Reader-submitted Mother's Day essays

Janet Nicoli

Valley City, N.D.

Nominated by: Lisa Weninger, daughter, Carrington

When you reflect back to the day of your 21st birthday, more than likely you remember celebrating this milestone without a worry in the world.

If your name is Janet Nicoli, you were in the hospital delivering your first child. Talk about putting the needs of another before your own!

This is only one of the reasons I feel my mother is truly a beautiful woman, inside and out.

The first thing I have always noticed about my mom is the sparkle in her blue eyes that are always filled with so much unconditional love that it just spills out into her smile.

Mom, you have always been very present in my life, whether it was school programs, sporting events, graduations, my wedding or waiting for the birth of your first grandchild.

There you were, eyes locked onto mine, letting me know you were there for me. Being the oldest child is such a blessing and such a wonderful opportunity to watch and model myself to be like you.

I watch you live life to the fullest, love my dad, take care of four daughters and two grandchildren as well as the extended family. I watched you work the land farming side by side with dad.

I truly realize how much time and energy you devoted to all of us and the sacrifices you made then and even continue to make now.

I want to thank you for being such a beautiful soul. You taught me responsibility, work ethics, strength, confidence, compassion, forgiveness, love and to always believe in myself.

I am so fortunate to have you near me, to share the joys and heartaches of life and motherhood. It fills my heart up to know that my children can look into those same blue eyes, see the same warm smile and know that they are loved unconditionally.

Happy Mother’s Day. I love you.

Diane Gibson

Nominated by: Amanda Gibson

“You don’t use the word hate. You say you don’t like it or it’s not your favorite,” said my mother to me when I was a little girl.

It’s a lesson everyone should learn. There is too much hatred for things in this world, too much selfishness in our lives.

Growing up I learned so many valuable lessons from my mother, some of the most important, being an ethical, caring person, and to love, not hate. This is what my mother embodies on a daily basis.

She has been so inspirational, being an artist, owning a jewelry store, becoming an OB/GYN nurse, wedding coordinator, and now her current position of 30-plus years, an activity director at a nursing home.

She’s a jack of all trades. Nothing scares that lady (except snakes)! She gives so much of herself to others, and always has a smile on her face while doing it.

When not gardening, cooking or baking cookies for my fiancé (every week), she is very active in the church, organizing benefits for those in need, or helping friends and their loved ones.

As an adopted child, I have never once thought of my mother (and father) as not being my parents. All I can think is what an amazing, wonderful gift I have been given in life, to be so blessed with such a beautiful mother and human being as a role model.

No gift will ever be great enough to show her my love and appreciation for the beautiful person she is and the incredible path she has shown me. (Actually, I can think of a gift I can give her: grandbabies.)

Love you, Mom.

Jeanne Quenette

Nominated by: Julie Thompson, sister, Carrington, N.D.

I would like to honor my sister Jeanne Quenette. Our father died in 1968 and left my mother with six children to raise.

Jeanne was the oldest sibling in the family with a 17-year age difference between us. She married her husband in 1969 and they moved to New Dehli, India, where he served in the military and she worked for the government as a secretary.

In 1977 they moved back to West Fargo to settle here in the area where both of their mothers resided.

Shortly after coming back here Jeanne was seriously burned on over 65 percent of her body in an explosion. Never once in all the years I have known her has she ever said “Why me?” or has she ever complained about surgeries or the pain of recovery.

Jeanne and her husband Curt never had children but it seemed like they were always taking in or helping out a family member.

Our mother remarried and moved from the West Fargo area in 1979. I only had six months of high school left, yet Jeanne was good enough to let me live with her to finish out my year and graduate from West Fargo.

She was the first to arrive at the birth of my children and a frequent visitor while they were growing up.

She has helped every family member with a variety of trials and tribulations from letting my brother live with her for six months while he was undergoing treatments for lung and colon cancer to flying to be with my sister after she had emergency surgery on her knee.

