Amazing women magazine may 2015 by Raven Blair Glover

Amazing Amazin

a publication of Raven International Media

women o

magazine

Amazing Moms: Past and Present SPECIAL EDITION

MAY 2015 VOLUME 2 ISSUE 4

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT

www.awoptalk247.com

Amazing Women May 2015

Letter from the Publisher Happy Belated Mother's day to each and every one of you. I'm so grateful and pleased to bring you this special edition, which we call Amazing Moms Past and Present. In this special edition of this magazine you will read article after article about Amazing Moms that have influenced our lives, some are gone but definitely not forgotten, like my Mother Emily Blair. You will learn more about her coming up, but also you will learn about many moms that are gone, all who have left a mark and life lessons on us. You will also hear from children who still have their Mothers to ask that one question that they never had a thought to ask them before and are able to continue to love and be with them.

Raven Blair GLOVER Publisher Powered by Raven International Media Productions and Founder of Amazing Women of Power, positive programming radio network Subscribe NOW by clicking on the link below to receive your next issue FREE: http://amazingwomenofpower.com/radio/ magazine Check out my new Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ AmazingWomenOfPower

This is a combination of both past and present Moms that definitely made a difference in our world and it's because of each of every one of our Moms we are who we are today and this is our way of honoring them and lifting them up to let the world know how much we love them. I know as you read this your mom may be gone or may be here. Either way I know you love her deeply and that you have learned many lessons from her. Our message to each and every one of our readers is to pass the lessons that your Mother taught you on to others, and to share your beautiful Mom with the world - doesn't matter if she is here or gone she still is “not was” and will always be your Mom. So we want to say a belated Happy Mother’s Day for today and years to come and we want to say that every day should be mother’s day as our mothers make such a difference in our lives and it's because of them that we can make a difference in others’ lives and pay it forward. Isn't that what's it all about? So to my mom and all the others Moms - we love you and thank you for all you've done to make us all who we are today. Happy Belated Mother’s Day

Raven May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT

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Amazing Women May 2015

Amazing

MAY 2015

MOMS PAST AND PRESENT Gone, But Not Forgottten, A Tribute to Emily Blair........... 7

by Raven Blair Glover Remembering Mom: Ethelyn Jane Baynard (Effie)..........13

By Khaliq Glover as told to Raven Blair Glover Zafiria Embraced Life......................................................16

by Dr. Anastasia Chopelas Lois Jean Rupert...............................................................19

by Boni Oian Natalie Portia Griffin,Wonderful Loving Mom...............20

My Mother, Proverbs 31..................................................38

by Mary Smith-Moore From Foster Mom to Mommy of the Year........................40

by L.J. Jackson Memorable Moments of Expresison................................42

by Lorena Douglas Tribute to My Mother.......................................................45

by Linda Hollander My Mother and I...............................................................47

by Kim Fuller 5 Ways My Mother Made Who I Am Today................... 49

by Kim Acedo, MS, CHWC

by Tamika Glover

As Much as I was Loved: Hoping to Love My Son as Much My Mom Loved Me............................................51

She Taught Me the Golden Rules.....................................21

by Janie Lidey

by Blair Boone-Migura

The Best Gift My Mom Ever Gave Me............................55

My Mother, Marguerite........................................................ 23

by Heidi Symonds

by Anettte Pang Live Life to the Fullest.......................................................25

by Vonda Grant

A Remarkable Life: Fauna Hodel........................................58 by Yvette Gentile Elma Phyllis Sterling, Living an Inspirational Life............65

by Consuelo Meux, Ph.D.

Lessons from Mom.............................................................27

Good Character Despite Odds.......................................67

by Tony Migura GiberWalky Traditions:

by Christina L. Suter She Taught Me to See with Eyes of Love..................69 by Adrian Murray My Amazing Mom..........................................................71

3 Things I Learned from My Mother................................................................28

by Sherry Prindle Don't Take Yourself Too Seriously: Orma Paton..............30

by Scott Paton Reason for My Breakthrough...........................................31

by Regina Clay Two Moms are Better Than One......................................33

by Mattie Eliza Booker Griffin What Makes a Mom........................................................34

by Peggy Knudson Essie Reed.........................................................................35

by Ced Reynolds To You, Mother..................................................................37

by Pia Lipscomb King Only Three?.....................................................................73 by Lynn Hyde When Your Mom Isn't Your Mom.................................75 by Rev. Basia Christ, Ph.D. Special Contribution: My Family Heroes .................76 by JB Hill, Grandson of Napoleon Hill and Son of David and Frances Hill MAGAZINE STAFF Published by Raven Blair Glover, Raven International Media Productions Editor-in-Chief, Creative Director Rev. Basia Christ, Ph.D. May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT

By Raven Blair Glover

E B

one, But Not Forgotten: A Tribute

mily lair

Amazing Women May 2015

hen I think about my mom, I think of a very stunning, gorgeous woman, sharp dresser and oh my goodness, as MC Hammer said in his song “can’t touch this”. But I also think about a woman that loved deeply, very deeply. I think there was a sense of her feeling that she didn’t get that deep love returned. I think that made her lonely a lot of times and no matter how much we tried to reassure her, I don’t know if she ever felt that she was really loved as deeply as she was and is. That saddens me because I love her and my sisters and brothers love her so much. We miss her so much and I just don’t know if she knew that. I think

she obviously knew that we loved her but I don’t think as deeply as we did. A mother’s love is so precious. You’ve heard of women picking up cars to save their children. You know, those extraordinary things like getting and standing in front of a bullet to keep their son or daughter from getting shot. I remember a few weeks ago in the news, this young man was marching or protesting against something that could have possibly got him shot or beaten by the cops. His mom, she just went out there and she just started hitting him and telling him he better go home, and this was a grown man. I think all of us moms applauded her because we’ve seen ourselves doing

the same thing. She didn’t care if the police would have stopped her or what. She just jumped into mom mode so quick and started hitting on him and telling him to take his butt home. That’s my mom. That’s probably your mom. That’s probably you if you’re a mom. We just step up and do what’s necessary at the time and we’re not thinking about what could happen to us. We just go into mom mode. Well that was my mom. And I love her for that because there were times I needed that. I needed that tough love. There were times that she saved me from myself. When I think about my mom, I think of courage and resilience. I think of her being unstoppable in whatever she did and I think of her May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT

as being so wise and insightful and how she just embraced life. She was so creative, talented, skilled and very entrepreneurial. I’ve certainly inherited a lot of these traits from her and some of them I welcomed and others I didn’t. But I know my mother did the best that she could do. I know sometimes the discipline that she provided was tough and a lot of times misunderstood. But now as I sit in the mom’s seat and my kids are now grown, I understand more. I don’t necessarily agree with it, but I understand more. Well here’s what I want to say about my beautiful mother, Emily. She made me who I am today. I see that because of the way she raised me, I have so much respect for other people. I too love very deeply and I too sometimes feel like that deep level of love is not returned. I too can be a little bit controlling and like mother, I too am very wise and insightful. I have a lot of courage and am unstoppable about my journey. Like her, I even can dress very sharp at times and have that creative nature about me too. I 8

Amazing Women May 2015

think the entrepreneurial spirit that I have is so strong because of the way I was brought up. My mom and dad had a chain of restaurants called Blair House Restaurants in Cleveland Ohio. They were successful and that was very unique back then and not an easy thing to do for African-Americans. So I was a very proud daughter of my mom and the restaurant. She put me in schools, lots of schools. I remember the Karamu House acting school. I remember I hated going to that acting school. In fact one time when the teacher wasn’t looking or the instructor wasn’t looking I managed to get to the clock on the wall and change the time to make it look like it was time to leave. I hated going there. You know sometimes she would drop me at the front door and I’d go out the back door as soon as mom drove off. But now as I’m older, I see that I was supposed to do all those things. If I had stayed in that acting school, who knows I could have been an actress. I could have been on Broadway. I’m sure I would have done something very big. Now the funny thing is I’m dreaming and envisioning and it will come true when the time is right that I will someday have a onewoman show. What is it going to be about at this time? I don’t know. But I know that’s something that I will be doing within the next year or two for sure.

Another thing my mother is responsible for is me being on the Radio. It was when she was in the ICU unit of Methodist Hospital for three weeks and it was at that time while I was sitting in the chapel hat I heard a voice inside me who I choose to be God say it’s time for you step up, show up and choose to be God say "it is time to grow up. Your mother is going to be fine but you’re going to have to be there for her. So you’re going to have to make some decisions not tomorrow but today. You’re going to have to make some decisions that are going to change the course or the direction of your life so that you can change the direction of your family’s life." You can’t help your mom making $10 an hour at the age of 55. You have to make some money so you can help her with these medical expenses. She’s going to be okay but she’s going to be a little bit different. So I immediately began to think what can I do? I happened to hear a great man by the name of Alex Mandossian in one of his teleseminar secrets calls say that the quickest way to become an expert is to interview an expert. And then I heard him go on to say in another call as he interviewed someone that you could create a podcast. Yeah you can create a podcast and go out there and make that your virtual stage and speak to people about your heartfelt message. You could interview experts and celebrities around what your message is and in return again, you will become famous by interviewing

other famous people. And that’s when my first show Women Talk, Talk Radio was born. That was April 23rd when I launched my first show from the kitchen table. Since then I’ve gone on to do incredible things and have many multiple, award winning shows. Also I have my radio station Amazing Women of Power, I have my magazine Amazing Women Magazine and I show. I said all of this not to brag but to share that’s from my mom. I give God the glory first but my mom definitely produced all that. She helped make that all possible because of everything that she did along the way. My customer service skills, I definitely got from my mom and dad. My entrepreneurial spirit, being creative, stepping out of the box, definitely got from my mom. lessons I learned from her, other than being respectful to people, I remember when I was modeling years ago and she said, you know, you look good and you should be thankful for your looks. She said one

day you may not look that good, daughter, you are going to get older. One day you're not going to have that hour glass figure, boy was sheright on that one. She started saying you need to do something that’s not going to end if you’re overweight or if you end up losing an arm, losing a leg, or something don’t have a car to get to, you can still make money. The way you can do that is with the power of your voice. The way that you can do that is to sharpen your communication skills. The way that you can do that is to learn how to sell. She said if you can learn those tools and especially selling, you will never be broke, you will never be without a job. I got to tell you, wow. She nailed it, yes she did because all of those things are what I do now. I’m a communicator. It’s all about the power of the voice. I’m on the radio. I teach others how to use the power of their voice and get their message out. Guess what? I teach others how to be able to sell in a way as my mentor Lisa Sasevich says, that you’re not being salesy, in a way that they will welcome your offer, in a way that you will present a yes offer, creating packages and creating products, creating radio shows and even creating books. Another thing I learned from Alex Mandossian is you don’t have to write a book. You can speak a book. Like I’m speaking this message now and as you read it, it was transcribed. You can do it too. But enough about that already. Let’s get back to my mama.

