Women Inspiring Women: Generation To Generation
Team True Beauty's lovely supporters
share inspiring lessons and special stories about their mothers on this
Mother's Day! Check out what Shantel VanSanten, Sara Paxton, Sharon
Lawrence, Kristen Dalton, Amber Sweeney, Katie Lowes, Joslyn Davis,
Jena Sims, TTB board members Meriam Bouarrouj, Michelle Gray & more had to say about the women who have made a
difference in their lives!
Shantel VanSanten -Actress/Team True Beauty Ambassador
Being that its mothers day this month I was thinking about how much my life has been influenced by my mother. I have been blessed to have a wonderful woman who has been a support system and fountain of love for me. My mother has always told me that its what’s on the inside that counts; the person you aspire to be and how you choose to live your life defines that…. So much of what I live my life by are things she taught me and instilled in my heart. I realize I am fortunate because many of you didn’t grow up with a mother or mother figure and don’t have someone who filled that role. I want you to know you aren’t alone. We are here to support and uplift you. So I want to tell you a few things I have heard or lessons I learned; not in hopes of filling that void but in hopes of being a voice that resonates in your heart and a guide who doesn’t want you to ever feel alone in this world…
You have a purpose in this life that is uniquely yours… search for it everyday and live it every moment. With every breath renew your thoughts and make sure they are positive and uplifting. You can only help others once you learn to love yourself. Self-love is of UPMOST importance because only then can you love others. Send those who have hurt you love and light so they can heal the damage they feel. Love yourself from the inside out. Remember you were created with love to be a definition of it to those around you. Its ok to feel and hurt and be alone; those are the moments you learn to have faith. Faith extinguishes fear. Have faith in yourself. You can achieve all greatness just believe. Believe with every fiber of your mind and heart. TRUST. Take everything one day at a time. Live that day with the best of intentions and with conviction. Now know you are enough… say it out loud….. Now know that you are MORE than enough. Your purpose is beyond even what you can imagine. It gets better and you are NOT alone. Life is revealed to you everyday just take it one day at a time. Above all you are LOVED!!!!!
This is dedicated to my mother and grandmother... I love you both dearly and my gratitude runs so deep for you both!
You have a purpose in this life that is uniquely yours… search for it everyday and live it every moment. With every breath renew your thoughts and make sure they are positive and uplifting. You can only help others once you learn to love yourself. Self-love is of UPMOST importance because only then can you love others. Send those who have hurt you love and light so they can heal the damage they feel. Love yourself from the inside out. Remember you were created with love to be a definition of it to those around you. Its ok to feel and hurt and be alone; those are the moments you learn to have faith. Faith extinguishes fear. Have faith in yourself. You can achieve all greatness just believe. Believe with every fiber of your mind and heart. TRUST. Take everything one day at a time. Live that day with the best of intentions and with conviction. Now know you are enough… say it out loud….. Now know that you are MORE than enough. Your purpose is beyond even what you can imagine. It gets better and you are NOT alone. Life is revealed to you everyday just take it one day at a time. Above all you are LOVED!!!!!
This is dedicated to my mother and grandmother... I love you both dearly and my gratitude runs so deep for you both!
Kristen Dalton - Miss USA 2009
Mother's day is such a significant day for every person on this planet, because everyone has one. I have met several people who grew up without a mother in their lives or do not have a close/healthy relationship with their mother. This makes me even more grateful for the mama I have been blessed with. She is so many amazing things and has made such an incredible impact on my life, I don't even know where to begin.
First off, my mother is an all around inspiring woman because there is nothing she can't do. She raised 4 children, while working full time and somehow managed to make sure we were; in church and Sunday school every Sunday, we had home cooked family dinners every night, encouraged us in cultivating all of our talents and skills, read morning devotions every day before school, and made sure that we always knew that we were beautiful, unconditionally loved, and deserved the world. While doing all of these things, she also; sewed all of the curtains, pillow cases, bedspreads, our dresses, painted and wall-papered the walls, cooked, drove us all over the state for modeling jobs, gymnastics meets, dance competitions, organized musical theatre performances with the 3 of sisters to perform in the community and church, had my brother try every sport possible, boyscouts, and of course went into debt helping us pursue our dreams. She made sure we had braces, helped us with our school projects, served as a therapist during the wrath of middle & high school, the pain of breakups, and the raging hormones of puberty. She even took on a newspaper route every morning to make ends meet. I have no clue how she didn't lose her sanity. This is just the shorthand list, did I mention she works full time?