I’ve managed to end up recovering at her house after a few surgeries in Fargo, in which she has always waited on me hand and foot.

I have always said if I died and came back in a future life I would want it to be as her husband as she is definitely a doting spouse!

She has always been the sister/cousin/relative that came to the everyone’s kids’ graduations, weddings, etc.

Recently she was diagnosed with lymphoma. While nobody can predict the outcome of any cancer diagnosis, Jeanne has remained positive about her diagnosis.

I would like to say thank you for being the best sister/mother I could have.

Barbara Nohrenberg

Nominated by: Carmen Keller, daughter

My Mom is a beautiful woman in so many ways, but mostly because she has such a beautiful heart, full of love and compassion.

She is always doing things for other people and putting other people’s needs before her own. She has taught me so much about being thoughtful and caring, and how to be a good mom. I can only hope that I’m half the mom that she has been to me.

I’ve also learned so much from my mom about being a devoted wife. My mom and dad had special little ways they took care of each other. My dad became ill last fall and my Mom stayed by his side every day.

Through very difficult times, she never gave up. My Dad passed away at Christmas-time. I saw firsthand the depth of her love and devotion, and I also saw the huge hole in her heart. And through her grief and broken heart, the words “the two shall become one” and “till death do us part” took on a more profound meaning for me.

My mom continues to give of herself to her children and grandchildren.

She has always been beautiful to me, inside and out.

Caroline Renner

Nominated by: Carol Renner, daughter

My Mom has had an impact on more than 600 children and always found a way to do kind things for others, including me.

As a teacher in a one-room country school house and later teaching first graders in western North Dakota, my Mom spent 42 years as a teacher, making sure kids got off to a good educational start.

Watching out for her kids didn’t end when they left her classroom. She followed the last group of first graders she taught for the next 11 years until graduation, giving them each a photo album to document their futures. She provided this kindness to every class she taught.

When my Mom had cancer nine years ago, she had to begin her treatment on my birthday. Driving 75 miles for treatment, unbeknownst to me, she took time to stop to buy me a gift card. Later at a gas station, I couldn’t figure out why she kept shooing me away.

In the hotel room later, I found out she bought a cupcake and put a tiny candle in it so I could have a birthday, even as she was to undergo cancer treatment. She beat the cancer. And she made my small birthday cake made from a gas station cupcake, one of the best presents ever.

Gayle Dodds

New Rockford, N.D.

Nominated by: Jessica Kriel, niece

My Auntie Gayle Dodds has been by my side since the day I entered this world.

She is my mother’s sister and best friend. She has been a driving force and positive constant in my life since I can remember.

She lives her life through service and cheering for the underdog. She encourages me to be a better person.

She did not “officially” have any children but she raised my brother and me as her own. Two amazingly beautiful women, cheering for us, loving us, guiding us. She is very deserving of the title “Beautiful Woman of Mother’s Day.”

I am beyond blessed to have her in my life and now my children’s lives as well.

I love more than she knows and I just don’t think she hears it enough. She is an everyday angel with tons of love and wisdom to share.

Leah R. Hendrickson

West Fargo

Nominated by: Austin Ridgway, son, age 15

My mom is great. She is always here for me, and even when she has a lot of stress, she still is always here.

She lost her dad a year ago, and she was amazing to watch every day. She was with him and never complained. She didn’t want to be anywhere but taking care of him and me.

She always gives me all she can and more. I see things she doesn’t think I see, and I am so proud to be her son, even though she always tells me how lucky she is that I am her son. I think we are both lucky.

Mary Gutwein

Nominated by: Brandon Gutwein, son

Mom, I love you very much and thank you for everything you have done over the years.

My mom is beautiful because she is very caring and supportive of anything I do. Even though we don’t live in the same state, I know I can always call her any time of the day and she will be there for me.

Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you have done, and you have done a great job raising me. I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for you.

