Happy Mother’s Day to all moms! We celebrate those who brought a child into this world, who welcomed a child into their family through foster care or adoption, moms who have lost a child, and those who step in to help raise children. Because it does take a village!
In honor of Mother’s Day, we asked our teammates, residents, and their families to share their stories of motherhood. Here is what they shared.
What does motherhood mean to you?
“Motherhood to me means a dream come true. Growing up I never thought motherhood would be in my future as a member of the LGBTQ+. I thought it was only for straight couples. It wasn't until I met my wife, Lyndsi, that my dream of being a mother was made into reality. February 14, 2022 we welcomed the birth of our son Patrick and on March 31, 2022 we welcomed the birth of our daughter Finnley. I couldn't imagine my life without them. They are such wonderful children and I am blessed to be their mother.”
Danielle Hayward, Business Office Manager, Avamere at Port Townsend
“Three times in my life I’ve been blessed. When I was very young I had three healthy beautiful children. I was so busy I never thought to say ‘forget everything and just spend the day playing with the children.’ Then blessed with two healthy beautiful grandchildren living close and more time to be a fun grandmother. Now I’m blessed with two healthy beautiful great grandchildren and our four generations play together often.”
Diane Sloan, Resident, The Stafford
“My daughters are the best thing that has ever happened to me. Motherhood is a gift and a privilege. It teaches you how to manage being selfless, vulnerable, scared, excited and strong all at the same time. Children show you unconditional love every single day. Being a mother is being the biggest cheerleader for your kids. To fill up their bucket with so much self-worth and confidence that the entire world cannot poke enough holes in it to drain it dry. Children are the greatest gift life has to offer.”
Jessica Remmen, Dietary Services Manager, Avamere at Cascadia Village
“Being overly reliable, nurturing, and inspiring.”
Stevi Smallwood, Executive Director, The Stafford
“Motherhood to me means loving, nurturing, and protecting no matter who or what. Even our little dog will come running to my side if my husband makes a loud noise or otherwise makes him nervous. I guess mothering takes on many forms.”
Beverly Edgecomb, Resident, Avamere at Hillsboro
How has your mother inspired you?
“My mother, Dorothy Dundore, is truly amazing. She was the wife of a 30-year military veteran.
They both grew up in small towns. Mother followed her husband all over the world. She drove across country with a small child, when few women would have been brave enough to do so.
She was a single mother of 2 while my father served his country. She always made holidays special even though we were often without my dad. Her strength and determination to make life as normal as possible for my sister and I cannot be matched.
She took college classes into her later years to improve herself. She taught classes to introduce and share with others her love of art.
For a small town girl in a big world, she has made her mark wherever she has gone. I love hearing her stories and am proud to call her my Mom.”
Denise Anderson, Family Member, Avamere at Wenatchee
“My mother was a single mother raising four children on her own. My mother has taught me how to keep going when things are tough or painful. She has taught me how to be a better mother.”
Danielle Hayward, Business Office Manager, Avamere at Port Townsend
“My mom is the epitome of what a mom should be. Supportive, strong, selfless, kind, gentle, and tough when needed, but was always there for us. She is the woman and mother I strive to be every single day. I don't take for granted having her as my mom, because I know many of us aren't as lucky as I was. Now, as an adult, she is my best friend. I am so thankful for her.”
Jessica Remmen, Dietary Services Manager, Avamere at Cascadia Village
“My mom instilled a strong work ethic in me. She didn't let me give up when things were tough.”
Stevi Smallwood, Executive Director, The Stafford
“For my mother family was everything. There wasn't anything my mother wouldn't do for her family if she could. It did not matter how tired she was. She was there for us. She inspired me to be the best that I know how to be, but I can only hope to be half the mother she was.”
Beverly Edgecomb, Resident, Avamere at Hillsboro
What do you love about being a mother or grandmother?
“I love seeing my kids who are now 15 and 19 grow into their own. They have strong beliefs and ideas and I cherish our conversations. I am fortunate enough to acquire three bonus kids this year too! The more the merrier.”
Stevi Smallwood, Executive Director, The Stafford
“Being a mother has been wonderful, but being a grandmother is just the best! I love the wonderful memories I have of all our 20 grandchildren. It is so much fun to see how each one is individual and special. It is also great to enjoy them, but not have to discipline them!”
Beverly Edgecomb, Resident, Avamere at Hillsboro
“Everything! Watching your children grow from these tiny, vulnerable infants that need you for everything, to grow up into independent kids with their own opinions and endless energy. Being a mom can be exhausting, but it is rewarding in more ways than you can imagine. You don't realize how much you can love something, until you look into the eyes of your child knowing you would go to the ends of the earth to protect them. Waking up in the morning with mascara under your eyes and crazy hair and your child hugging you telling you ‘You are so beautiful, mom.’ Kids are amazing and motherhood is beautiful. Even with all the diaper blow outs, spilled milk and tears. I wouldn't trade it for anything.”
Jessica Remmen, Dietary Services Manager, Avamere at Cascadia Village
“I love everything about being a mother. From the no sleep to the dirty diapers. I love teaching my kids new things. I love when they've accomplished something they are excited to show me. I love the hugs and kisses, the snot. ALL OF IT.”
Danielle Hayward, Business Office Manager, Avamere at Port Townsend
What advice would you give to young mothers?
“Hang in there through all happy and tough times. You will learn a ton of things while being a mother that will make you who you are. Besides being a grandmother is worth the wait!”
Beverly Edgecomb, Resident, Avamere at Hillsboro
“The advice I would give young mothers is memories last forever. Make memories our priority in life.”
Veronica Jones, Housekeeping Manager, Avamere at Englewood Heights
“The bad and good days never last so, stay encouraged and in the moment.”
Stevi Smallwood, Executive Director, The Stafford
“I would say to take one day at a time and enjoy the little things. Make memories because it goes by so fast.”
Danielle Hayward, Business Office Manager, Avamere at Port Townsend
“Don't compare yourself to others. Take care of yourself. You give so much to your children, and sometimes your needs get pushed to the side. Lower your expectations of your day. Sometimes you have a list of things that you want to accomplish, and in reality, the baby is in charge. The dishes will wait! All children are different, so what works for someone may not work for you. Remember that everyone will have an opinion, but do what works best for you! And never forget, you're doing a great job!”
Jessica Remmen, Dietary Services Manager, Avamere at Cascadia Village
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