I still remember the day the three of us sisters moved out of the house at the same time. I was off to NYC, Kenzie to LA, and Julia to college. There are 4 of us, but losing 3 of your children on one day when they have been your life for the past 22 years has got to be heart wrenching. I remember feeling so sad and torn, and wanted more than anything for my mother to be happy and feel comforted. After all, her entire life had been about self-sacrifice for her children and now, we were growing up and moving on with our lives. I can't imagine what it feels like to want the world for your children and to know their potential, and then to watch them make mistakes, be hurtful, disrespectful and selfish. I know my siblings and I have let my mother down throughout our lives and it has broken her heart. She has the most patient heart and resilient soul, and I have so much respect for the priceless job she did and is still doing as a mother. I honestly do not think I could even come close to the job she did. That woman can do ANYTHING someone puts in front of her with a smile on her face, she's like superwoman!
What an inspiration for me to aspire to be like as a wife, mother, and overall woman. She is always thoughtful, serving in the best interest of others, an excellent host, knows how to throw a party, works hard, offers sound advice and wisdom, encourages her family, is a loyal friend, and is incredibly generous and self-sacrificing. I know for sure, although she may not be recognized by the world for her amazing character & selflessness, that God is smiling down on her and loves her captivating heart dearly.
Mama, I am eternally grateful for you and the close relationship we have. I can only hope I can be a quarter of the wife and mother you are one day. I have ENORMOUS shoes to fill! Happy Mother's Day!! You are timelessly beautiful.
Sara Paxton (Actress)
It's Mother's Day, and I love my Mom more than anything in the world! She's an amazing woman and I hope that one day, I can be just as awesome of a Mom as she is. My mother is my biggest cheerleader. She cheers my successes and helps me through my moments of self doubt and feelings of failure. She helps me believe in myself every single day! Through her, I learned to dig deep and persevere. She taught me that success is how high you bounce when you hit the bottom. My mother has taught me the true meaning of unconditional love. I have a lot of friends whom I care about, and who care about me. But there is only one person who I know would drop whatever she is doing to help me or comfort me, and that person is my Mom. Even if I need pep talk before an audition and she is incredibly busy at her her office, she will run to the phone to be there for me. She has always made me her #1 priority. Writing this now, I realize that sometimes, I take this for granted. I know not everyone is as fortunate as I am to have what I have, and I feel completely blessed and grateful to have such a caring, loving Mother.
First off, my mother is an all around inspiring woman because there is nothing she can't do. She raised 4 children, while working full time and somehow managed to make sure we were; in church and Sunday school every Sunday, we had home cooked family dinners every night, encouraged us in cultivating all of our talents and skills, read morning devotions every day before school, and made sure that we always knew that we were beautiful, unconditionally loved, and deserved the world. While doing all of these things, she also; sewed all of the curtains, pillow cases, bedspreads, our dresses, painted and wall-papered the walls, cooked, drove us all over the state for modeling jobs, gymnastics meets, dance competitions, organized musical theatre performances with the 3 of sisters to perform in the community and church, had my brother try every sport possible, boyscouts, and of course went into debt helping us pursue our dreams. She made sure we had braces, helped us with our school projects, served as a therapist during the wrath of middle & high school, the pain of breakups, and the raging hormones of puberty. She even took on a newspaper route every morning to make ends meet. I have no clue how she didn't lose her sanity. This is just the shorthand list, did I mention she works full time?
