Contributors

Desi Baker, Soldotna, on mother Jani Trammell

Everything about my mom is special. After my father passed away, mom became supermom. She made a way for her three children, provided for and nurtured us in the utmost love. More love than most kids get from 2 parents. Yes my mom is a most special lady and now being the mother of 2 I know what a joy, struggle, and commitment it takes to be a mom. We love you mom!!!

Lori Barre' (Mullen), Hoquiam, Washington, on mother Jacqueline Collins

I have to write about my Mother. She has always been a gving person. I remember while growing up her making pies and giving to neighbors when she knew they needed a pick me up during a hard time.

She has always been a listening ear to many people in her life and continues today. I cannot count how many states she has friends that she keeps in contact with. Through hard times growing up she looked past her own difficult situation and extended a helping hand to others. She has always been a woman who could squeeze a dollar in many different ways.

My Mother is the finest cook...talk about soul food. We get to see her about once a year and her brother will even drive from a state over to get clam chowder and rhubarb/strawberry custard pie.

She recently came through a few really painful years of back pain and a very tough surgery on her back with flying colors.
In saying all of the ways that she means so much to so many is what makes her a great mom....being a great role model in what a Mom looks like...always giving and expecting nothing in return.

Happy Mothers Day Mom,

Lori

Candice Braud, Soldotna, on mother Patricia Collier

Why every mother should be like mine.

My mother was able to give me something no other person could. Not only was my mom a mother she was also a dad and a friend. She gave me a home that joked around more than we cryed, danced more than we sat, sang more than we played the silent game, cooked more than we should have, encouraged us in the hardest of times, lived more than most. My mother sat back and lived her dreams through ours because she had to put all hers on hold.

Most of us never realize what is means to be a mother until we are a mother ourselves. I just wanted to thank you mom for EVERYTHING. I was always so proud to say yep she is my mom. Because of you and the way you raised me I am now able to give my children all the great things you gave me. A life full of unconditional love, laughter, joy, joking around, a great past to build a future foundation and a full tummy. I Love You Mom! Happy Mothers Day!

Love your daughter Candice Braud.

Kelcy Burford, Soldotna, on mother Tonja Whitney

My mom, Tonja Whitney, is a very very special person. A mother of four and working full time she still makes time to go to soccer games, will take her lunch break to run an errand for one of us, or take us out to lunch when she doesn't really have the time. I have just recently moved down to Juneau to work and without my mom my living/working situation would be horrible, maybe even nonexistent.

As I have been in Juneau working, I am still enrolled in Soldotna High School and am currently a senior there. My mom has helped me so much in getting my cap and gown, my yearbook, and helping me with any and all things possible so I will make it home and have everything organized and ready for graduation. My mom has really helped me out through tough times and I cannot thank her enough. I would love to recognize her as the most very caring, generous person in my life. I love you mom! Happy Mother's Day!

Love, Kelcy

Valley Cooper, on mother Terry Cooper

My favorite memory of my mom

Every day with my mom was a special day. But every Friday (well almost) she would bake a special treat for my little brother and I. We couldn't wait to get off the bus to smell the sweetness baking in the oven. And the kisses and hugs that she served with them. Thanks for the wonderful memories, I wish I could be a kid all over again. I love you more than words can say.

Dakota Elsey, Sterling, on mother Amber

My mom takes great care of us when we are not feeling well. She helps us with our homework when it is to hard. She loves it when she doesn't have to do work around the house. She is trying to be a Correction offecer. All in all my mom takes great care of us and we take care of her

Kyle Heffner, Sterling, on mother Velvet Heffner

My Mom is special because of all the things she does for me. She coaches my basketball team takes me to youth group, makes my favorite foods even when she's tired from working two jobs. She always makes me feel loved and takes good care of me. My Mom is the greatest. Happy Mothers day Mom. Love, Kyle.

Laura Helms, Kenai, on mother Gale Croft

My Mom is special because she's just that...My Mom. She loves me, she laughs with me, she crys with me and she supports me in everything I do. She has my crazy sense of humor and makes me smile every day. Love you, Mom!! Happy Mothers Day!!!