Some of the other lessons I learned from my mom was to stick with one thing and do your best. I was known for flip flopping a lot. Sometimes I still have to try to control that. That’s the creative nature and creative side of me. But I would flip-flop and she would say I’ve tried this and I’ve tried that and just say you know what, you need to stick with one thing Raven and just go for it. Stick all the way through. Stop giving up. You give up right before it happens, right before, you don’t give a chance for anything to happen. So that’s my mom. Again she nailed it. So I’m sticking with the radio mom and this what I’m doing now is because of you and it’s for you. Mothers are so important and as we celebrate mother’s day in this Amazing Women Magazine, we also celebrated it on our station where we aired over 35 amazing stories and interviews of people that have lost their moms. They’re gone but not forgotten like mine or people that still had their moms because that’s my message to the world now. When you said go interview your mom and guess what if they have kids, have them interviewed May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT

too. That was a proud moment. I could feel my mom’s smiling because she knew that it was my love for her, my deep, deep love for her that realizes all the things that she told me and all the discipline and all the lessons and lectures sometimes you know and I’m sure have it too. That I understand it now. I get it now. It’s because of that defining moment at the hospital through her pain, through that dark hour. There was a beaming light of hope and I followed it and that hope led me to the chapel to where I heard that voice inside me guiding me, tell me exactly what to do and I’m doing it. But it all transpired because of you mom, because of my mother Emily Blair. All the putting me in schools even though I snuck out, I got a little bit of it. But will go back to acting school and I’m going to do that one-woman show and I know you’re going to be involved in it and I just want to thank you mom, publicly thank you in my magazine as I show you on the cover and other moms that have gone but not forgotten grace that cover with you. I want to thank you for giving all that you gave 10

Amazing Women May 2015

and I want to say in that one moment in time with you because I’m envisioning you with me now. Thank you for all that you’ve done. Thank you, thank you, and thank you for all the lessons, for even the discipline that you gave me because I want to publicly acknowledge you for all the things that you helped in making me be, all this Raven International Multimedia Productions is because of your teachings, is because of all that I got from you. I'm’ still trying to make you proud of me mama. So I hope you’re smiling and I hope you’re proud of me. As I sit here recording this knowing it’s going to be in the magazine, I look around and see many beautiful pictures of my mom. I’m reminded of a time when you took me to the ebony fashion show. I’m looking at our picture. I think you were wore silver and I had on the light cowgirl hat. Back then I was trying to look like Diana Ross. And in that beautiful picture where you and my handsome dad went to a play when you brought me to Houston called One More Time. ’m sharing these pictures with the world. I’m so proud to be you and Dads daughter because I was so proud of the way you guys looked. You were beautiful mom and my handsome Dad was too. These pictures bring tears to my

eyes because I know I can run and kiss my mama no longer. The poem that my mom wrote, oh she wrote such beautiful, beautiful poems. In fact the poem you see featured is one of my mother’s poems and she – when I think of my mom she has such a deep love for her parents. I mean she wrote so many poems about her mom and her dad. I’m going to feature one of the poems and I hope you enjoy it. I just want to say to all of you that are moms like me have your children interview you. Don’t let them, don’t leave this earth without them asking you the questions that they want to ask you and share with you what they really want to share with you. Give them that one moment in time while you’re alive to do it. If your moms are alive like I said earlier, go interview your moms. That’s my message to the world. For all of you like me who’s moms are gone but not forgotten; help me spread the word to the world that mothers are important and they leave life lessons and help me spread the message to the world to go out there and interview their living moms and again have your children interview them. I know I’m saying this over and over again so I apologize for that. I don’t mean to be redundant but in this article about my mom, this is my strongest message. I’ve interviewed the great Lisa

Sasevich. I’ve interviewed the great Lisa Nichols, I’ve interviewed Brian Tracy, actress Fran Dresher, Victoria Rowell andChicken Soup for the Soul author Jack Canfield. Oh my goodnessso many different people. Montel Williams, Russel Simmons, Lindsey Wagner, and I was a true lover of the bionic woman and fan so that was a dream come true. So many people, and among those extraordinary people. Some look at us as ordinary, but I look at us as extraordinary because we’ve gotten past our pain, to our power, to our purpose and we live a life with a definite purpose and we’re passing it on to others and that’s what it’s about making a difference and passing it on and paying it forward. We’ve done that. So yes, my mom was an amazing mom. I choose to say this in the present, but she is no longer with us. She is in the past. Amazing mom, gone but definitely not forgotten. There’s so many life lessons I learned other than the ones I have sprinkled in this article. Lessons like keep your head up, walk straight, keep your chin up, be proud of yourself. Help others stay with your family, stick with your family, be there for your family. Don’t ever give up even when everything in you says give up. Don’t ever give up on your family. Always be there for each other. Be strong. Be courageous. Never show yourself weak. Obey and abide by the rules that we’re supposed to for a job, life rules, the golden rule, do unto others as you have them do unto you.

And read psalms, she always said always read psalms. And I want to say as I end that even though your moms are gone but not forgotten, you can continue their legacy. You can let them live on way beyond their years. I know one thing that I have done is I have created the prestigious Emily awards for my amazing hosts, amazing woman of power, amazing man of power, each year we presented in our Red Carpet Interview Secrets event which is a three-day training on how to interview, and how to be interviewed and how to get the topics first. But we always on the second day present the prestigious Emily Award - not just the Emily, but prestigious I like that word, Prestigious Emily Awards.

if they were sick with cancer or diabetes or whatever cause or charity or organization or illness they may have come down with or whatever they stood for in life, you can build something around that. You can create something. You can give to a cause in their name. You can start a charity in their name. If they had cancer or diabetes or some kind of sickness, you can start something to help heal people like that. You know if they stood for something like they just couldn’t stand the way young kids were being treated or they didn’t like the way singers were being treated. Find something that really meant a lot to them and create something around it. You can write a book. My mother wrote a number of poems, maybe a couple of hundred. We’re going to put them together in a book and it will be called Poems by My Mom Emily. We will somehow find a foundation or a cause or a charity and give the proceeds

One day in the future, I will definitely be doing something for my dad around customer service because he was huge with customer service. My son and his friends planted daffodils in Central Park when Mom passed and each year they go back to see how they have grown and how beautiful they are. They’re beautiful and they’re in my mother’s name, a little area of the park in New York. I also interviewed a lady by the name of Debra and she talked about how she started a blog in her mom’s name. There are many ways you can honor your Mom. There’s so much you can do. Think of the charities Raven and Mom Emily at the Ebony Fashion Show and the causes and May 2015 Amazing Women 11

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT of that to her. It won’t benefit us. It will benefit not her but it will benefit a charity or cause that we that she will love. She was a doll collector. I mean she had so many dolls, dolls that wore minks and diamonds. She paid some good money for those dolls. My son found this famous guy that collected dolls around the world. So my son Blair contacted him and we donated my mom’s dolls. Many Dreams As distant as it may seem, life is full of many dreams. And if destiny had its way, we would look forward to a bright new day. There would be no more sorrow, there would be no more pain, and no more misgivings that we could not explain. So we dream of what we might have been, to bring us to a perfect end. But someone is watching us from above and that someone ills our hearts with glorious love and what we find in

him is so true. A big wide world, that’s all brand new with fields of gratitude and love and delights laughter and sunshine... what a wonderful sight! Life is full of many dreams and this is the dream I dreamed tonight. Oh how sweet tomorrow will be a brand new world for you and me. Poet: Emily M. Blair And you can do the same thing too. So my message to all of you in this special mother’s day edition is to you know, even though your mom has gone, see how you can carry her message and her legacy on. Just love and hug your mom and ask her that one question or those questions that you have for them and let them know how much you love them and how much they mean to you and the lessons that you learned from them. I’m honored to share a very short video I was able to do with my Mom about three months before her passing. If you still have both or either of your parents

Raven's Son Blair - Central Park Flowers. I plead with you to take a few minutes to interview them as you will be so pleased to have this treasure after they are gone. http:raven.audioacrobat.com/ download/efd1b627-e718f3ef-25e8-aa4364e48415.mov And this is for you mom. I love you and I was always so proud of you. And I’m still here making my difference in the world. Still trying to please mom. Mom, I love you. Click the following link to hear the full interview Raven did on her wonderful Mother or copy the link and paste into your browser. http://raven.audioacrobat.com/ download/ raven-20150512110520.mp3

Amazing Women May 2015

emembering Mom: Ethelyn Jane Baynard (Effie)

By Khaliq Glover as told to Raven Blair Glover

But at the same time, my mom was always supportive. Whatever I wanted to do, she has pretty much been the only one in many instances-Raven Really? …where other people didn’t see, and thought I was foolish or crazy, she was always like if you feel it and you really feel it. Go for it. And so, yeah, she was excited for me to do it. She also, didn’t necessarily want me to go because of the fact that like I said we were very close too. So, with me being 3,000 miles away, of course I couldn’t get to see my mom. Raven Get to see her that much. Yeah. How did she feel when you got the Grammy? Well, let me, ask you this first. How did it feel to share that moment with your mom? Khaliq Well, I felt super proud and she was very proud of me. She said she always knew it. And, I believe that she had a vision or feeling that, even when people were telling her and telling us that we were losers and never going to be anything, never do anything, she always knew in her heart better for all of us.

Raven I’m just curious because, listen, you’ve been here in LA for over 30 years, right. Khaliq Yup. Raven So, was your mom like excited about you coming down here and getting into the music field? What were some of her thoughts? Khaliq Well, she was definitely concerned about me leaving Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania because it’s the unknown.