I love you mom. Happy Mother’s day and I’m so happy to spend today with you here.

Sheila Anderson

Eagan, Minn.

Nominated by: Jennifer Anderson, daughter, Moorhead

For as long as I can remember, all my fondest memories involve my mom. In the three and a half years before my younger sister was born, my mom and I had lots of time to spend together. Being her first born, I feel we share a special bond that grows stronger every day.

All my life, I have struggled with my weight. I remember several instances coming home from school so upset because I was teased so badly, and my mom was always there to comfort me and to remind how beautiful and strong I was. The same was true when we would go shopping for new clothes and nothing seemed to fit.

In those weak moments, my mom showed me strength that has stuck with me and has helped me to overcome other struggles in my life. And if there is ever something I cannot overcome, she is there for me to lean on. My mom has also taught me patience and forgiveness, love and compassion.

Growing up my mom always teased me that I was going to be just like her one day. I always rolled my eyes or thought how awful that would be to become so “uncool”. I had a scary moment when I was 18 driving to the mall one day; I found myself smoking a cigarette and drinking a Tab soda, just like my mom would! Now as I look back that thought makes me smile because I have turned into my mom in so many other good ways, including inheriting her snorting laugh.

There is very little I can do or say to show appreciation to my mom for all that she has done and continues to do for me. As a start, I brought my mom with me on a trip to Israel last fall, because out of all the people in my life, she is the most deserving of a fantastic vacation.

Happy Mother’s Day mom! I love you.

JoAnn Abrahamson

Fargo

Nominated by: Kelly, on behalf of Eric, Brita, Sara and Josh

Faith, honesty, random and strong.

These are the words that I would use to describe my mom today. If you had asked me as a teenager,

I am fairly certain that I would have used different words. Now, I get it.

I understand a little more why my mom believes in Faith. Her first child died within 24 hours of flu-like symptoms. Her baby boy, her first. She was a newlywed, excited about renting a horrible house with a clothesline and a yard. She and my father were devastated. But they had me, so they kept on going with their new daughter, who didn’t get to know her big brother.

She had faith that she would get through this. She lost parents. I remember her saying, “If you don’t get bitter… you get better.” Their faith never wavered, never questioned.

She is honest. She would never dream of doing the wrong thing. I am constantly pushing the envelope, speaking my mind and annoying people with making sure that everyone is aware of my opinion. She isn’t like that. She follows rules.

Random. Our entire family is random, but my mom is known for her funny emails, phone messages and letters that are often written sideways on cards, crossing over onto the back with many different thought patterns. Random works in our family.

Strong. On Dec. 5, 1998, my parents lost another child, this time in a car accident. As a parent of two, I constantly live in fear of something happening to my own, and I cannot imagine for the life of me how they put one foot in front of the other after losing another child. But they did. They got through it. They still have faith. They still love each other unconditionally and there is a fierce love and loyalty to those of us that are lucky enough to be included in the circle.

I know that strength lives in me and my brothers and sisters.

We love you Mom.

Marjorie Anderson

Nominated by: Candy Lien, Fargo

My mom is a remarkable woman. I know that most people would say that about their mothers, but mine really is!

She was born in her parents’ farmhouse on the prairie of western North Dakota. She attended a one-room schoolhouse, located on the land that her grandfather had homesteaded in 1904.

At age 16, she graduated from high school and studied for one year at Dickinson State Teachers’ College. That fall, she married my dad, and moved even further away from home, to San Antonio, Texas.

She began working as a registered nurse, and for the next 55 years, with only a short hiatus.

During this time, she raised five children, three of whom were found to have been born with a rare congenital eye disease. She and my dad had no guidance in raising visually-impaired children; they just did the best they could, relying on common sense and their faith in God to lead them.

My mom was someone who people would turn to in times of need, and whenever questions concerning health came up. How comforting it was to have a nurse in the family, who knew just what kind of care was needed when anyone was sick, and who knew when to call the doctor.

