My mother has had a difficult year – several falls, a fracture or two, in-and-out of the hospital and rehab. Yet, nearing 90, she has managed to struggle through it all.

My mother, Mary, and my daughter, Mandy, 2011

My mother’s work ethic is unmatched – she held a full-time position  working for the State of NJ for about 40 years, maintained the home, raised 3 children, taught Sunday School for 20 years, earned an Associates’ Degree after putting us through college, and so much more. Did I mention that she continued to work until age 84?

When our expanding family outgrew the first floor space (5 people sharing 2 bedrooms and one bath was a stretch), my parents bought a single-family home 1 mile away from the rest of the family. My grandmother was NOT pleased!

I’m thrilled that today I’m in NJ spending time with my mother, my sister, my niece, and my own daughter who lives in Manhattan.


This is a Mother’s Day I will always cherish!