Me, my sister, and Mom. We faced the uphill path and in many people’s eyes, people were writing us off and considering us, losers in life. So, having somebody that believes in you and in themselves, when nobody else will and I don’t know where she got that from because like, unfortunately she didn’t get that same support from her own mother, and she didn’t get that same support from a lot of people and ended up being a single mom and things like that, so having to find it on your own simply comes from your own self esteem, talking to yourself and saying I’m going to find a way. May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT So, that’s what drives me as a person too now because I’ve seen it firsthand. Raven Makes a difference. And you had the opportunity to acknowledge all that she’s done and acknowledge her being your #1 woman in your life and all that you, showing your appreciation by putting in your first book. Khaliq Yeah. Yeah. Raven That was great. And if I’m not mistaken, you got a chance to give it to her right before she passed? Khaliq Yes, I did. She was very happy and proud of that moment. These are the things too. So, like when we tell you guys to go ahead and don’t think about it. Raven has really been pushing on that too because it’s one of those things where I know-- as I saw my mom having health challenges-- as I saw my mom having different health challenges over the years, I kept having to face the reality even though I didn’t want to face it, wow, you keep thinking about what you want to do with her and you keep hoping she’s going to be okay, but the bottom line is that you better do it now while she’s here while you’re thinking about it. Get it out of your head-- and capture it on to something, because you’re going to treasure that the rest of your life and you’re going to kick yourself the rest of your life if you don’t get it now and you kept saying I’m meant to do it. Raven And didn’t do it. Khaliq And didn’t do it. Yeah.

Raven Absolutely. The biggest challenge you’ve seen your mom go through, Ethelyn, and how do you think she got past it? Khaliq Well, the biggest challenge is quite frankly, this will sound weird, but the biggest challenge was her overcoming her. It’s not a secret or anything, but she ended up becoming an alcoholic. That was her way of medicating for a while and she had to overcome that, because it really gave her serious health issues later on. She felt very, very challenged in life and turned to alcohol to soothe the pain a bit, and then she started realizing that this is going to take me out of here before my time. And unfortunately, a lot of damage was done, but I’m so proud of her when she caught herself and said, listen, I’m going to save myself. I’ve made whatever little bad judgments that I made, but I can turn this around now. It’s never too late. So, this is the thing that I like to spread to people and also remember for myself. No matter what you’ve done, it’s never too late to make a decision to turn it around. She overcame that. She ended up-- I got a picture I sent to you of her getting baptized and things like that where, she found her relationship with the Lord and she found all kinds of different things about her to get past some of the physical challenges that were happening. And at times when doctors were trying to write her off and give her months to live, that turned into years and years of living. So, that’s the biggest challenge. I mean, she overcame all that because she recognized it’s all in the hands of god. First of all, man can tell you whatever he wants. They don’t know and they ain’t got it. They ain’t got no control over any of that. Raven What do you feel are the 3 biggest lessons that you learned from your mom, Khaliq? Khaliq First of all, you always believe in yourself, it’s the #1 thing, even when others don’t. And, part of my perseverance is the same thing; it’s like when you don’t know there’s a way, you’ve have to keep going, and persevere, and believe. That will lead you to a way. And then the other thing is not… my mom, I won’t say she was fearless, but she was-- My mom would be very afraid in many instances. Fear of the unknown ., but she never let that freeze her and stop her because it’s like when you stay

Amazing Women May 2015

in my life to have people like that in my life as well. I think it’s a very important trait to have. And I like to think that I have it somewhat too. I’m always a work in progress as well. But in general, I think I’m a pretty good person in my heart. I think I’m a pretty caring person in my heart I don’t like to see, pain, and abuse, and bullying, and things like that. And, I think I got a lot of that from her just, wanting to be a better type of person and, that’s a great trait I think that she passed on. Raven Yeah. Absolutely. Okay. I want you to just kinda, just relax and take a couple deep breaths ‘cause I’m asking you a couple real serious questions and things to share with us here. And one of ‘em is, what’s the thing that you’re most proud of your mom for? I know there’s a lot. Khaliq Yeah. Yeah. I mean, the main thing, like I said, I really think is her finding her way back to who she really was. Finding the relationship that she ended up having with God and having her faith to find her true self, who she was. I’m very proud of her because, that was not an easy journey and I witnessed all the bumps in the road and she found her way. I couldn’t be more proud of her than that.

within the known, what you’re going to get or not get. But when you go into the unknown, there could be much greater benefits, riches, rewards on the other side by just taking some kind of action. So, this is why she always encouraged me. It’s like, hey, if you think you can do this, if you really want to be a musician, I say you’re not just saying you want to be a musician. I see you actually doing it. She would see me woodshedding and locking myself into the room to learn how to be, the best that I could be and be very, very serious and focused about it. So, she’s like, okay, I see that you’re not just saying it. You’re actually doing what it takes to make that happen. So, I got that from her Raven Uh-huh. I love it. I love it. Okay. One more. I think that was two. Khaliq Okay. And then the other thing is just having an open heart. She was, like I said, one of the most loving people that I’ve ever known and met. I’ve been very lucky

To hear Khaliq's complete interview please visit http://raven.audioacrobat.com/download/ raven-20150512110511.mp3

May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT

afiria Embraced Life

his is the story of a very remarkable woman, not just because she was Zafiria Chopelas, my mom, but because she did things that few women could ever do. Mom raised four children, all of whom are successful in life, all college educated, with six grandchildren, which are very

Amazing Women May 2015

much the same. She was the lynch pin in the family, around whom news, relationships and connections went through: a true matriarch in every sense of the word. My brother called her the MNN, for Mom News Network, as she kept us all up on the other when we were too swept up in our own busy lives. While none of this is too

By Dr. Anastasia Chopelas

terrifically remarkable, here is where the remarkable stuff starts. In 1971, our family was struck a blow that changed the course of our lives. My mom was diagnosed with a tumor along her spine that few survive from. During surgery at Cedars of Lebanon, which lasted 8 hours, her spinal sac

was opened after four vertebrae were sawn open. A long tumor popped out from its tight confines and the doctor carefully excised it from the base of her brain and spinal nerve. At that time, this kind of surgery usually had two unpleasant prognoses, quadriplegia or death. Indeed, during this delicate surgery, mom stopped breathing twice; each time was revived. She awoke to excruciating pain on her ribs where her heart was massaged to wake it up again. When she awoke from surgery, she found her head and shoulders were pinned to her bed to optimize her recovery. As fate would have it, on the morning of Feb 9th, two days after her surgery, the great Sylmar earthquake of 1971 struck, shaking the old Cedars hospital to its foundations. Mom said she saw chunks of plaster fall off the walls and ceiling. One brave nurse covered my mom’s body to protect her as the debris flew. Mom could not be moved or evacuated in her delicate condition. Mom decided that if she survived all that, that God wasn’t finished with her yet. After this, her doctor came in her hospital room, holding his breath, wondering what Mom’s fate would be. His experience with other such patients he’s treated is that they seldom live long. At the outside, five years even if they had use of their legs. He watched closely as he asked her to move her feet. She imperceptibly wiggled her toes. After a few minutes, he practically shouted for joy as she continued to move her feet. He was ready to shout it off the rooftops as he viewed this as a miracle. She came

through surgery as intact as anyone with that condition had ever come. As weeks rolled by, she had to learn how to walk again; she underwent difficult radiation treatments to kill any vestiges of her tumor. As the weeks wore on, it was discovered that she lost the use of her ring and pinkie fingers of both hands and the hot-cold sensations down her arms and hands. Her doctor told my uncle that she might live five years at the outside as any invasive surgery to this level usually means rapid deterioration and decline of the central nervous system. My uncle kept this devastating news to himself: he was very afraid and despondent of losing his only sister so soon. With none of us realizing this grim news, we felt lucky to have her in our lives. Mom wasn’t a very good patient. She was demanding, grouchy and picky. I knew that she wanted to embrace life fully again and was getting grouchy from all the waiting. As Mom recovered, she wasn’t going to squander this chance at life. She wanted her life to matter. She embraced and chose life more fully than ever. Every single picture of her shows this on her face. She danced at all her children’s weddings, she developed herself, improved her marriage, and educated herself. As I pored over hundreds of pictures of her, I fully appreciated her joy of living. She took classes at the local community college in all sorts of topics, studying art, business, English, history, whatever came along. When my youngest brother graduated high school, she

decided to go into business and opened a gift shop called “The Other Nest”, which was a take on her friend Robin’s store called “Robin’s Nest”. They loved collaborating and Mom loved having a thing she could call her own. Robin stayed in our lives for many decades, being one of the few that came and sat with Mom as she lay dying these last few weeks. I’m so appreciate of such friends that had such love for my mom. Dad participated in getting Mom what she needed to do and supported whatever decision she made, whether it was school or business. He felt blessed to have her in his life too. After ten years of enjoying all the ins and outs of owning a store, Mom closed her beloved store and went back to school to complete a degree in interior design then go onto earn her ASID certification. She said she always loved style, she always loved making spaces great to live in, and now she could do it full time while spending other people’s money to do it. She graduated in 1991, twenty years after her surgery and continued to work in this field for more than 20 years. Mom continued to consult with her clients even as her ability to walk was compromised further. So, two businesses and a college degree at 58, this after raising 4 children, all of who have college degrees and successful careers, 6 grandchildren, also all educated and 1 young great grandchild, with another on the way. What’s most remarkable is that all the while she worked with a compromised May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT body, she didn’t complain once. She embraced life with a fervor seldom seen. If you look through all her pictures with her family, friends, especially children and grandchildren, she beamed a thousand watt smile. That smile could melt the hardest hearts. She loved passionately. All her friends said that she was very important to them and some told me that she was their most favorite person in the whole world. This view of my mom had me looking at her in a whole new light. She brought joy to everyone around them, she always moved with an elegance and grace that is rarely seen. Always a lady. Always loving and always caring. She chose life. Over and over again. I moved back to Los Angeles at the end of 2008 when I saw that her compromised nervous system made it difficult for her to stand and walk. Dad wasn’t doing well either. I lived with them for two out of the last six years, getting mom dressed every morning, helping with the chores around the house, and buffering the heaving demands of care-taking for my dad. I saw how disability and illness affects families in a profound way. I saw how the current medical system fails us, missing important issues and making it more and more difficult for mom to recover and become independent again. Her plight inspired me to learn more about healing, health, and led me to becoming the healer I am today. I worked hard at helping Mom. I know that she kept her memory and that she regained some of her nerve sensations 18