She provided selfless care to my dad as he lay dying of cancer and continued on, without her partner of 52 years, taking care of others in their time of need, finally retiring from nursing at the age of 75.

My mom has served as a terrific role model for all of us. Her selfless concern and practical care for others are what have made her truly a remarkable woman.

Thank you, God, for the precious gift of my remarkable mother!

Anonymous

Nominated by: Kim, Fargo

I would like to honor a group of special women in my life. Due to the anonymity of our program I cannot name them, nor include a picture.

Some are mothers, some are not, but they are all beautiful women to me.

They have taught me how to live life in sobriety, how to do the right thing, how to live without fear, be of service, to embrace imperfections, laugh at myself, how to turn my will over to the care of God, how to ask for help and face daily challenges with an open heart. For this I will be eternally grateful and bonded to them. A special “shout out” to my sponsor, C.G.

God has blessed me with these beautiful women in my life!

Becky Herdegen

Moorhead

Nominated by: Briannan Gahner, Fargo

My mom is the most beautiful, giving woman in the world. She has been there for me through the best and worst time of my life. She is so loving and caring and does everything to make sure I am happy.

She is the greatest grandma to my two babies and nurtures them like she did me. She is supportive of my hectic police-wife life and is understanding of our crazy schedules, and she knows just when I need a Taco Shop taco.

Renee Brasel

Nominated by: Hilary and Heather Brasel

Our mother is beautiful because she has always been there for us, no matter what.

She is so supportive of anything we do, and we know we can count on her when we need her.

She is the friendliest person we know and will go out of her way to help anyone whether she knows them or not.

People that we don’t need even know come up to us and always let us know what a great mom we have and how she has helped them out.

We love you very much and Happy Mothers’ Day!

Genn Bervig

Nominated by: Chelsie Nygaard

My mother has been my best friend since the day I was born. Whenever I’ve had a problem, I have always gone to her.

She instilled in me that family is the most important thing in the world. She raised me to be kind, generous, caring and loving, and I’m forever grateful for that. I always brag to my friends about how awesome my mom is.

My siblings and I are the most important thing to her, and I know this because she tells us all the time.

She has done so much for our friends as well. All through high school, our house open all the time. If someone needed to get away from their home life, my mom was always willing to take them whether it was over night, or for weeks at a time.

Besides her devotion to her children, she is devoted to God. She’s a very active member at our church, Grace Lutheran in Ada, Minn. She sings in the choir, is part of the band that performs on special occasions.

Since I moved from our hometown for Halstad, Minn., to Cleveland, Ohio, almost two years ago, our relationship hasn’t changed.

I will not be able to spend Mother’s Day with her for the second year in a row, which is so hard for me. This is best way I can think of to honor her and show her how much I love her and appreciate all she does for not only our family, but our community as well.

Glenice Bratlie

Nominated by: Mark Bratlie, Fargo

My mother, Glenice (Mrs. Otto) Bratlie was truly beautiful and inspiring to me and to many others.

Mom worked full time as a registered nurse on the night shift at Saint Ansgar Hospital in Moorhead for over 25 years. I have heard many of her former patients comment about the uplifting notes she would leave for them during the night.

During those same years, she and her husband, Rev. Otto Bratlie, raised nine children. When did she sleep? To this day, we still are not sure!

When my siblings and I moved away from home, Mom would regularly write postcards (often at 4 a.m.) to us kids (and our own families) to keep us all up-to-date with regard to family news. She would always begin her postcards with “Dear Ones.”

Mom’s faith was as steadfast as her love for family and friends. During the last decade of her life she lived at a retirement home connected to Calvary Lutheran Church in Golden Valley, Minn. According to church staff and members, she was often one of the first to arrive in order to help prepare the building and to greet fellow parishioners.

That same emphasis on service led her to become an eighty-some year old greeter at the local McDonalds restaurant, where regular customers would often show up in order to visit with her!