I still remember the day the three of us sisters moved out of the house at the same time. I was off to NYC, Kenzie to LA, and Julia to college. There are 4 of us, but losing 3 of your children on one day when they have been your life for the past 22 years has got to be heart wrenching. I remember feeling so sad and torn, and wanted more than anything for my mother to be happy and feel comforted. After all, her entire life had been about self-sacrifice for her children and now, we were growing up and moving on with our lives. I can't imagine what it feels like to want the world for your children and to know their potential, and then to watch them make mistakes, be hurtful, disrespectful and selfish. I know my siblings and I have let my mother down throughout our lives and it has broken her heart. She has the most patient heart and resilient soul, and I have so much respect for the priceless job she did and is still doing as a mother. I honestly do not think I could even come close to the job she did. That woman can do ANYTHING someone puts in front of her with a smile on her face, she's like superwoman!
What an inspiration for me to aspire to be like as a wife, mother, and overall woman. She is always thoughtful, serving in the best interest of others, an excellent host, knows how to throw a party, works hard, offers sound advice and wisdom, encourages her family, is a loyal friend, and is incredibly generous and self-sacrificing. I know for sure, although she may not be recognized by the world for her amazing character & selflessness, that God is smiling down on her and loves her captivating heart dearly.
Mama, I am eternally grateful for you and the close relationship we have. I can only hope I can be a quarter of the wife and mother you are one day. I have ENORMOUS shoes to fill! Happy Mother's Day!! You are timelessly beautiful.
Sara Paxton (Actress)
It's Mother's Day, and I love my Mom more than anything in the world! She's an amazing woman and I hope that one day, I can be just as awesome of a Mom as she is. My mother is my biggest cheerleader. She cheers my successes and helps me through my moments of self doubt and feelings of failure. She helps me believe in myself every single day! Through her, I learned to dig deep and persevere. She taught me that success is how high you bounce when you hit the bottom. My mother has taught me the true meaning of unconditional love. I have a lot of friends whom I care about, and who care about me. But there is only one person who I know would drop whatever she is doing to help me or comfort me, and that person is my Mom. Even if I need pep talk before an audition and she is incredibly busy at her her office, she will run to the phone to be there for me. She has always made me her #1 priority. Writing this now, I realize that sometimes, I take this for granted. I know not everyone is as fortunate as I am to have what I have, and I feel completely blessed and grateful to have such a caring, loving Mother.
Amber Sweeney -Singer/Songwriter(Everly)
It is quite the challenge to take a lifetime of inspiration, advice, and encouragement from your mother & reduce it into one concise thought.
My mom taught me how to celebrate innocence, make a feature out of quirkiness, and how to fight to live the life you want to have. My mom showed me that creativity is essential and needs room to breathe. Most importantly, my mom showed me how to make my faith my own. I remember being a little girl and praying with my mom and dad each night before my brother and I went to sleep. My mom and I were in our church choir together when I was a pre-teen. We would sing in the car together, come up with silly voices, and even put on puppet shows together for the youth in our church. She would practice giving facials on me as she was getting her estheticians license when I was in high school (even better was the eyebrow waxing -- she's known as the "Eyebrow Guru"). She taught me to drive, inspired me to jump into a career in music, and showed up to all of my shows. She made sure we knew who our grandparents, aunts, and uncles are, because she knew it was important for us to know who our family are and where we came from. She let her children jump off her back and soar to heights greater than she has, and she's still soaring towards more of her own dreams with complete faith and abandon. She still shows me that innocence and childlike wonder are heavenly gifts worth holding onto throughout our lives; and that you never stop dreaming new dreams. I am forever grateful for the way she has inspired me to be the best version of me that I could be! Thank you, mom! I love you very much!
Sharon Lawrence (Actress/Advocate)
Lately, I have been very aware of the power of voices- in particular- my mother’s. On the occasion of my parent's fiftieth anniversary, one of her friends told me how grateful she is that my Mom has become a regular visitor to her elderly mother who is suffering from dementia and most likely Alzheimer’s disease. Although a stranger, Mom’s presence seems to reassure this frail woman who is often confused and depressed. Perhaps it is Mom's experience as a caregiver for her own mother who passed away with the disease known as "the long goodbye", or her natural gift with children, which made my mother's contribution so effective. However, this friend also identified something about my Mom that I heard as a deep truth. She has a remarkable voice. If it soothes a soul who barely knows her, imagine the effect it has on those whom she loves.