Amazing Women May 2015

that she wouldn’t have. The problem is that her body had over 40 years of inertia and that she no longer wanted to be the center of our attention. She hated the help. She wanted to be tending to us, not vice versa. Despite being in her situation, she chose life. She chose life because of how much she loved us. In her last year of life, her memory faltered in a big way, her command of English diminished while Greek was more understandable. Despite Mom being in a great deal of pain, unable to stand up any more, suffering from infection, and bedsores, she chose life. She was adamant about it. I think she chose life 45 years ago when everyone else had given up. I think she was a healer like I am, like my daughter is and my sister. She healed herself to be here to carry out the job of being the matriarch of our family. She lived more than 40 years beyond what anyone thought possible. Mom lost her fight for life on April 9th. Before that, she even shooed away the spirits that came to help her cross over. She yelled at them as we sat quietly nearby, “I’m not going anywhere! There’s nowhere to go!” She kept fighting leaving over and over. She couldn’t move, she was in pain, but when she saw me, her face would light up the whole room and tell me she loved me and didn’t want to go because she loved her family so much. Her last words (in Greek) to me: “my beautiful daughter, I love you.” Her love for her family became poignantly obvious as I went through her jewelry and a pendant bauble called my name and asked me to

take it with me. Upon opening it, I discovered pictures of all six of her grandchildren folded down inside it. She wore them close to her heart every day, that’s how much she loved us. The pain of her loss is excruciating, not because I’m worried about her or about me. The pain is that I can no longer hug her warm loving body, hear her sweet voice and see her reaction to me. I can’t tell her how much I love her and can’t see her beautiful hair and face any more, and see her thousand watt smile any more. I miss her desperately, as does my dad and the rest of the family. During the last months of her life, I didn’t let a day go by that I didn’t embrace her several times a day nor tell her how much I love her. That’s the energy of what you’ll carry with you throughout life. Do this for your family. There are also wonderful things about her passing. She is no longer in pain. My daughter’s clairvoyance has come into prominence and we are realizing how well developed it is. My 31 year old daughter started reporting how she saw Mom, standing tall and straight and showing us how she can now move freely. She helped us find lost items that Mom had secreted away and only she knew where they were. We celebrated her passing with a prayer service in our Greek Orthodox church. My brother, sister, daughter and I spoke tributes to my mom. My daughter composed and performed a song just for her that just perfectly described mom and brought smiles on the faces of everyone that heard it. During the service, my daughter was

in tears. She explained later why: she could see Mom’s spirit above us, watching us in the church below, dancing in joy at her freedom of movement. As the dozens of people in the church prayed and sent love to her, Mom’s spirit grew brighter and brighter until she glowed brightly as the sun. My daughter saw firsthand how the power of prayer was real, tangible and powerful. This is from a woman that never embraced prayer. She shared this experience with our

priest, which brought a big smile to his face as well. Mom’s big gift to us all was a message she sent though my daughter right after she passed; it has great significance to us because of what we know about mom. She said, “the past is over. Let it go and move forward so you can enjoy your wonderful life and all the great things to come.” Now, that’s a great message for all of us. I miss you, Mom.

ois Jean Rupert

Dr. Anastasia Chopelas is the scientific healer. Imagine your life out of pain, your energy high and your brain thinking clearly. What would your life look like? Her clients get these kinds of results. After s a doctorate in Chemistry, she spent 38 years at prestigious institutions in research, where she contributed chapters in numerous books and published articles that have since become the genesis for courses. Anastasia is a 4th generation psychic and powerful master healer. She trained over 20 years in different modalities; has worked with hundreds of clients, helping create what most would consider as medical miracles. ac@ chromios.com; 206-349-8344

By Boni Oian

My mom was practical and left me with three mantras by which to live: 1. If there is a will there is a way. 2. There is more than one way to skin a cat. 3. You don’t have to tell all you know. She left the earth two years ago and every day I use these beliefs to remind myself of what a gift she has been to me. Boni Oian is a Life Navigator who helps people uncover their potential and Author/Instructor of Claim Your Life: Transform Your Unwanted Subconscious Beliefs into an Exhilarating Source of Power. She trains teachers to instruct her Claim Your Life process globally, is certified as a Catalyst Coach by the Ace Success Center and International Assn. of Professional Life Coaches, an Akashic Record Teacher/Consultant, and has a radio program on Raven International Positive programing network.BoniOian@gvtc.com

May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT

atalie Portia Griffin, Wonderful Loving Mom

onoring my wonderful mom. Wow where do I even start, I say this because no matter what I say and how much I put in this article, it wouldn't even scratch the surface of how much I love my mom and everything she has done for me as well as taught me. I suppose the best way to start is at the beginning. My mom gave birth to me on August 19 1982. My mom Natalie Portia Griffin is and always has been an amazing woman of power. She has one of the kindest dispositions you will ever get the honor of knowing. She has an amazing and unwavering faith in God and our Lord Jesus which 20

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By Tamika Glover brings me to the first thing I am going to mention in this article that she has taught me. That is faith, without faith, and I do not intend to offend anyone, but without faith in God, life is truly lacking. I have a strong faith in God and His plan for me and that is thanks to my mom leading me in the right direction.My mom has been blessed with a wonderful singing voice which has lead her to doing what she loves and being able to provide for my daughter Hayleigh and I. She sings for a living and is not only great at it, she loves it. It is truly amazing when you find something you do well and make a career out of it. I always catch her around the house singing because she just simply loves it. Another thing I have learned from my mom is to do your best. If you have done your best then things will be okay. Another value and important lesson my mom has taught me in life is respect. You must always respect others , especially to receive respect in return. I see so much disrespect and sass in this day and age, and quite honestly I am still a work in progress on that but I do my best to respect my elders and respect people in general. My mom has always been there for me and when she could to this day she has always given me what I have wanted , but more importantly she has always given me what I needed. Happy Mothers Day to my mom Natalie Portia Griffin. I love you so much you are such an inspiration to me and I am here honoring you because you truly deserve it and I wish I could do more for you. Love always. My name is Tamiika Glover, I am 32 years old and my life has been a journey to say the least but wonderful. I grew up in Winnetka California and have traveled many places.I have a four year old daughter who is my pride and joy. I currently live in Merritt Island Florida enjoying life. tamiikaglover@gmail.com

he Taught Me the Golden Rules By Blair Boone-Migura

ince a very young age, I was always aware of two things. First, just how astonishingly beautiful my mother was. She had and still has the type of inner and outer beauty that allows her to charm virtually everyone she meets. Secondly, I’ve always been keenly aware of just how fortunate I was. I was born lucky. Like a cat who always lands on his feet, even when faced with hardship and loss, I ‘ve managed to realize most of my personal dreams while never forgetting the importance of contributing something positive back not just to those in my immediate sphere but to the world around me. Lesson #1 – Be Courageous! I owe much of my positive outlook on life to my beautiful mother who instilled in me an indomitable spirit. I’ve always observed this in her and have tried to reflect that very attribute which has made her persevere both professionally and privately even during some of the darkest hours. It’s probably the thing that I am most proud to have had passed on to me through her. As the French writer and philosopher Albert Camus wrote “In the depths of winter I finally learned there was in me an invincible summer”. My mother is fearless! Far from being shy, she always attacks problems and difficult situations head on. She rarely refrains from speaking her mind when the occasion presents itself, and I firmly believe that any and every courageous moment that I have had in my life is owed to her and to her parents my grandparents. They were always courageous and their instincts led them to deal with the situation at hand and the card that was dealt (as the old saying goes). Quite simply, it is in our family DNA to fight for what we believe, to hold true to our principles, and to not be overtaken by fear. May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT

Lesson #2 Have Passion! Mother also taught me to live passionately and to not be bound by convention. She possesses a remarkable variety of talent and skill, and as I’ve observed her pursue a diverse range of interests throughout her life, I have incorporated that quality into my own life. Never be afraid to live your life and to pursue your dreams. A life without passion and dreams isn’t truly ‘living’ in the fullest sense of the word. Lesson #3 Let Go Of Past Pain And Heartache And Be Happy! Lastly, I think this quote from writer and poet Maya Angelou is indicative of another life lesson that I have learned from my mother. "You can be angry but must not be bitter. Bitterness is like cancer. It eats upon the host but doesn't do anything to the object of its displeasure. Use that anger yes! You write it, you dance it, you sing it, you paint it, you march it, you vote it, you talk it...never stop talking it”. 22

Amazing Women May 2015

Like many people, my mother has known true pain. She has been hurt but she never allowed that pain to take hold of her and evolve into bitterness. This has allowed her to remain youthful, optimistic, and to ultimately carve out her own path and journey. She is happy professionally; she is happy romantically; she is in a word….happy. I have profound gratitude for the life lessons that my mother has taught me and that her mother taught her AND me. Without them I wouldn’t be half of the person that I am today. And in case you’ve forgotten, I was born lucky! Blair is the founder and executive director of the Art Song Preservation Society of New York, a nonprofit that promotes the revitalization of the art song, a style of classical music that combines poetry with instrumentals. He graduated from Syracuse, from which he also received a master’s degree in the French language, literature and culture. He also holds a master’s degree with distinction in vocal pedagogy from Rider University’s Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ. Blair is also the proud son of none other than, Raven!

y Mother, Marguerite By Annette Pang of the church and community. She wasn’t far out, off the beaten track, extremely avant garde, or breaking any rules as a rebel rouser, but inside of her, she had the flair of a bohemian with a ton of aplomb! The prevailing television role models in her day were Harriet of Ozzie & Harriet and June Cleaver of Leave it to Beaver, but If my mom would have been alive to watch Beyonce, or Lady Gaga, she could resonate and glom onto to becoming Fierce, and confident, rather than being fearful or cautious for the first part of her life.

vividly remember my mother Marguerite as a creative, intellectual and unique person. It took me almost a lifetime before I came to understand that, as her first born of five children and her first of three daughters, she marched to her own drummer, while living a life that looked pretty conservative and traditional.

