The blessing of Mothers…and the children they grow.

This Spring for our April edition we asked readers to weigh in on lessons learned from the art of mother-hood and both mothers and children weighed in on this question. We’ve published them here for Mother’s Day – to give tribute to all mothers – as well as those who fill that role in our life – on this day and every day. Happy Mother’s Day!

Lessons Learned from the Leverance Girls: Chandy (27), Emily (25)

1. We humans are ever so much alike. Watching my daughters grow and mature, I see each of them moving through so many of my same life changes, struggles and emotional journeys. I see glimpses of myself reflected in their everyday joys and disappointments, and I begin to understand how all of us are much more alike than not. Sometimes I catch them using my gestures or hear my words coming out of one of their mouths and I smile (or cringe!). 

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Livable to Lovable with Love Where You Live- New Mosaic

2. “Que Sera Sera “ Or, maybe, “They will be what they will be”.  As mothers we can love them, teach them and try to prepare them. But controlling outcomes? Total illusion. I love that they are always amazing me and I never know what to expect next! They are unafraid of life and I am proud of the honest, strong and resourceful women my daughters have become. I have no idea where life will lead them, but have no doubt that they will thrive.

Both of my girls graduated from Globe High, and many of you know Emily as she works at the Globe Library. Chandy lives in Tucson and has been working with homeless youth through Open Inn.

Carrie & Selina Curley  

She is my gift from heaven that holds my heart and brings joy to my life

Before she came into my life, I dreamt of her. The day I finally held her in my arms for the first time

I knew that dreams do come true.

She is the absolute best thing that has ever come into my life.

When God blessed me, He gave of His ultimate best.

And for that I am eternally grateful.  ~Selina

Raelene Higginbotham & Joshua

After a difficult birth and a rare post partum congestive heart failure which kept Raelene in the hospital for two weeks after the birth of her son Joshua, she writes that being a mother is a gift not every one gets a chance to experience.

Being a mom means having a love so deep no one can understand unless they have experienced it. Its caring about someone else’s needs above yours no matter what. Its protecting something so precious you would give your own life to save them. My son is the greatest gift God could have ever given me. I’m trying to raise my son to the best of my ability and teaching him what is right versus what is wrong in life. So that one day he may grow up to be a loving caring adults with a good head on his shoulders and be stable mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Being a mother means I have been given the opportunity to love someone more than myself. I am learning what it is like to experience joy and pain thru someone else’s life. It is teaching me hope, patience, pride and heartache all at the same time. No one’s smile has ever warmed my heart like my sons does. No ones laughter fills my heart with delight as quickly as his can. No one’s hugs feel sweet and no one’s dreams mean as much to me as his does. I knew we will have bad times and they will become important life lessons or humorous stories. The great times we have had and continue to have become precious memories to relive again and again. You are part of me and the matter what happened in the past or what the future holds, you are someone I will always accept, forgive, appreciate, adore and love unconditionally. Being your mother means I have been given one of life’s greatest gifts– you. I love you with all my heart Joshua.

Jeffrey Lazos-Ferns

Sitting here having coffee and breakfast with Mom, asking her about what era in her life is most memorable. She was born in Arizona in 1939. She noted going to segregated schools and looking for work outside of domestic labor as a young girl and being turned away because of the color of her skin. She shared with me that when these experience happened something would happen inside her, where she vowed to not let it bring her down, and that her resistance to being discriminated against she would pass on to her kids. She said for every time that she felt hate, kindness was always around the corner and sometimes through her own hands of helping someone out. I am the continuation of my mother’s revolution, mind, body, spirit and community.

Thank you Maria Louisa Lazos, it is a blessing to be your son.

Carol Tarango   

Aunts are required when your beautiful Mother has gone to heaven.  My two Aunt’s Annie Tarango and Betty Dominquez have been there for my siblings and I in the milestones,

Hardships, and blessings in our lives.  They have laughed, cried and mourned with us throughout our lives.  Although they have children and grandchildren of their own they have opened up their hearts and homes to us.  It is not easy spending Mother’s Day without my Mom but since I have to,  I am glad to celebrate my Aunt Annie and Aunt Betty.  Mother’s Day was always a big celebration in the Tarango home and we continue to celebrate the memory of our Mom Loretta Tarango,  and the blessing we receive from Aunt Annie and Aunt Betty.   We Thank you,  we  love you and we adore you.  I pray that we bless Auntie Annie, and Auntie Betty as much as they have blessed us.  Happy Mother’s Day. 

Debby Jennex

Dear Mom:

My friend from the newspaper asked me to write something for their Mother’s Day series- limited to 200 words!  You know that will be really hard for me! I was thinking of sharing some childhood memories- like how we would play peek-a-boo with the clothes when you hung them on the line to dry…or our walks through the woods in the spring – finding trilliums and lady slippers. Remember when I was four we were hunting for mushrooms and I sat on a fire ant hill? In seconds I was covered with them and screaming! You rescued me by throwing me in the lake! LOL!  Or I could tell about the great impression you did of elmer Fudd and Daffy Duck when you would read to us. You prayed with us every night at bedtime, and I know you still do! ..Not going to tell about the time I said, “I hate her!” and little sister told you – I nearly broke your heart. Sorry, 12 is a hard age to be. …What about when we were almost late for my wedding? I couldn’t believe it when you hit 80 mpg and passed our elderly neighbor who was on his way! But you got me there!  Well Mom, like I said, this is hard! I could go on and on! So many wonderful memories! Thank you for all of them – you’re the best! ~ Debby