Because I use my voice for a living, I am keenly attuned to vocal qualities. And because I live in a modern world where we communicate by emails and text messages, I am ambivalent about technology that often robs us of the true emotions and connections we convey with our voices. But then I think about how grateful I am for the miracle of wireless technology and digital data storage. This new world allows me to hold the voices of those dear to me just a keypad away-the voice mails of my eighty four year old father-in-law singing his favorite song to me, my aunt with good news of her clear breast cancer checkup, my now deceased neighbor thanking me for the apple pie I baked him. These voices are precious to me and evoke such profound gratitude but because I always pick up the phone when Mom calls, I don't have any voice mails from her.
I've got to do something about that and I encourage everyone to record the voices of your loved ones. Just think about a voice. We can't see it, but we can feel it; we can't hold it, but it can stop us cold; we can't taste it, but it nourishes us; we can't duplicate it, but we can send it around the globe. The voice of a loved one or any voice you love IS magic and can rock your world.
Katie Lowes (Actress)
My mother, Barbara Jean Lowes (I love her whole name) is a native New Yorker. From that, it is easy to say that she speaks her mind and is not shy. She is beautiful inside and out and fortunately, we are very close. My mom will tell you that her number 1 job when we were kids and even now is being a mother. It is her most important priority. When she decided to take on the responsibility of motherhood she worked day in and day out to be the best mom she could be. Someday, when I have kids, I hope to have all the patience, strength and love she had and still has with raising us (just because I'm out of the house doesn't mean she's done mothering btw) because she is truly magnificent.
Oh yeah, and one other tid-bit of advice that she used to tell me all the time when I started dating that I will never forget and still use today is: never date anyone who treats their mother poorly! It's a red flag!
My mom taught me how to celebrate innocence, make a feature out of quirkiness, and how to fight to live the life you want to have. My mom showed me that creativity is essential and needs room to breathe. Most importantly, my mom showed me how to make my faith my own. I remember being a little girl and praying with my mom and dad each night before my brother and I went to sleep. My mom and I were in our church choir together when I was a pre-teen. We would sing in the car together, come up with silly voices, and even put on puppet shows together for the youth in our church. She would practice giving facials on me as she was getting her estheticians license when I was in high school (even better was the eyebrow waxing -- she's known as the "Eyebrow Guru"). She taught me to drive, inspired me to jump into a career in music, and showed up to all of my shows. She made sure we knew who our grandparents, aunts, and uncles are, because she knew it was important for us to know who our family are and where we came from. She let her children jump off her back and soar to heights greater than she has, and she's still soaring towards more of her own dreams with complete faith and abandon. She still shows me that innocence and childlike wonder are heavenly gifts worth holding onto throughout our lives; and that you never stop dreaming new dreams. I am forever grateful for the way she has inspired me to be the best version of me that I could be! Thank you, mom! I love you very much!
Sharon Lawrence (Actress/Advocate)
Lately, I have been very aware of the power of voices- in particular- my mother’s. On the occasion of my parent's fiftieth anniversary, one of her friends told me how grateful she is that my Mom has become a regular visitor to her elderly mother who is suffering from dementia and most likely Alzheimer’s disease. Although a stranger, Mom’s presence seems to reassure this frail woman who is often confused and depressed. Perhaps it is Mom's experience as a caregiver for her own mother who passed away with the disease known as "the long goodbye", or her natural gift with children, which made my mother's contribution so effective. However, this friend also identified something about my Mom that I heard as a deep truth. She has a remarkable voice. If it soothes a soul who barely knows her, imagine the effect it has on those whom she loves.
