Happy Mother’s Day! I know that all of our readers are not mothers, but we all have or have had one! My mother passed in 1993, so this holiday is somewhat bittersweet for me. My husband Jim knows how I feel, so he always goes out of his way to make my day special.

Motherhood is an experience that I am so appreciative of. My kids are no longer little—Carissa is 29 and Adam is soon to be 18. However, no matter how old they are, they are still my “kids.”

Carissa has one of her own, Savannah, who is just over 3. Jim and I had the experience of being “parents” again last week. Carissa and her husband, Ken, took a much-needed “time alone” vacation to Atlanta, and Grandma and ’Pa watched Savannah for five nights. Savannah had spent the night at our house only once before, so this was a new experience for all of us.

Savannah woke up early, wanted to play nonstop, and continually asked, “Why…?” Remember those days? We took her to the park, the grocery store, played games (she kept beating me at the memory card game!), and cooked. She slept with me in our bed, which meant that ’Pa was sent to the guest room. We had the trauma of her new doll’s dress tearing. I searched high and low and couldn’t find a sewing needle to save my soul. Then I promised to paint her fingernails and realized I had thrown away all of my old colored polish. I ran off to the store while ’Pa held down the fort. By the end of the week, both Jim and I were at the next stage beyond exhausted!

She was very good—we just forgot how much energy these little beings have. I admit it—when her folks came late Sunday night to pick her up, I realized that I was more exhausted then I’d been in years.

We have two single moms who work for Women’s Edition: one in our South Metro Denver office—Erika, the other right here in our Quad Cities office—Athena. I kept thinking over the five days: How in the world do they do it? I’ve always admired single moms, but I now have a fuller appreciation of what their challenges are. Jim was there to help me over the five-day period. I don’t know how I could have done it myself! These young women have to do it all on their own.

So, on this Mother’s Day, I would like to wish all of you single moms out there a very Happy Mother’s Day. I hope that you can get a break, at least occasionally, to take care of you. I admire you all. Give yourselves a huge pat on the back for doing a job that I couldn’t imagine handling. For you other mothers out there, make it a great one…and say thanks to dad for all he does, too. See you next month!

Special Notice

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Special Notes

It’s Mother’s Day! Show Mom how special she really is. Stop into Diamonds On The Avenue in Davenport or Moline and take advantage of 30%-60% off all fine jewelry! See their ad on page 18. — Memories last forever, let Your Story turn yours into a keepsake in your own personal book. The ideal gift for or about Mother. See page 13 for more details. — Give Mom a Mother’s Day to remember; get her a gift certificate to William Wesley Grand Salon and Spa for a day’s full of pampered perfection. See their ad on page 11. — For the best Mother’s Day floral arrangements, stop into Julie’s Artistic Rose where you’ll also find 20% off storewide. See their ad on page 15. — Enjoy the fine wines of spring. Reserve your place at Red Crow Grille on Wednesday, May 14 for their Spring Wine Tasting. Enjoy over 50 selections of wine, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, and live music. See page 3 for more information.

Positive Thought of the Month

“Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal
human being to do the impossible.”
— Marion C. Garretty