All in all, Mom was beautiful and inspiring for family, patients and friends. Her sweet love will always rest deep in our hearts.

Marcella Duerre

Britton, S.D.

Nominated by: Karen Duerre Bodway, daughter, Fargo

What makes my mother beautiful is the fact that she gave me life. She was very nurturing and loving to me growing up and raised me with good values. She taught me the word of God, she supports and encourages me to do my best, and she is a wonderful grandmother to my son, Grant.

Happy Mother’s Day, mom!

Rozelle Lockert

Moorhead

Nominated by: Pastor Louie Sande, Moorhead

My “mama,” Rozelle Lockert, came up from Houston, Texas, 12 years ago, not knowing she would find a new family up north.

Mama has been a part of our church family for 11 wonderful years. She attends our Friday night service at the Moorhead highrise every week, preaching the word and sharing her love for the Lord with whomever she meets.

She is surely a blessing, and we thank God for her life. Mama Rozelle is 91 years “young” not old. She is a very special mama to me.

I would say we resemble each other in a very unique way, and she has put me in my place several times. God Bless you, Mama.

Patty Landman

Fargo

Nominated by: Monique Kraemer, daughter, Fargo

My mother deserves to be named a beautiful woman of Mother’s Day because of her faith, generosity, selflessness and unending love.

Mom’s faith has been her stronghold throughout life. She attends Mass many times every week and devotes time every day for prayer. She prays for her husband and children daily and lives out her Christian values and morals.

Mom gives her time and effort to others constantly. Whether it is clothes for one of my siblings, toys for the grandkids, ideas for a project, money for a trip or giving treats to the garbage men and mailman, mom shares with all those she meets. Her generosity never ceases to amaze me.

Mom is always thinking of others instead of herself. She changes her plans in order to help babysit, transport someone or make treats for school. No matter the task, Mom is ready to help.

Mom never does anything halfway. She gives all of herself, whether it is taking care of patients or making supper. Her love overflows into every act she performs.

Like most moms, she has had her share of staying up at night with sick children, kissing “owies,” and giving hugs. She has always been there for all of us children, and I’m confident that she will continue to support us.

Teresa Von Bank

Nominated by: Kaleigh Von Bank

My mom is beautiful inside and out.

She not only is my parent,

She’s my friend.

Whenever I need something,

I can count on her.

If she sees someone in need,

She does her best to help them out.

She’s a lovely woman.

She values:

Her family

Her work

And balances them very well.

My mom is beautiful inside and out.

Margaret (Baller) Sillers

Nominated by: Cynthia Sillers, daughter, Fargo

Our mother, Margaret (Baller) Sillers, is 96 years old and is a beautiful woman to us because she continues to be the same unselfish, kind, caring, loving and supportive mother that she has always been.

She was raised on a farm south of Moorhead and has been a mother for 68 of those 96 years. What is remarkable is that she has been a great mother even though she had a mother for only the first 10 years of her life. She never dwelt on her own mother’s early death, however, and was fortunate to be raised by her father who continued to provide the loving care and support to her as her mother had done.

She, in turn, along with our father, taught those qualities to her four children. Our mother went through many other difficult events besides the death of her mother, such as the Great Depression, World War II, difficult economic times on the farm, numerous surgeries, the death of several close family members and friends, and the death of her husband of 70 years just last August.

Amazingly, in spite of any adversities, she has always kept a positive perspective on life. Her strength and faith are admired by her children, her children’s spouses, her seven grandchildren, her three great grandchildren, and by her many friends. There are so many beautiful women, but our father, Douglas, considered himself to be one of the luckiest men in the world to have “beautiful Margaret” as his wife and the mother of his children. Her family could not agree more!

Nominated by Cynthia Sillers, daughter, Fargo

Paula Jensen

Guthrie, Minn.