Because I use my voice for a living, I am keenly attuned to vocal qualities. And because I live in a modern world where we communicate by emails and text messages, I am ambivalent about technology that often robs us of the true emotions and connections we convey with our voices. But then I think about how grateful I am for the miracle of wireless technology and digital data storage. This new world allows me to hold the voices of those dear to me just a keypad away-the voice mails of my eighty four year old father-in-law singing his favorite song to me, my aunt with good news of her clear breast cancer checkup, my now deceased neighbor thanking me for the apple pie I baked him. These voices are precious to me and evoke such profound gratitude but because I always pick up the phone when Mom calls, I don't have any voice mails from her.
I've got to do something about that and I encourage everyone to record the voices of your loved ones. Just think about a voice. We can't see it, but we can feel it; we can't hold it, but it can stop us cold; we can't taste it, but it nourishes us; we can't duplicate it, but we can send it around the globe. The voice of a loved one or any voice you love IS magic and can rock your world.
Katie Lowes (Actress)
My mother, Barbara Jean Lowes (I love her whole name) is a native New Yorker. From that, it is easy to say that she speaks her mind and is not shy. She is beautiful inside and out and fortunately, we are very close. My mom will tell you that her number 1 job when we were kids and even now is being a mother. It is her most important priority. When she decided to take on the responsibility of motherhood she worked day in and day out to be the best mom she could be. Someday, when I have kids, I hope to have all the patience, strength and love she had and still has with raising us (just because I'm out of the house doesn't mean she's done mothering btw) because she is truly magnificent.
Oh yeah, and one other tid-bit of advice that she used to tell me all the time when I started dating that I will never forget and still use today is: never date anyone who treats their mother poorly! It's a red flag!
Joslyn Davis (Clevver TV Host)
Honestly God was looking out for me when he made the lovely Judy Davis my mom. No joke, I was your typical angst-filled, emo-status, embarrassed-to-be-seen in public with her family sort of teenager. Even then, in my most ridiculous of times, my mom showed more love, grace and patience that I could imagine possible. Most people that know her would agree, that yes, she is essentially the human personification of Marry Poppins. She is kind, loving and has a sense of her faith that gives her quiet sort of strength. She is gracious and sweet, but she doesn't sweep things under the rug. She knows when to let things go and when to have a discussion (never a fight, only a discussion). She is generous with her time and her talents, and perhaps most importantly as I've grown up, I've begun to realize that she has a ridiculous sense of humor (which FYI is a huge compliment). She wasn't one of those moms that was my best friend as a kid, and I'm glad for that. But now, in all honesty, I can't think of many friends I'd rather spend my day with than her. HAPPY MOTHERS DAY MOM!!!!
Jena Sims (Actress/Model)
Moms are rad. My mom, in particular. She teaches me so much about drive, confidence, and work ethic. The southern accent and fast talking abilities were inherited! :-) She has been supportive of me my entire life, from the moment I said I wanted to become an opera singer at age 5, all the way up until age 20 when I told her my dreams were to move to Hollywood to pursue acting. Here I am typing this from my Los Angeles apartment! If it weren't for her, I wouldn't be here, doing what I love, nor have the amazing collection of Christian Louboutins in my closet! She is my full time cheerleader, part time manager, therapist, financial advisor, accountant, stylist, and memory archiver. You should see the scrapbooks! I am so thankful to have the mom that I do. She tells me what I want to hear, when I need to hear it, and what I NEED to hear, even if it wasn't what I wanted. So thank you Mom, for all of the behind the scenes work you do for me, my non-profit, and my career. Moms hold their children's hands for a little while, but their hearts forever!