If she had any yearning to live an atypical lifestyle, it didn’t show at all in her predictable path of graduating with honors at high school and university, getting married, having children and grandchildren. She and many other women at time, over 90 years ago, had defined roles as a mother, wife, daughter, daughter in law, homemaker, parent, and member

My mom was in often a mode of, “What would the neighbors, her peers, other relatives, her friends say?” That really stood out for me: she was always self-judging and selfassessing of where she stood: what she did, how she cooked, how much she weighed. “Was my house clean?” All of those self-doubting thoughts and chatter piled on an unnecessary heap which may have quieted her joie de vivre. I saw how crippling that could be, and her restraint probably motivated me to rise above so I would not have to weighed down by worry with those types of expectations. Most importantly, it probably led me to tell others we all have insecurities, but they don’t have to rule you. May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT It was a wish of mine to help My Mom see she was not the only one on this planet Earth who had those doubting thoughts. I wished she had access to the same tools and mentors as we have today. In her time, there weren’t any blogs, life coaching, Oprah, Dr. Phil, Raven’s mantra of Don’t Wait To Be Great, reality shows and televised interventions which could have given her validation with others who were also held-hostage to their own harsh inner voices. In my opinion, she might have done well to live elsewhere that would have provided for more leeway, if she lived in NYC or as a hippie in the 60’s. She was a Deadhead and especially loved the music of Jerry Garcia. If she was a member of his groupie, My Mom might have been wearing a long skirt, beads, flowers in her hair, little make up, sans underwear. She loved walking around our home wearing just a white panty, and this was in front of her 5 children (including 2 sons) and her husband in full view. We were accustomed to full disclosure and transparency at an early age. My Mom was also an intellectual, earning high marks, graduate degrees and performing songs like the complicated and furious Flight of the Bumble Bee on the piano, such that when her neighbors heard it on the radio, they said, “Gee that sounds a lot like Marguerite.” And it was. There is much more to My Mom Marguerite’s story especially about how she succeeded in becoming so comfortable with herself in her later years, or how she managed her diabetes, weaning off of insulin. The 24

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main thing to remember on this Mother’s Day is that my Mom was so brilliantly different. If she lived today, there would be so many more avenues for her to demonstrate the essence of who she was without feeling shy or timid to let more of her genius hang-out. For My Mom, this must have been tedious to be somewhat locked in her preconceived notions, but, luckily, she was generous not to inflict that onto me. What I will always remember about her was that she really gave me and my siblings the space and freedom to become whatever we wanted to be. Perhaps she fulfilled her desires through her children to choose something different to pursue, so she didn’t dictate about what I ought to do, and who I should marry. Many mothers at that time would unequivocally state that their daughters must marry the same race…in my case, a Chinese man. (Although I did.) Not my Mom Marguerite, she never put boundaries on that subject or wish for any type of son-in-law or lifestyle. The other point that I remember is she always said to me, “You don’t have to become a teacher. Choose a career or job other than that.” Even though she, herself, was an elementary school teacher, she always emphasized to her children to do something else or develop a fun project. She wanted all of us to pursue our passion, and she always laughed heartily or eagerly welcomed hearing about our stories and “aha” moments. If she saw that I have become a relationship coach, after becoming a teacher, Realtor and developer, this legacy would warm her heart and

because it was too progressive for her and other housewives to wear multiple hats in those days. Her pride would extend to seeing the blossoming for the rest of her children. My sister is a Transcendental Meditation teacher, in addition to being an English teacher and a fashion designer and forecaster, who became a devout vegetarian, over 45 years ago, before it was mainstream. My brother is an avid wind surfer, originally an engineer and a lawyer, who converted sound equipment purchases on ebay to providing sound amplification for gigs around town. My second brother is a Certified Public Accountant and also an active paddler and ultra-snow skier, who is a guest lecturer at seminars on credit unions. And my youngest sister, a talented artistic crafter also manages millions of dollars as a bookkeeper, and is a background actor on Hawaii 5-0. This creative potpourri of how we have blended our bucket list into our lives and careers still flows forward. It is my wish is for all to Become A Marguerite, (BAM), and that is, Be True To Yourself. In her name, muster up the courage to pursue your dreams while you also stay grounded to yourself and rooted to your loved ones, home and community. My Mother Marguerite had such spirit, vigor and she was always cheering for others! You Only Live Once (YOLO). BAM YOLO! She would have been tickled. Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms who to encourage us to stretch beyond our wildest dreams.

ive Life to the Fullest

Juanita Grant Born May 11, 1930-May 11, 2005 75 years young

t gives me great honor to pay tribute and celebrate my Mother on this blessed day; even though you’re not here with us in my heart and mind you still live. At times I can still hear you lovely voice reminding me how important it is to live life to the fullest, but in doing so keep in mind the consequences you will incur when you make bad choices. Throughout the years I’m still encouraged by

By Vonda Grant

the things you’d say that you called, “giving you the big head.” Using words of encouragement like: “You’re my little princess; you’re my gorgeous little beauty, you’re my brilliant one, God’s Loving Splendor thinking, with you in mind created you, wonderful and beautiful; shaped, mold and called unique, he called you his own light of love, put in you all the smarts to overcome any obstacle. I forbid you to say, think, or receive anything that’s not spoken out of that place of love; because God is the greatest love and you, me and all of us were made in his image having his DNA will help us to accomplish many great things in life if we choose to do so; always reject anything less than God’s love for your life; if I call you princess why settle for being called the “B…word”, give love and fully expect it in return because love heals any and all areas of live and you deserve the best this life has to offer; and all that is worthy of having and receiving because you don’t have tomorrow, or the future you only have NOW!!! Mom, you taught me how to be a little lady when I only thought of wearing jeans and climbing fruit trees, to respect my elders, to believe in God, the father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit and I are one, lay hands on yourself and repeat – Believe by faith and release the pain and sickness to God source of love, say that it is written: Isaiah Chapter 53:5 – My Lord Jesus was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our inequities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him and with his strips we are herald, you taught me to put him first in all my decision making, and he will guide and protect me, you taught me to always be a blessing to others, to never think small, to be a big thinker and make a difference in the world, ask God to awaken his faith within you and trust the higher being that I am, I am May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT that, I am, be the best you can be and in this life you only meet yourself because likeminded birds of a feather flock together, whatever you do in life do it with God’s loving mercy, goodness and compassion, so that it comes back to you a hundred fold because what goes around “will” come back for you it is the law of attraction; mind your own business, treat others as you demand to be treated and accept nothing less, remember that you only have one life to live, and hold others accountable and teach them to be responsible for what they say and do as it relates to you, your feelings and being because real love doesn’t call you names, slam doors, say hurtful things, and is not verbally or physically abusive… Always be creative so that you leave no room for boredom because an idol mind is the devils play ground; and avoid those that come to distract and hinder; and if you and those you hang around lack honor and respect for one another then know that what you allow from the start will only end up a continuation of more of the same; and, get worse! Thanks Mom, you taught me to forgive myself and others, give all disappointments, frustrations and anger to God source of love and all that doesn’t serve my greatest good turn it over to him who can keep me from falling; because

Amazing Women May 2015

his plans for our lives are greater than our plans, and his thoughts are higher than our thoughts. And always know that we are over comers and no matter what; never ever give up on your dream life that God source of the universe has for you. Know that it takes more energy to be angry, bitter, frustrated, disappointed etc., than it takes to be happy in the purpose of your cause in life. It’s all about mindset. Choose to be and feel consistently fantastic, emotionally wonderful at all times because body and emotion are one; and you’re the master over your existence. Don’t ever allow negativity to fester; it’s a killer and infinite God source of love only creates winners. History is always happening; and the seed you scatter and plant will someday be part of the cause that majorly impacts the world. You are valuable so always let your light energy shine because you are good enough! Mother, I can remember as a child when your so called friends thought that I was too active and they came together in agreement, and suggested to you to take me to the doctor to be put on a drug to dull my senses so that I won’t be so hyperactive; and you got so ticked off with them for saying that I needed to be drugged, you told them that all I needed was Jesus and a sometime spanking, and to get the hell out of our house and for as long as we live never to come back and showed them all to the door. And in that moment you were my hero. And for that I am happy and grateful to have had the honor and privilege of you as my Mother; and I thank God for you for standing up for me. In my heart I do believe that if you were here you would be happy to know that I’m no longer hyperactive but instead I’m a first-time author, and I have learned to take that hyperactive energy and put it to good use: playing piano, guitar, writing, and being a creator as you taught me to do. And yes I’m still setting fashion trends … and these are just some of the driving forces that my Mother used as golden rules in my life.

essons from Mom By Dr. Tony Migura

the center of our lives.

oms have many lessons to teach their child as they grow up.

Be yourself. Make friends. Use sunscreen. Dream big. Risk failure. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t swim on a full stomach. My mother, Lorena Migura, has always been a role model to me.

When I was growing up, she was a hands-on mother, and an incredibly driven mother who was determined to provide a path to higher education, success, and a solid work ethic, all while being a highly active participant in it. In doing so, she also showed me how to be an active leader and

contributor in the community and to not just sit by as a passive observer. When I would talk back or do something that disappointed her she showed me how to play good cop and bad cop effectively when dealing with discipline (LOL), but yet she always reminded me that she would love me unconditionally. My mother also passed on the important talent in life of knowing how to cook and most importantly to cook with â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;loveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; as the main ingredient. At the same time, Mom taught us that God was irst but family was a very strong priority, and by eating together regularly each day, a strong bond was created that has been a model for us to emulate. Moreover, she taught me how to love and to show my emotions to the world, and that emotions were something not to be ashamed of as you live your life. Finally and most importantly she gave me my faith in God and taught me that God truly needs to be first and at the center of our lives Dr. Migura, 37, is a pulmonary critical-care doctor. He works in New York for Advanced ICU Care, a St. Louis company that provides monitoring and consultation by doctors via telecommunications to intensive care units in hospitals.

May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT

iberWalky Traditions: 3 Things I Learned from My Mother By Sherry Prindle

ary Prindle was quiet and unassuming at work, but at home she was quite a terror. She had something to say about how we did everything. As the only child, I might have felt victimized by her criticism if she hadn’t had such a good sense of humor about it. I lost her last September and will actually miss is her criticism. It was funny if you saw how compulsive it was and how she was only trying to help. And the best part was that she so often spoke in gibberish.

iny Bubblios in the winey . . . she always sang or hummed or whistled under her breath, and called me the funniest names: Sheraldo, Shorl, Surlymo.