Nominated by: Rayna Johnson, age 27, Moorhead

I would like to share with the community a beautiful woman in my life – my mom! She has inspired in me a different way of seeing the world and to always try to treat each person I encounter with respect and understanding.

From my mom I have gathered a sense of seeing beyond initial appearances in the actions and intentions of others. She has taught me never to be a person that judges another, because I will never truly know the difficulties they may have had endured within their own journey.

My mom has also introduced me to the beauty and meaning found in art – being the first artist I knew. As a 3-year-old, I would often serve as the model for her college painting projects, long before the convenience of digital cameras and Instagram.

It always seemed like hours had passed, but I’m sure I was made motionless for only a matter of minutes. Now as an art student myself, she has always encouraged me to convey to others the way I see the world and has remained my No. 1 fan.

My mom continues to inspire me with her art, especially since becoming an entrepreneur as a free-lance artist. In my mind she has broken barriers as a metal artist, one of the few female blacksmiths in the state and possibly the entire country.

Her physical strength is great, as well as her ability to understand and accept people for who they are.

Carol Uecker

Langdon, N.D.

Nominated by: Heidi Uecker, daughter, Moorhead

I have always said that I could not have picked a better mom myself than the one I was blessed with.

Carol Uecker has been my teacher, supporter, advisor and friend all my life. She had three children, and it was extremely rare that she ever missed an event that we were participating in, even though it at times required logging many miles in a car across North Dakota to watch us play in sporting events all year round.

I always knew she was in the stands watching me and cheering me on. This has continued as she and my dad travel three hours each way frequently to watch her grandchildren in their events. She is there at a moment’s notice to take care of her five grandchildren in two different states for days at a time.

My mom has worked very hard all her life to help support our family and provide the things we needed. Growing up, I didn’t know much about anything. However, I always knew that whatever I did (right or wrong) or whatever happened, my mom would love and support me. This carried on into my adulthood. My mom gives great advice and shown me she will always be there for me.

Karen Schock

Dilworth

Nominated by: Dee Vos, daughter, Dilworth

My mom’s heart is filled with so much love for her husband of 50 years, her three children, five grandchildren and many other family and friends. She gives so much of herself to others.

Mom is always sharing her awesome cooking and baking. I can’t begin to count the times she has made special dinners for our family. She will either invite us over or leave the food in our fridge ready to eat for supper.

She doesn’t think twice when asked to take care of her grandson, it is always a “Yes!” Her door is always open.

Mom has many wonderful talents. She has fixed zippers, hemmed pants, made blankets and completed many other sewing jobs for our family. My mom will give advice when asked and just listen when needed. She always has a positive attitude, a smile on her face and treats people with respect and care. She is a sincere and loving individual.

Our mom and daughter times together are very special to me. We share so many laughs and special moments to remember forever! I love and appreciate my mom who has blessed my life in so many ways. This is why my mom is so beautiful to me.

Gayle Jaeger

Nominated by: McKenzie and Jesika Jaeger, daughters, Fargo

We could not have a better mom to look up to.

She is hard working, devoted to making us happy and doesn’t see any other joy than the smiles on our faces.

She is willing to give us the freedom to make our own choices and learn from our mistakes, but is always there when we need the help if we can’t handle it on our own.

We just wanted to take this opportunity and tell everyone that we love our mom and she is the best! We love you!

Cindy Larson-Casselton

Nominated by: Amanda and Hannah Casselton, Moorhead

Our mom has always been our rock, leading by example the values she instilled within us.

She works harder than anyone we know and has persevered through more than any mother should have to. She is our hero, our inspiration, and our best friend.

Each day she teaches us something new and her love continues to grow. She just completed her Ph.D, a feat that is admirable to us, and we are so proud of her.

Our family has been through a lot and we have never once failed to amaze us and get us through. At the end of the day, she will always be there for us and we would just like to say thank you for everything you have done for us, mom.

We love you up to the moon and back, infinity and beyond.