Meriam Bouarrouj (TTB Founder/P)
It is hard to write about just one thing that I admire about my mother. She has so many special qualities about her. She is the strongest, kindest, most generous person I know. She has the most amazing spirit always full of joy, laughter and hope. She's the aunt my cousins(and I have a lot) would always come over to hang out with-and they still do. She established the most wonderful family traditions that I hope to pass along to my own family some day. I have beautiful memories because of her. She sacrificed so much for my brothers and I. It wasn't always easy for her, and yet strength and grace were always visible through everything she has endured. Looking back there are times where I have no idea how she did it all. I'm forever grateful for everything she has done and continues to do for us. Growing up she always made me feel I could achieve any dreams and goals I had. I am doing what I have always wanted to do now because of her support and her belief in me. But I believe the most valuable lesson she taught me was to always live with an open heart, no matter what. The older I get, the more I realize the significance this can have on our lives. My mom always believed that being positive can get you through a lot and when you don't allow yourself to shut down or hold grudges during the tough times, not only will your heart heal a lot faster, but you never know what good could come out of the situation. And she was right on more than one occasion! She taught my brothers and I to forgive not judge. I can hear her now saying, “It's okay, just be compassionate and do good.” With her, there was never an excuse to not be appreciative. She has the warmest, most thoughtful heart. Every day I know how truly blessed I am to have her as my mom. She is my role model, my friend and an overall an incredible inspiration to me.
Michelle Gray
Inspiring, Beautiful, Charismatic, Hilarious....these are just a few words to describe my Mom, a woman who my sister and I look up to so much and we don't know where we would be without her. She has dedicated her life to raising us and the sacrifices she has made along the way for us to have the best lives possible will never be forgotten. Whether it was a softball game, basketball practice, recital, school trip, or if we just needed someone to talk to, she was always right there. I get emotional just thinking about how amazingly blessed I am, how loved and how lucky I am to have such a wonderful person and role model in my life and I thank God every day for giving me this gift. She never ceases to to make me laugh, she is literally, by far, one of the funniest people I have ever known and its not often you hear someone say they enjoy spending time with their family, but, I enjoy spending every minute I can with my mine. Who needs a comedy show when you live it every day of your life? Haha! To sum it all up, not a day goes by that I'm not grateful for what this woman has done for me and the person that she has guided me to be. I Love You, Mom! And I'm so proud and honored to be your daughter! I wouldn't be who I am today without you! So, Thank You!
Allison T (TTB Follower)
My mother is the best woman I know and she inspires me every single day. When I was born, she decided to give up her career as a teacher to stay home and raise me and my sisters. She ate breakfast with us, packed our school lunches, and was there when we came home from school. She was around for everything. I think it was hard for her when we grew up and one by one we left for college. The house that was a home for five people was empty. When my youngest sister went to college, my mom started going to work with my dad. I think she did this to not be alone in the house without her girls. About 7 years ago, my father passed away suddenly and the house was empty- again. My sisters and I had suggested that maybe she find a temporary job so that she would get out of the house and also because my father had not left her in a good financial position. Since she had been out of the workforce for almost three decades - it was really hard for her to find a job- even a part time job. I knew something was happening when she announced to me that she had purchased a plane ticket on the internet. This was an accomplishment because up until that moment, her computer skills were limited but her internet skills were non-existent. She was up to something. Nothing happened job-wise for a few years. Then one day, almost four years after my father's death, my mom made another announcement - that she was going to start working in the fall. My sisters and I were supportive of this decision but worried that this new job could be too much for her age (she's 66 now). She was going to be working at a pre-school with 3 year olds. In your twenties this job is tiring but in your sixties it has to be exhausting! When my mom started this job, she didn't complain once about it. She was exhausted and did find it difficult to do at her age but she went to work everyday. My sisters and I noticed that our mom was more confident because she was not sitting in the empty house- she was going to work every morning. Three years later and she is still working. She inspires me because instead of giving up when there were some obstacles in her way she did the opposite. She took the time and developed internet skills and found a job that she is great at and she is having fun too. I'm proud to call her my mother and wish her the happiest Mother's Day!!!
Jillian Tennery (TTB Follower)
I was raised in a house-hold with six brothers and two sisters; I am the youngest. From the time I was born, my mother has always been there. She was there in morning getting our uniforms together, she was there when we came home from school, she was there in the kitchen making us dinner every night, and she was there to kiss us goodnight. As I started getting older, I was not pleased with my looks. I always felt awkward and out of place. School was hard because I could not always keep up with my teachers and it made me feel like a failure. My mother was always supportive of me. She knew how hard math was and yet we would have celebrations when I made a C on the tests and she told me to never give up. As my grades got better, my mother was there.