Joey Hensley, Soldotna, on mother Vicki Hensley

My mother is very special, because she is always there when I need her comfort, no matter if I go a day without seeing her or a month .

Thanks Mom!

Rhonda Hunt, Kenai, on mother Wanda Simon

My mom was very special to me. My mom taught herself to crochet, knit & many other crafts. When I was about eight, my dad suggested to my mom to teach me how to crochet. I was always sitting right by her when she would crochet. I always enjoyed watching to see what she was going to make.

I learned how to crochet but could not read the patterns, for years. When I was about 30 my mom told me it was about time to learn how to read the patterns. So I did.

It was always great calling her & asking what this pattern meant.

I entered one of my mom's crochet dolls in the fair (Susanville,CA) one year, she own frist grand prize. Mom loved that ribbon she won.

Mom taught me alot over the years. When mom visited me for christmas a few years ago it was my turn to teach or help her with the crochet patterns. Very fulfilling for me. I love my mom very much & I miss her now that she gone.

Thank you, Rhonda

Lucinda Knopp, Kenai, on mother Linda Gjosund

My mother is the best in the world. She is there when I need a shoulder. She is there when I need a place to crash. She is there when my nephew comes for a visit. She is there when ever I need her. I LOVE MY MOM

Jodi Lundell, Sterling, on mother, Toni Smith

My mother is always there for me when I need her. I am the mother of 3 small children and wife to a man in the Army. When I am feeling overwhelmed with my life and need someone to talk to I can always call her. Even over the phone she lets me cry on her shoulder. My life would not be the same if she wasn't there for me. She has dropped everything to come help me whenever I have needed her. She hates flying and hot places and 3 times now has hopped on a plane to help me when a new baby came along or when I just plain needed my mom.

Thank You mom for all you do for me and my family. I love you.

Kim Mariman, Soldotna, on mother Emily Amaral

Well this year has truly been a roller coaster for my mom Emily. In March my mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. What a devastating thing for your mom to call you and tell you about. She told me that she was ready to do what it will take to make it through this ordeal. She promised me that she would come and visit me and my family this summer, she wasn't going to let this stop her from her visit to the Peninsula. She has since then had two lumpectomies and is currently on treatment 9 of a 33 treatment plan of radiation.

I told a lot of my friends about my mom, they all put her in their prayer chains all over the country. I feel very fortunate to live in a community that truly cares about each other, and our families. Thanks to all of you who offered your kind thoughts and prayers. My mom has visited our community 4 times in the past 11 years and always has wonderful things to say about the Kenai Peninsula. Who knows maybe she will retire here when the time comes.

I love you mom, and thanks for everything you taught me in my childhood days, Im proud to be your daughter.

Love Kim Mariman

Michael Misner, Oak Harbor, on mother Nan Misner

My mother is very special to me for a number of reasons. She gave up so much for me and my brothers just so we could have the the things we needed as children. i personally think she deserves an award for being the only female in an all male house hold. but i digress.

Now that im an adult with a child of my own im only just beginning to learn what my mother did for me and i only hope that I can give the same to my kids. the one thing that really sticks out im my mind is the fact that she all ways wrote me in boot camp and when i was on deployment she would all ways send me socks and skivies and something to read becasue being on a boat for 7 months away from every thing is very hard and she allways made me feel like home was waiting for me love ya ma

Marisol Ortiz, Tampa, on George Rhodes

What is special about my mom

...is that even though she is not my real mother, she holds a very close place in my heart. George is the most thoughtful, caring and wonderful human being I've ever met. Her gentle and loving ways, her peacefulness, her wisdom and faith that comes from a life of trials and tribulations. There is an aura around George that it is so soothing and peaceful. An aura of comfort that I only feel when I'm home. I was truly blessed when God placed George in my path. I have my own mother that is as wonderful as George so I'm fortunate enought to say that I have two mothers that love me and care for me. And that makes my life better and better every day.

My dear George... I love you very much...