Myldred Wigdahl

Nominated by: Peggy Haugrud, daughter, Hickson, N.D.

My mom loved life and it showed in her eyes and in her smile.

She enjoyed coming to my home and spending holidays with my family. I have five grandchildren and my oldest grandchild had given her the nickname “Grandma Marble” years ago.

She would make it a point to cheer them on with whatever they did, and enjoyed each Fourth of July sitting on the deck watching them swim. She came for the barbeque, but we all knew she was there to see if the youngest was able to touch toes on the bottom of the pool, how fast they could swim across or who was going to soak whom with water balloons.

Each year they showed off a little more, and her smile said she loved it.

She was like a kid when she would help my grandkids with their Easter egg hunts. The Easter of 2011, I picked her up from the nursing home and she came to my house as she had done in the past for the Easter breakfast and egg hunt. It would be different this time. She told my grandkids that she would not help them find their eggs because she wasn’t quite up to it.

After their hunt was over they surprised her by hiding some special plastic spotted eggs for her. Being the good sport she was, she put her Easer basket on her walker and proceeded to do her hunt with them surrounding her. She would point to an egg she would find, they would pick it up for her, and she would place it in her basket. I am not sure who was having more fun, my 91-year-old mom or the grandkids.

They will always remember that special hunt with their Grandma Marble as it was her last. Three months later she died.

Dawn Trapp

West Fargo

Nominated by: Erin Trapp, West Fargo

I think my mom is beautiful because she is a daycare provider, a caring mother, and an amazing best friend. She has been there for me through thick and thin. She always has an ear to listen and a shoulder to cry on.

I love my mom very much, and she is a beautiful person inside and out. She takes care of her daycare kids as if they are her own.

Lynette Hallman

Moorhead

Nominated by: Elizabeth Janssen, Moorhead

My mom is the most fabulous mom around. She is also a wonderful grandmother to my children.

She is always there for us and helps us out whenever she can. She has been one of my best friends my whole life and would give the shirt off her back to me if she knew I needed it.

She has always believed in me and stood behind me no matter how crazy or silly my idea may have been.

She is the most beautiful, giving, loving, caring, generous mom that anyone could ever hope for. I just hope that my kids love me half as much as I love her because that would be a ton.

I am truly blessed. The icing on the cake is that my husband loves my mom to pieces, too. When I am not home and he need an opinion he calls her.

Doris Dahlberg

Fargo

Nominated by: Lisa Schmidt, daughter, Moorhead

My mother is one of those women whose child realizes just how wonderful she is, … but not until they’ve grown up and been able to look back at all she did.

Don’t get me wrong; I thought she was a pretty good mom when I was growing up, but now that I have children of my own, I realize just how wonderful she was and still is.

My mom had nine children, and how she managed to stay sane through all of those years is beyond understanding. At one point, there were five of us under the age of 6.

She was a stay-at-home-mom, and her job truly was 24/7. She was the first one up in the morning and the last one to bed at night.

During the day, she was busy cleaning the house, washing dishes, doing endless loads of clothes. Every single day when we arrived home from school, she had a snack ready and waiting for us.

She barely had enough time to clean up everything after snack, and then it was time to get supper ready.

The bar was set high by my mother and I’ll admit that I don’t think I’ve come close to reaching it, in the 15 years that I’ve been a mother of two.

My mom dedicated her life to each of her kids. She was always there for us, doing for us and teaching us what was important in life. She taught us the importance of God and the importance of being respectful to one another.

I don’t think she has ever come close to realizing what an important “job” she had. Her job molded who and what I’ve become today, as well as my eight siblings. I will always be thankful for the values that she taught us.

Mother’s Day is a time to say “thanks” and that’s exactly what I want to do. Thank you, Mom, for being the best mom that a girl could ever wish for!