She was the one I could call at midnight when I was happy or needed someone to talk to. She would say to me “just take it one day at a time and if you get through this, you can get through anything”. She would push me to face my fears and always make me feel unique. She said I was special and everything would work out for me in the end.
Like so many other girls, my first year of college was rough. I did not want to leave my house and go to class because I was so nervous that I would make a fool out of myself and everyday my mother would listen to my problems and I would cry and cry until there was not any tears left. I wanted to feel beautiful and my mother once said “beauty is only skin deep”. When she said this to me, my whole life changed. I did not need to complain about my face being red or being a size 10. My mother was positive and made the best of things. She has passed that on to me. There is nothing wrong with being different and you should never give up. She often talks about my future for me and she pictures me with a house by the beach and the sun would always will be shining. I would have my happy ending.
Mothers are the ones that I look up to. They are the ones putting their children first and being there during the good and bad times. They support you and love you unconditionally. The bonds between a mother and daughter are very special and not something you can take away.
I would not be here today unless it was for my mother. She’s my best friend, my icon, my support, my love, and my everything. I love you mom.
Jena Sims (Actress/Model)
Moms are rad. My mom, in particular. She teaches me so much about drive, confidence, and work ethic. The southern accent and fast talking abilities were inherited! :-) She has been supportive of me my entire life, from the moment I said I wanted to become an opera singer at age 5, all the way up until age 20 when I told her my dreams were to move to Hollywood to pursue acting. Here I am typing this from my Los Angeles apartment! If it weren't for her, I wouldn't be here, doing what I love, nor have the amazing collection of Christian Louboutins in my closet! She is my full time cheerleader, part time manager, therapist, financial advisor, accountant, stylist, and memory archiver. You should see the scrapbooks! I am so thankful to have the mom that I do. She tells me what I want to hear, when I need to hear it, and what I NEED to hear, even if it wasn't what I wanted. So thank you Mom, for all of the behind the scenes work you do for me, my non-profit, and my career. Moms hold their children's hands for a little while, but their hearts forever!
Meriam Bouarrouj (TTB Founder/P)
It is hard to write about just one thing that I admire about my mother. She has so many special qualities about her. She is the strongest, kindest, most generous person I know. She has the most amazing spirit always full of joy, laughter and hope. She's the aunt my cousins(and I have a lot) would always come over to hang out with-and they still do. She established the most wonderful family traditions that I hope to pass along to my own family some day. I have beautiful memories because of her. She sacrificed so much for my brothers and I. It wasn't always easy for her, and yet strength and grace were always visible through everything she has endured. Looking back there are times where I have no idea how she did it all. I'm forever grateful for everything she has done and continues to do for us. Growing up she always made me feel I could achieve any dreams and goals I had. I am doing what I have always wanted to do now because of her support and her belief in me. But I believe the most valuable lesson she taught me was to always live with an open heart, no matter what. The older I get, the more I realize the significance this can have on our lives. My mom always believed that being positive can get you through a lot and when you don't allow yourself to shut down or hold grudges during the tough times, not only will your heart heal a lot faster, but you never know what good could come out of the situation. And she was right on more than one occasion! She taught my brothers and I to forgive not judge. I can hear her now saying, “It's okay, just be compassionate and do good.” With her, there was never an excuse to not be appreciative. She has the warmest, most thoughtful heart. Every day I know how truly blessed I am to have her as my mom. She is my role model, my friend and an overall an incredible inspiration to me.