From your loving daughter, always,

Marisol

Jennifer Tompkins, Decatur, Alabama, on mother Connie Calahan

As a single mother of 3, it was hard to juggle full time work and full time kids but she managed just fine. One of my special memories is sitting on the banks of the Kenai, sharing "mommy and me" time. "Our rock" is long gone but those memories will last a life time. Happy Mothers Day Mom I love you

Ryan Townshend, Soldotna, on grandmother Josephine Clack

My grandmother not only made me feel special she made many kids at the same time all feel like they were the most important person in the world. Even my friends called her grandma Jo. She had special cups for us each to drink out of when we visited that made us each feel special. I still use the comforter on my bed that she gave me because it was my favorite thing to sleep with when I was lucky enough to sleep over. One Christmas she hand knitted a blanket for every grandkid. I can't imagine how sore her hands must have been but to this day it is one of the best gifts I have ever been given.

My Grandma is the most talented person I know she can fix or build or carve anything you give her. However her greatest talent is always having enough love to go around. Each one of her many grandkids, greatgrandkids, and great greatgrandkids would agree that they are each her favorite and none would be wrong.

Barbara Waters, Kenai, on mother Evelyn Ward Mulholland

(This is a letter to my Mom, Evelyn Ward Mulholland, who passed away 33 years ago when I was 23)

Dear Mom,

Your hands always fascinated me. You were artistic in ways I don't think you even knew. You doodled stories out on rainy days - a line of verse or prose spoken for every line drawn - suddenly it was not longer lines or shapes, but a pig - a house! I was entranced by that ability.

Your hands comforted me. When I was sick you touched me and I was suddenly better. It is only in looking back that I remember how rough and reddened they were - how the blue veins popped up, and the translucence of your skin.

Back then, it was the touch, the heart behind the touch, that meant so much. We had a bond. Your hands touched mine - from date of birth (mine) until date of death (yours) as I begged you to tell me with a squeeze of your fingers that you knew who I was. My pleas unanswered, your hand lay limp in mine.

That night after you died I lay in my bed and I couldn't remember if I had said I love you or I'm sorry, or begged your forgiveness for the times I caused you to raise your hands in anger more often than in praise.

I can't go back - and you can't come back - so I will pass my hands-on learning to my own girls and their babies and pray that it is enough.

Love carries on - your hand to mine to theirs to . . . .

With love,

Your daughter

Linzy Williams, Kenai, on mother Joyce Mullican

Our Mom is the best she is perfect in every way. She is a loving caring and great person. She not only raised her three kids but she helped raise others. Mom you are the rock all of us lean on we love you more than words can say. She is also a loving grandma, and would do anything to see her kids and grandkids happy. We love you Mom! Happy Mothers Day!

Misty Wright, Soldotna, on mother Lori Woitel

My mom is special because she cares. She cares about me, my brothers and sisters, and she cares about you. All my life I was raised in a loving home. I didn't get all I wanted, but if I wanted it bad enough I paid for half. She taught me how to love, be patient, and to care about everything. In girl scouts we cleaned streets and made projects for those less fortunate. In 4-H we continued to clean up areas, but we also founded a therapy group where we went around to hospitals and elderly care homes to visit the patients with our animals. In many instances we helped people become more of who they used to. We gave them hope and happiness, just by sitting, talking, and visiting with our pets. Every single time, my mom was there doing everything with us. She was the leader of all the troops and groups I ever wanted to be in. She helped not only me but other children learn to be better.

Now I am grown. She still continues to help others. She has involved herself with a womens group that is raising funds for womens cancer groups. She puts on free retreats for girl teens to help better themselves by learing etiquet, business skills, and listening and learning from women in premier positions in life that have survived and sought out their own dreams and how they achieved them. She is constantly trying to figure out how to better other peoples lives that might not be as fortunate or trying to help the youth of our community achieve their own dreams.

My mom is special because she cares!

Thanks Mom....I love You!

Savaya Wright, Kenai, on mother Sara Elaine Wright

My Mom is so special because I am 4 and a half years old and she love me and everything I do. She works all day and we have our special times just before we go to bed. She works very hard to send me to Montesorri so I can play the violin.

On her days off she takes me to "popcorn" movies. Its just her and me most of the time. In our new house she is painting my new room purple. Its my favorite color.

Mostly I love my mom because we sing in the car. And she tells me I can get dirty. She lets me see my friend Demi all the time. I love my mom because she loves me a gizillion. Its more than I can count.