Magic of MOM 2011

The Magic of MOM contest was a huge success!

Below are photos and the winning entry. See the original contest page here.

My Mom, Leona Patterson, is a fantastic wife, mother, grandmother, and mentor to so many. It’s hard to put it all down in words. It’s that look of encouragement when I feel defeated, the breathing on the other end of the line when I just need to vent, or the file folder of copies of my front porch at night when I’ve run out of ink and need copies for class the next day. It’s hard to imagine a person could be as selfless as my Mother. She would give up her own life for me, my brother, or our Dad!

My Mom’s life was turned upside down in August when my Dad was diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma on his 55^th birthday. This is a very rare and aggressive blood cancer. Completely put my family into shock. My Mom has been by Dad’s side through every surgery, PET scan, long night in the hospital, and every round of chemo. My Mom’s strength is what gets the family through. After 36 years of marriage, my Mom’s commitment to my Dad has never been stronger. Mom and Dad have a very long road ahead, but with my Mom by his side, Dad is in great hands.

In the midst of all that my Mom is going through, she also remains committed to her job. She has been with the School Board for 33 years now. While being a nurse for my Dad is a full time job, Mom makes the time to stay and work late to catch up at the office.

My son recently turned one and my husband and I just found out we are expecting again in August. Normally, this would scare me. But with all that my Mom has instilled in me, I know I can do it. And for those moments when I think I can’t, she is only a phone call away – no matter what!!! Now that I am a wife, mother, and teacher myself, I can begin to understand why she did and does the things she does. Your life becomes not about yourself, but how you serve those around you. Once you learn this, then you can truly live a fulfilled life. I have my Mom to thank for teaching me this.

As I am sitting here typing I can’t help but feel like I have only scrapped the surface of who this person is. I think you can tell that when it comes to her marriage, her children, and her career, she is committed 100%. I hope you have learned a little about my Mom’s life; she certainly deserves a book for all that she has done!!! I would be honored to have my Mom in your contest. I know she is deserving and it would mean the world to my family. We could use a little celebration in the midst of what my Mom is dealing with right now.

Thank you sincerely for your consideration!

Katie Judy

Leona Patterson, first place winner