Michelle Gray
Inspiring, Beautiful, Charismatic, Hilarious....these are just a few words to describe my Mom, a woman who my sister and I look up to so much and we don't know where we would be without her. She has dedicated her life to raising us and the sacrifices she has made along the way for us to have the best lives possible will never be forgotten. Whether it was a softball game, basketball practice, recital, school trip, or if we just needed someone to talk to, she was always right there. I get emotional just thinking about how amazingly blessed I am, how loved and how lucky I am to have such a wonderful person and role model in my life and I thank God every day for giving me this gift. She never ceases to to make me laugh, she is literally, by far, one of the funniest people I have ever known and its not often you hear someone say they enjoy spending time with their family, but, I enjoy spending every minute I can with my mine. Who needs a comedy show when you live it every day of your life? Haha! To sum it all up, not a day goes by that I'm not grateful for what this woman has done for me and the person that she has guided me to be. I Love You, Mom! And I'm so proud and honored to be your daughter! I wouldn't be who I am today without you! So, Thank You!
Allison T (TTB Follower)
My mother is the best woman I know and she inspires me every single day. When I was born, she decided to give up her career as a teacher to stay home and raise me and my sisters. She ate breakfast with us, packed our school lunches, and was there when we came home from school. She was around for everything. I think it was hard for her when we grew up and one by one we left for college. The house that was a home for five people was empty. When my youngest sister went to college, my mom started going to work with my dad. I think she did this to not be alone in the house without her girls. About 7 years ago, my father passed away suddenly and the house was empty- again. My sisters and I had suggested that maybe she find a temporary job so that she would get out of the house and also because my father had not left her in a good financial position. Since she had been out of the workforce for almost three decades - it was really hard for her to find a job- even a part time job. I knew something was happening when she announced to me that she had purchased a plane ticket on the internet. This was an accomplishment because up until that moment, her computer skills were limited but her internet skills were non-existent. She was up to something. Nothing happened job-wise for a few years. Then one day, almost four years after my father's death, my mom made another announcement - that she was going to start working in the fall. My sisters and I were supportive of this decision but worried that this new job could be too much for her age (she's 66 now). She was going to be working at a pre-school with 3 year olds. In your twenties this job is tiring but in your sixties it has to be exhausting! When my mom started this job, she didn't complain once about it. She was exhausted and did find it difficult to do at her age but she went to work everyday. My sisters and I noticed that our mom was more confident because she was not sitting in the empty house- she was going to work every morning. Three years later and she is still working. She inspires me because instead of giving up when there were some obstacles in her way she did the opposite. She took the time and developed internet skills and found a job that she is great at and she is having fun too. I'm proud to call her my mother and wish her the happiest Mother's Day!!!
Jillian Tennery (TTB Follower)
I was raised in a house-hold with six brothers and two sisters; I am the youngest. From the time I was born, my mother has always been there. She was there in morning getting our uniforms together, she was there when we came home from school, she was there in the kitchen making us dinner every night, and she was there to kiss us goodnight. As I started getting older, I was not pleased with my looks. I always felt awkward and out of place. School was hard because I could not always keep up with my teachers and it made me feel like a failure. My mother was always supportive of me. She knew how hard math was and yet we would have celebrations when I made a C on the tests and she told me to never give up. As my grades got better, my mother was there.
She was the one I could call at midnight when I was happy or needed someone to talk to. She would say to me “just take it one day at a time and if you get through this, you can get through anything”. She would push me to face my fears and always make me feel unique. She said I was special and everything would work out for me in the end.
Like so many other girls, my first year of college was rough. I did not want to leave my house and go to class because I was so nervous that I would make a fool out of myself and everyday my mother would listen to my problems and I would cry and cry until there was not any tears left. I wanted to feel beautiful and my mother once said “beauty is only skin deep”. When she said this to me, my whole life changed. I did not need to complain about my face being red or being a size 10. My mother was positive and made the best of things. She has passed that on to me. There is nothing wrong with being different and you should never give up. She often talks about my future for me and she pictures me with a house by the beach and the sun would always will be shining. I would have my happy ending.
Mothers are the ones that I look up to. They are the ones putting their children first and being there during the good and bad times. They support you and love you unconditionally. The bonds between a mother and daughter are very special and not something you can take away.
I would not be here today unless it was for my mother. She’s my best friend, my icon, my support, my love, and my everything. I love you mom.