Mom was the youngest of six and mousy until her 20s when she turned into a swan, married a successful chemist and enjoyed 10 years of fun with him before having me. We continued having fun together, and they were married 36 years when he died at age 56. 28

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In choosing three things I learned from her, I could have chosen some of the “what not to do” lessons. We all have those, but what lingers as I remember her is her gibberish, daily walking, and family traditions. Gibberish Mary Poppins was right. Ridiculous words like Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious cheer you up and allow you to gain perspective. I feel like I am singing the score to my life when I twist the sounds into nonsensical syllables. And gibberish

catches on. I called my college friends gibberish names that they liked so much they still use them as email addresses and Twitter handles today. So enjoy this magazine’s AWOPegloskos. Walking Mom said she was unhappy in her 40’s – low energy and motivation. At age 48 she started walking every day. No matter what happened, she walked without fail, even in a snowstorm or around and around the living room if she absolutely couldn’t go out. It was funny to see her parading through the house or piling on the warm clothes to go out. She made friends with the other walkers in the mall and got a daily boost of passion for life. Walking together is what we did every single day I came to visit her. I now walk 15 to 25 thousand steps per day and feel my life is enriched by it and the memories of Mom it brings.

of family traditions adds meaning and provides a yardstick with which to measure time with loved ones. Mom’s time was cut short, but her legacy lives on in the GibberWalky Traditions I perpetuate as her progeny. And on this first Mother’s Day since I lost her, I challenge you to make something sound funny, make a walk or some other habit a daily non-negotiable, make new traditions, and make every day the best you can make it, for yourself and your loved ones.

But it doesn’t have to be walking. Find something you are going to do every day without fail, it will provide structure, motivation, continuity, and discipline. Family Traditions Every Easter morning Mom came into my room saying, “The Easter Bunny’s been here” in a high-pitched voice. We always made omelets for breakfast and had Strawberry Crème eggs with coffee afterward. On Christmas Eve we opened only one present, and it was new pajamas. I brought these traditions to the “families” I have created with friends who continue to do them even after we go our separate paths. It is gratifying to create my own traditions. One Father’s day I was camping with extended “family” when I asked the kids to go into the woods and look for potatoes. I had thrown the remaining contents of a 20-pound bag into the woods thinking I had all I needed. I burnt the first batch in the hot campfire, though, and engaged the kids’ help in retrieving a second batch. As they brought back handfuls of potatoes, I saw wonderment in their eyes and realized they thought that was where potatoes came from – that you gathered them in the woods like mushrooms. We had such a good laugh and started the tradition of potato hunting every Father’s Day. In this age of constant change, a little continuity in the form May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT

on't Take Yourself Too Seriously: Orma Paton By Scott Paton younger sister's death at age seven, changed that as she enrolled in nursing college in Regina. She met her husband, Sandy, when a college friend set her up on a blind date. Dad thought it was love at first sight. Mom wasn't so sure. They dated for 4 years before marrying in November, 1954, when Orma was 21. Mom thinks I am like my Dad as I am always joking and telling stories which no one knows if they are true or not. When I was born, they thought I was the ugliest baby ever! When I was a toddler, though, I made up for it in cuteness and activity. They thought my sister was going to be a boy. She was so big. They didn't have a name picked out (they had a boy's name picked out). If Orma could go back in time she would go back to when we were in university that was so much fun and a great time.

y mother, Orma Paton, was born in southern Saskatchewan, Canada. Her parents, from German and British stock, were born in the late 19th century. Her dad came from Ontario while her mom was born in Nebraska. Her mother was the stricter of the two parents. She was always getting into trouble on their farm on the prairies of Saskatchewan. They grew most of their own food. Carrots, potatoes, beans and corn came from the garden and chickens, pigs and cows were allover the place. During the Great Depression, they received terrible tasting salted fish from Ontario. Orma wanted to be a teacher when she grew up, but her

Amazing Women May 2015

What she loves about her life so far and is grateful for is the time she had with Dad. They were best friends with a wonderful relationship, and had many adventures together. Over time, Orma has changed the way she looks at life/people by not being so critical and becoming more accepting. If Orma could write a message to each of her children and grandchildren and put it in a time capsule for them to read 20 years from now, she would tell them to be honest, treat everyone kindly and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take yourself too seriously. Scott Paton, The Dean Of Blogonomics and Podology, has been Podcasting since March, 2005. His new course, Power Podcasters, has almost 3000 students and 30+ five star reviews. www.PowerPodcasters.com

eason for My Breakthrough

eing a Single Mother has not always been easy for me, but it has been made easier than probably most because of my friend, mentor, #1 fan, role model and biggest supporter, MY MOM, Ossie G. Clay. You see this woman is an extraordinary type of Mother and Nana. She sacrifices

By Regina Clay

remarkable woman that I happen to call “ Mommy” even at 52 years of age.

so much for her family near and far. I have grown up watching a woman who traveled back and forth to North Carolina to care for her mother and then a few years later do the very same thing for her brother. She gives unselfishly of her time, talent and treasure and asks for nothing in return. Let me tell you a little bit about this

Ossie Clay, a 42 year resident of Howard County, has dedicated much of her life to service. Service to others is the very fabric of her life. Her professional career was one of service. She taught in the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) for 25 dedicated and successful years. In her continued quest to be of service to the community, led her to an appointment on the Howard County Commission for Women (HCCW) where she served two- four year terms. Upon completion of her terms in Howard County, the Governor appointed her to serve on the Maryland Commission for Women (MCW) where she also served two four year terms. My mother, as an educator in the HCPSS touched the lives of many students and families. Her former students are today’s leaders serving in a variety of professions at the Local, State and National level. Ossie Clay has stated in her remarks “To have had a small part in helping to shape the future of so many young people is very gratifying.” Perhaps one of her most significant contributions to Howard County has been initiating the Howard County Women’s Hall of May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT Fame (HCWHF). During her time of service on the HCCW she introduced to her fellow commissioners the idea of sponsoring the HCWHF. The commissioners embraced the idea and appointed her to serve as Chairperson to plan and execute the 1st HCWHF. This tradition has been continuing for the last 17 years. During her time at the Maryland Commission for Women (MCW) she chaired many committees. As Chairperson of Education and Dissemination she led a statewideo”Healthy Bones” Awareness program with special emphasis on Osteoporosis. Her service has not been limited to career endeavors, serving on Commission and Boards. She used her talents and leadership skills to work with youth in the community. She served as Teen Advisor of the

Columbia Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Teen Group and most recently as co-leader of Girls Scout USA Central Maryland Troop #580. Additionally, she has held leader ship positions in numerous Education, Civic and Social organizations where she has held membership. Ossie leads and serves from a perspective of a positive, meaningful relationship with others so that together we help to create a better world for all. My mother has been married to my father Jasper R. Clay, Jr. for 53 years and as a result of this union, myself and my younger brother. My mother made sacrifices in her personal career but finds being able to raise children as one of her greatest accomplishments. She has recently become a Nana of two beautiful grandchildren, Alisa and Antonio and this is where she has been

so instrumental in my life. She supports me with my children on a “daily” basis and this is why I count her as the reason why I was able to “Breakthrough” in so many areas in my life. She never let me get down on myself and continued to encourage me no matter how many missteps I took. I count my mother an “Amazing Woman of Power and I am excited that she is included in this special edition.

School of Divinity.

Regina Clay grew up in Columbia, Maryland. She received her B.A. degree in Communications from the University of Virginia and her Master of Divinity degree from Howard University

Public Speaking and Leadership have always been in Regina’s DNA since she was 11 years old. Regina was invited at the age of 16 to speak at the Department of Health and Human Services for their Martin Luther King Jr. program. Regina is an ordained minister and has had numerous preaching and teaching assignments throughout the Eastern Region. Regina is described as a teacher extraordinaire and has the ability to WOW her audience. Regina captures the unique gift of speaking extemporaneously and can be called on at any time to speak to women, corporate executives, youth, Government staff and faith based organizations. Regina is a student of Dellatorro McNeal’s Platinum Platform Speakers Training. She is currently the host of the “Single Mom Breakthrough Radio Show” on the Amazing Women of Power Radio Network. Throughout all of her life and through every obstacle, Regina has possessed fortitude to transform her life and she teaches others how to do the same. REGINA CLAY, TRANSFORMING LIVES LIKE A POTTER TRANSFORMS CLAY reginamclay@gmail.com; 443-992-8131

Amazing Women May 2015

wo Moms are Better Than One

ome are blessed to have a wonderful mother. I was blessed to have two, one who birthed me, and one who raised me.

They were sisters so on this Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, I send my love to these two beautiful ladies Mattie Eliza Booker

By Portia Grifffin

Griffin and April Lee Booker Brown. May you rest in Gods love ... always your daughter Natalie Portia Griffin. Happy Mother's Day to my daughter Tamiika Marshay Glover. Mommie loves you to LIFE!!! May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT

hat Makes a Mom ... By Peggy Knudson Before they could load up again, the youngest, Margaret at only 1.5 years old fell into a irrigation ditch and developed pneumonia. No way can you take a young child that sick across the country – so Margaret was left with her grandparents, while my Mother, and her sister and brother were taken to Chicago and unceremoniously dumped at the orphanage – never to see any family again. At age 18 – the kids were told to leave, old enough to live on their own.

t’s certainly more than just giving birth. How do we learn to mother? By example or simple love?

I can say from personal experience, it must be simple love. My mother, Dorothy Putnam, lost her father at age 5 and her mother by age 9. She and her 3 siblings found themselves living with a step-father that wanted nothing to do with them. He loaded all the kids up and took them from Iowa to their Mother’s family in California. While there, they decided all the kids should be put in an Orphanage and for whatever reason, chose Chicago where there was a Catholic Orphanage. 34

Amazing Women May 2015

Growing up in this particular facility, well before children had any “rights” and before abuse of children was acknowledged – was not an easy ride. Oh the stories she would tell me as I got old enough to understand. It was not a pretty or happy childhood. Mom met my Dad a few years later… and wouldn’t you know it, he also had a parentless childhood. He was placed in an Orphanage himself – in Iowa – where he was adopted out in the middle of the night to a single man who claimed to be a Baptist Minister. He was NO mad of GOD. My father found he experienced much of the same abuse and neglect my mother had growing up. I’m sure it was a big factor in their relationship. I bring this tidbit about my Dad to the story to illustrate that neither of

my parents had ever been parented. They had no parents. People in their lives but no one to love and nurture them– all the things parents do to make us what we are as adults. So back to my original question…. What makes a Mom? Mine had no example to follow as she had never had a real Mom for the majority of her life. But she had love in her that was unlimited. She put her terrible childhood behind her, worked hard and did her very best to raise me and my sister and two brothers the best she could. She was an incredible women that I learned so very much from – and I would not be the person I am today without her. Thanks Mom – love you and remember you every single day. Peggy Knudson is the owner of Outstanding Virtual Assistance, providing varying levels of business support and technology consultation. She works out of her home at 8000’ in Pagosa Springs, Colorado along with her assistant, aka hubby Murray and four furry felines, Bob, Bentley, Gandalf and Merlin.

ssie Reed

talk about my mother a lot. Being a mama's boy and all I asked my mother what was it she did to make me the man I am today? She answered, she thinks she taught us (my brother and I) well. One of the things that sealed the deal was we had to maintain good grades as we entered public school having been in private school for the 1st years of primary school.

