. If there’s one nugget of wisdom I could share with fellow moms, it’s this: be present in every moment. When you’re there, be all in. Sure, I might have juggled a bit too much, but the lesson I learned about the power of presence is invaluable.

To all you amazing moms out there, hear this loud and clear: you are more than enough! You’ve got the strength, resilience, and love to tackle any challenge that comes your way. Take a moment to step back, refocus on what truly matters—your children—and know that you’re doing an incredible job. Embrace the journey, celebrate the wins, and remember, you’ve got this!

Sending cheers and endless support to all the superhero moms out there. Keep shining bright!