Sharon Sauvageau

Fargo

Nominated by: Rosie Sauvageau, Fargo

My mom is a beautiful woman because she goes above and beyond atypical “mom duties.”

Her humor, unwavering support and humility are qualities I most admire about her.

My sister, Tina, always comments on how similar my mom and I are – our quirks, ideals and even our style.

I sometimes flinch when she says this, as most 24-year-olds would when being compared to their mothers, but I’m beginning to think it’s actually the best compliment; to be compared to my mom.

June Koch

Alexandria, Minn.

Nominated by: Jessica Kriel, daughter

She is amazing. She is one of a kind. I have learned the values of kindness, service, love and compassion from this beautiful woman.

I feel blessed to have her in my life as a role model, and as a friend, mother and now grandmother! Mother’s Day is just another opportunity for me to broadcast my appreciation and gratitude to the most influential person in my life.

Heidi Dyrstad

Nominated by: Marta Dyrstad, Fargo

My Mom is a beautiful woman because she has taken care of me and protected me for 10 years. She listens to me and loves me.

Melanie Hoefer

Nominated by: Paul Hoefer on behalf of his daughters Emma, Addison, Brielle and Gracie

Our Mommy is the best mommy anyone could ask for and here is why:

Our Mom does everything she possibly can do for us. She is always planning fun activities, cooking with us. She also teaches us Sunday school at Church, and does a lot of fun girly activities with us.

Our mom has a busy schedule working full time plus doing a good majority of the cooking and cleaning. Plus, having to make sure our dad isn’t making a mess can be a full time job, too.

Our mom is extra special because we aren’t necessarily the easiest to take care of. She is a mommy of four blonde-haired, blue-eyed girls. Emma is 7, Addison, Brielle, and Gracie are triplets who are almost 4. So dealing with us can be a full time job by itself.

We just want our mom to know how much we love her and appreciate her.

She is our favorite person there is and we love her with all our hearts. Thank you, mommy, for always being there for us and all the love and affection you provide us.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Mary Bjerke

Fargo

Nominated by: Stacy Finnesgard, daughter, on behalf of her siblings

We can proudly say our mom has instilled in us moral values, wisdom, courage and perseverance. You will soon learn why.

Our mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2003. She went through numerous surgeries including a biopsy, lumpectomy and ultimately a double mastectomy and agonizing radiation treatments. To say the least, this took a toll on her and the family emotionally, physically and spiritually.

She was cancer-free until another saddening diagnosis of breast cancer in January 2010. She took action like a warrior. She quickly moved forward with a difficult decision (as if she hadn’t already!) to have remaining breast tissue removed and pursue chemotherapy treatments.

Yes, her hair did fall out and it was very difficult for her. But this never discouraged her. Her strength and determination proved cancer wrong the day her chemo treatments came to fruition and a full head of hair grew back.

What can we say? She’s a fighter and a strong woman!

Her spirit resonates beauty. Her smile resonates beauty. Her kindness resonates beauty. Our mother is beauty.

She now enjoys her cancer-free days with her three grandchildren, shopping, traveling to Arizona and spending time at the lakes.

We love you mom! Happy Mother’s Day.

Yvonne Ward

Mooreton, N.D.

Nominated by: Alexis Neppl, Mooreton

My mom never thinks twice about putting someone else’s happiness and well-being ahead of her own.

She raised three children to do the right thing even if we weren’t sure what the right thing was, just by being supportive and a true friend.

Now she has six grandchildren who she prays for and watches over. She’d do anything for any one of them. Truly an amazing woman. I love her dearly.

Pamela Johnson

West Fargo

Nominated by: Susan Johnson, Casselton, N.D.

My mother Pam is the most beautiful woman I know. She has a heart of pure gold.

She’s always lending a helping hand to family, friends, even strangers. Her positive energy is amazing to be around.

She always sees the good in people and the positive in every situation. She is my strength when I’m weak.

I am truly blessed to have such an amazing mother.

Tags: shesays, family