Remembering when I was just 5 years old, I my mom was single. We had just moved into a new home and I noticed my dad wasn't with us. This was when I noticed how mom just took it upon herself to manage our home and get my brother and I in private school. Mom had a full time job with a major utility company but she also was up every night sewing clothes for other folks. Little did I know she was earning extra money the pay the bills being a single mother?

By Ced Reynolds

As I moved up in age, I noticed mom had a male friend who she worked with that was quite a nice guy. I really thought the word of him. He would attend our baseball games, basketball games and he made the nicest Po Boy sandwiches in the world. You talk about an instigator that was me. I was instrumental in my mother marrying my step father. At 11 years old, I said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;You know, if you married my mom, you could have a key to the house.â&#x20AC;? Of course my mother almost blew her top. I mean she couldn't believe I would say something like that. Lo and behold, my step father did propose to my mother shortly thereafter and we became a new family. One think about my mother was she was always consistent. She didn't put up with mess and she expected the best from my brother and me. Even the way we talked was different than our friends and family. Mom would correct us all the May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT time. It got to the point where we were so proper that our friends and family thought something was wrong with us.

but she does get out of the country about once or twice a year.

For years I watched my mother model consistency with just two companies in her entire career as an employee. She continued to progress in management and eventually retired after 25 years at 52 years old with full benefits. I mean this was an amazing thing to me because I was an adult and fully understood that what she had just done was a feat that many people weren't able to do.

Her closing thoughts were:

Today at 74 years old, Essie Reed is still retired but lives a life full of vigor and vitality. It's hard keeping up with her schedule today even as it was back in the day. Mom and my step dad were retired at the same time and while he was alive (until December 1996), they put together cruises and they traveled the world together. Even as my step dad passed away, mom continued to help folks put together cruises and she doesn't travel as much

Amazing Women May 2015

1. How well she protected her integrity 2. For her life to have mattered as she passed through it 3. Faithful servant until the end 4. For her children to set an example for their children Entrepreneurial Pastor who empowers believers to evangelize everywhere everyday via social media.

o You, Mother It takes a strength unchallenged for successful motherhood, To teach a child abilities to deal with all life's moods. On this day I give my thanks to you with respect and honesty For all the love of motherhood you shared unselfishly. 'Tis truly quite remarkable the strength which you endure, Much more is god's blessing to me To have been yours, dear Mother!

By Norma T. Hollis Norma T. Hollis is a prolific, multi-gifted, transformational artist who expresses herself as a trainer, speaker and coach. She channels her passionate belief in the human spirit into programs and practices that help people find, live and share the spirit that lives within. As an Authenticity Expert, Normaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work builds healthy mindsets, expands purpose and creates practices that produce healthy, productive and authentic contributors to society. Norma is author of numerous books and programs on authenticity including the founder of the Authenticity Assessment (www.AuthenticityAssessment.com), the Global Authenticity Movement and Authenticity Games. Coaching@NormaHollis.com

f all the things in life endearing to the heart. A Mother's love's essential to give life the

right start.

A Mother's role's not easy, you could say it is a trip, 'Cause life just keeps on changing and the rules get changed a bit. So the rules you learned some years ago are no longer those that win, 'Cause life just keeps on changing and the roles of mothers bend. And mother's lives get trying too, you just don't know what's what But you pray and keep on hanging in and sharing mother love. May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT

y Mom, Proverbs 31 By Mary Smith-Moore neat, never a hair, out of place, even then I was so proud of her!!!! Everywhere she went she turned heads. I feel my mom's love for her family stems from her childhood, and not feeling loved. She spent time with her dad and his new wife but still that was not the same as having your real parents under the same roof, her own complete family.

y Mom, Georgia W. Garrett, was born October 18, 1936, In Canton, MS her parents, were separated when my mom was a young girl, I think that had a very devastating effect on my mom, Her older brother and sister had a different dad, them my grandma's next 4 children had a different dad also, so in a way I think she felt alone and that she never really fit in. But my mom was beautiful inside and out, I remember when my mom would come to school, dressed so nice, her hair was flowing and always 38

Amazing Women May 2015

Mom was raised in the south, Canton Mississippi, back in the 30's - can you imagine the prejudice, A young dark skin girl, with two older light skin siblings, My mom started doing household chores at a very early age to help my grandmother, with her additional 4 children, she cared for her younger brothers and sisters, washed and ironed their clothes by hand, combed their hair, and drag a chair aroundimagine with toareach cabinets, the stove, cooked their food, child the so small she had to the sugar and flour but she never complained when telling her story. She always got A's in school, played sports such as baseball and basketball. Once again she excelled, I know she was an awesome player because when I was a child I saw my mom play baseball, she was always the first one chosen by the neighborhood teams. She could hit and throw they called her Mighty Joe Jr,. played cards you name it she played and won! She had so many trophies. My mom taught me how to jump rope, regular and double Dutch, play jacks, shoot marbles, and do the yo-yo, hop scotch and throw the spinning top. She had healing hands, I remember two injuries that, should have left me badly scared, but till this day unless I point them out, you can tell that an injury took place. I got hit in the fore head with a baseball bat and burned my hand very badly playing with a red hot poker. Thinking on it she had magic hands they could do anything, cook, grow flowers, do hair, heal, she was a combo platter, two snaps and a circle. A strong faith in God I always said she had His

private number and was very intuitive, there was this time after Clarence and I had first moved to Houston L'shion our first born had gotten very sick and had been hospitalized, that night after we had gotten home from the hospital my mother called to say hello, Mary what's wrong with my baby, no one had called her, We were not going to call until we found out what was wrong, they were still running tests. There was this game I would play with myself, I would sit in school and think about what I wanted for dinner, and when I got home it would be made, the first time was cabbage, sweet potatoes, corn bread, fried chicken with a peach cobbler, like magic, everything was there. Her love for people that equaled only God's, her kindness knew no boundaries. Georgia had so much self-esteem, for all the reasons that she had for self-pity, low self-esteem, to live in forgiveness, and bitterness, my mom did not let her circumstances keep her stuck. She was the Phoenix Rising. I remember when I was 8 or 9 I got this organ for Christmas, it was the neatest thing it was a real miniature organ, I was trying to to play these two songs but I had never heard them before so I could not get the beat, she knew the songs Ava Maria, and Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes, she always repeated, What does not kill you makes you strong Frederick Nietzsche my Canton, Mississippi Mom., where did she get it? She loved games shows, all of them Jeopardy, Concentration, Wheel of Fortune, Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Make A Deal, she was so good!!!!. My Mom really stood out to me when I was in high school. When basement parties were the rage, my parties were the best. Mothers had to come and get their daughters, cause all the basketball players, football players, and all around hotties would be there, my mom serving food

homemade Tacos, Chimichanga Chips, Dips, her best recipe punch, that my friends would spike lol.. I did the Air Fro, but when I saw corn rolls in a magazine I thought they were so pretty but my hair was kinky and I did not want the natural hair version, so my mom pressed my hair then corn rolled it, it was beautiful, But how did she know how to do that??? I am going to say one more thing, I think my mom's marriage to my dad was arranged, my aunt Mary's husband my Uncle Walter, was my dad's uncle, my dad was much older than my mom....makes you want to go hmmmm. I will go more into that in my next article. I was fortunate enough to have two awesome mothers and great women of Faith, my mother-in-law Rose Mary Moore. Both are gone now, but put so much into my life, Mom 2 raised 5 kids after the separation from Clarence's dad. Went to the rival high school Washington my high school while her children went to Roosevelt, got her diploma went on to college Purdue Calumet University where she graduated Magna cum Laude...So until my next article Rose Mary Moore and Georgia Marlene Garrett-Smith, Who Can Find A Virtuous Woman? For Her Price Is Far Above Rubies Things My Mom Taught Me: My Love God and Faith In God...You can do all things through God Who Strengthens You. Love your family unconditionally The Mother should Never out Dress Her Kids, Everyone Should Be Dressed To The Nines, From the bath to your shined shoes lol Self Respect, Self Esteem, And To Respect Others If They Let You. You Can Do Bad By Yourself.... Mary Smith- Moore, Talk Show Host Of The Year 2014 3 Time Talk Show Winner 2013 Author, CD Producer, Creator of 5 Fabulous F's To Take You From Just Surviving To Thriving Strategy Sessions On Faith and Forgiveness For The Wounded Heart Speaker and Member Of 3 Mastermind s mary7god@aol.com; 832 526 8825

May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT

rom Foster Child to Mommy of the Year hurt their hearts, especially since they all ended up being split up after it was determined that no one in the family could take all three girls.

t was a hard knocks life for my mom, Olivia Davis, growing up in foster care after her mother died in a fatal car accident. Despite her mother (my grandmother) not always treating her and her sisters as a mother should, they loved her dearly and cherished the fun times they had together. So you can imagine, how much the loss of their mother 40

Amazing Women May 2015

Based on her experience in the foster care system, my mom had no choice but to figure things out on her own. Having dropped out of high school (later earned her GED) and finding herself at the age of 18 years old, excited about the right to vote and both anxious and eager to be a mom to her first born child (my sister). With no real life role models or examples of what a family should look like, she took her cues from Television shows she watched. Creating fun, simple, yet incredible family traditions for us like: going to the Drive-In movies, eating dinner together every night, having family outings, playing board games, and making things like

By L.J. Jackson

our very own glazed donut holes! While these family traditions provided us with great memories, there were many challenges we faced as a young family. A lot of which was due to the gap in knowledge my mom had from having to grow up fast- with her own needs from her painful past unaddressed and unmet. So for a long period of time, we felt angry and silently distant from our mom, wondering what went wrong; resulting in us, feeling a lack of love, connection, and like oil and water when we tried to do things together as a family later on. The good news is that we didn’t give up on each other and our relationships began to mend when our mother asked us for forgiveness and was willing to be open and honest with us. The funny thing is we’ve grown so close that both my sister and I enjoy our relationship and time with our mother so much, that we don’t like going a day without having at least one conversation, if not two or three with her. We’re so proud of her for doing the best she knew how to do, to raise us with the few tools she had, and for growing both personally and professionally as she’s pursued her

mission in life: to give care to those who need it! Having pursued her goal of working in the medical field, and becoming a Medical Assistant; going on to Property Management, owning her own Daycare, and now pursuing her current goals as an Entrepreneur. If she were to write an autobiography of her life thus far, it would be broken into four main parts: Learning (Learn from others), Teaching (Teach others), Walking (Walk with others), and Listening (Listening to others). I’ve learned many things from my mom, but here are the top 3 things I want to thank her for. I learned and gained the value of Integrity, by hearing her say these simple phrases that you may have heard yourself, “God don’t like ugly.’ ‘What goes around comes around.” I also learned the value of

Hospitality from our southern roots and her teaching me to “Treat people like you want to be treated”. And last, but not least, I learned Creativity from watching her model how to have fun, love, and laughter with both friends, family, and neighbors before “Design on a Dime” was ever invented. And this year, she’s earned our Mommy of the Year award for being the best mom ever in providing us with comfort, guidance, wisdom, and support as we’ve faced setbacks, upsets, and experienced the loss of five family members in the past five months.

Connect with L.J. Jackson, M.S., P.P.S, CMC at www. personalpowerwithin. com. Women’s Empowerment Expert Coach and Mentor with 20 years of experience helping others save their dreams and restore hope to their heart. L.J. is a certified MasterSuccess Coach, certified Master-NLP Coach, and a Strategic Interventionist trained through Tony Robbins’ official life coach training program. She also uses her experience as a School Counselor and credentialed School Psychologist, to assist women in understanding themselves and their children in K-12 and beyond.

Words can’t express how grateful and appreciative we are to have you as our mom. Thank you and Happy Mother’s Day!

http://redcarpetinterviewsecrets.com/icon

May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT

emorable Moments of Expressions

hen it comes to the first love of your life, most of us will agree with our mother. That loving being, filled with patience and understanding. The one that always comes through, regardless of her own condition. That fighting spirit that does not measure time in hours, or affection in levels, or kindness with actions. A mother is the guardian every newborn deserves and she will be there day and night, even when you get so tall that you can reach the top shelf by your own means. Sadly, the same levels of happiness a mother will make you feel will be just as strong as those of despair and loneliness one feels when she eventually and inevitably leaves us alone to go through the next phases of our lives. So, what is there to 42

Amazing Women May 2015

By Lorena Douglas do when we are suddenly facing the world by ourselves? When the date comes and you have to face your first and continued days of MotherÂ´s Day without your mother, I would subject you to wake up and take a little time for yourself, think about your favorite thing about her until it brings a smile to your face. When you have reached that point, maintain that image and take a couple of deep breaths to really let the memory sink in. It is not a crime to cry, but if you manage to build a positive memory form this, you will have a great start in your day and you will get to enjoy a different kind of experience. This is a long process and one may not be able to actually see how possible it is to move on until a considerable amount of time and grieving has passed. Adjusting to a new situation requires to go through the hardest moments of it. There is no magic formula to get rid of the process or to jump ahead in time and successfully feel like wounds have healed. Coping with a loss and it is never set in stone, every person deals with it in a different manner. In this case, we will be focusing on how to face a rough date when you have lost your mother. So This year May, 2015 I wanted to share this Mothers Day with my family sharing our memorable moments with our mother. Maybe it will help bring healing and a way to reflect back and bring a smile, joy in our hearts together. So when we all read this for years to come and share it with our children, children for ever. A family of 15 two sibling have one to be with our parents in heaven Curtis Jr. And Isaiah. Memorable moment (Lorena), She always would invent a new dish when we did not have what she needed in the house to cook and it was soâ&#x20AC;Ś good

we would ask her to make it again and again. We were eating hamburger helper before it came in a box. I would always tell mom that she should of been rich because, she was making already making hamburger helper growing up. She would just smile and look away. She taught us values, self respect, pride, and respect others. How to have faith in God, and all that we do no matter what. Believe in yourself, motivation and a creative mind and how to hold onto our dreams, no matter what anyone would say. Be the best you can be. She would tell me that my dreams and visións are beyond where I lived. She was always my best friend, my mom who always understood me and my solid rock. My favorite memorable time with mom, I would call her or send her an invitation in the mail asking her for a date (special time) she would get so tickled and she would be so excited to go. Especially when I have taken her to see Dottie Peoples in concert she was so excited she loved Dottie. And on Mother’s Day I would take flowers to her and we would plant them in her flower bed in front of the house. I started doing that because she would say, let me enjoy my flowers know while I am alive, don't wait until I’m gone to bring me flowers. So I made that a part of my Mother Day gift to her from then on. Everyone would gather at mom's house on a nice summer night on the porch and just talk and laugh with each other. Love you too, mom… Memorable moment (Donald), My best friend and I my mother during the holidays she’d make the best lemon meringue pies. One Thanksgiving she made 8 pies me and my friend ate 5 of those pies she got so mad at us you could never just eat a piece of pie it was just that good love you mom miss you... Memorable moment (Anna), When I would come home to visit mom and I would always arrive late, she would be up cleaning. I am doing that because I knew everyone would be gone home and that I would be able to have my special time with her and I would get special treatment from moma as well as special moments that I did not have to share her with anyone else. We would be talking and laughing all night. When I went to bed, she would wake me up in the middle of the night cleaning and I would tell her to go to bed and we would

laugh about it. She would always make what I called her concoction dish. We would be laughing and talking, she would just say try it. It was baked beans, hot dogs, hamburger green beans all mixed together and it was da..ng good. I only had it once and never had it again. Memorable moment (Robert), My Mother's inspiration to me, is when we laugh and cook, stay up through the night until we exhausted, fixing holiday meals for the family. And to do the taste test for perfection, and to this day I still do the same, by saying what is missing as if she was here today and what is missing today is my Mother We clean the house together and move furniture around for a different look, late nights when everyone is sleeping, in the morning we look at what's next. We clean around the house, and then go shopping for two hours and then we rest for the day. I thank God for the good inspirations that my Mother have and able to share with me, and others who would be inspired by elders with luxuries like my Mother. Memorable moment (Douglas), The times that momma and her friend roasted a hog. It was an aloha pig roast and we were up all night roasting a whole hog and we made a pit in the ground. And everyone would come by asking how long before the pig would be ready and we laughed and talked to everyone all night. The aroma of the pig everyone made you mouth water we could not wait until it was done and he made a special sauce that was put on the meat and we sold pork sandwiches it was so…. Good we sold out quickly. So we roasted a pig whole summer. Best times ever.. Momma and I would go to the store and I would pick on some people in fun not hate and we would laugh she would tell me boy you need to quit. We would ride the country side and go to yard sales it was fun times. Memorable moment (Cecil), Mama was my backbone, when I had problems I would lay on her lap and she would rub my forehead and make me feel better. And in the mornings I would go to help her clean and she would tell me boy move out the way and chase with the broom. But I would help her anyway see would give in and we started cleaning just laughing and talking. May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT On Saturdays we would go rummage shopping then go to the video store and get movies. We loved those days. Memorable moment (Elnora), I use to call her yo - momma. I stayed around the corner from her, then she would come to the door to see who was calling her, and we would laugh at each other. After that when I would call her yo-momma she would look for me every day and come to the door with a pickle in her mouth. She loved the pickles that we would buy that was in those big jars at the corner store.. The good old days, indeed. Memorable moment (Milliecent), When momma would be chewing licorice without her teeth and she would make the duck lips! It was hilarious and funny; we would be laughing so hard. In addition, we loved to go to momma house; she had every cartoon you could think of. Best of all she would sit down with us and watch them with the grandchildren and laugh just as hard as all the kids laugh. That brings back the good old memories. Memorable moment (James), When mom would get upset I would call her speak, teasing her, calling her spike, that spike have come out better get out of her way. Mama would start laughing most of the time. I loved to make her laugh and keep a smile on her face. Love to you and mom. Memorable moment (Dan), It was one time momma she said a had come over it was about almost sunset to the house, she had brought me some food to eat she tell me she cooked too much. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve told her you live in that big old house by yourself and you cooked too much and I would joke with her about it. That day she told me she wanted to get home before it gets dark because I did not want to hit nobody. The next day she told me she did all most did hit somebody on her way home, she has always done something hilarious, funny to me. I loved every day with her it was just amazing. She was the most amazing mom that I know and I love her for that. Memorable moment (Dale), I remember when one day I was talking with her. I always talked with mom when I needed to talk to someone. She gave me a white Bible just before she passed. She said to me, son read this Bible every day. And she also told me when you're having a tough time read this Bible and we 44

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had started reading the Bible together. Mama has been always there when you needed her the most to comfort us. One that I will always remember. Memorable moment (John), She was a wonderful mom she raised us all alone from what I can remember. She was always there for us in hard times or any time, my baby bro and I had been her best kids. She made sure that we all had what was most important. We all have her heart in different ways. She will always be the other woman in my life for always and forever. Love you mom till the next time. Memorable moment (Vernon), I remember all the board games we would all play together, stay up all night having a lot of fun. She loved putting puzzles together everyone would come in and start working on the puzzle with her talking having family time together. However, most of all my special time with her we would stay up all night me and mom playing a game she would teach me Back Gamble then beat me. Now I realized she was teaching me life lessons to learn the game and play to win in life. I will always love you for that mom. In closing, through the rest of the day, many obstacles will arise, but if your memory is strong enough, you can handle whatever comes your way. The objective is to feel that what made you and your mother close lingers, and this is a fact. There is nothing that can make us forget the warm embrace of a mother, the delicious meals and the way she always sacrificed her time and space to make us into the person we are now. A mother will always be there for us, even when it seems we are alone against the world. She will listen and you will be able to feel her near you. destinydrivenradio@gmail. com; 770-376-5988

ribute to My Mother By Linda Hollander and on the way home, she said, “I’m going to spoil this dog rotten.” She cared for him and loved him for 13 years.

She also taught me to have empathy and compassion for others. One Thanksgiving, she insisted that we have a soldier over for dinner. He didn’t really say much, but I think he really lossom Rose Hollander was appreciated being with a family at an amazing mother. We Thanksgiving had art parties for the She did wonderful local kids. She was at every stained glass, one of my school plays. She took me needlepoint, quilting to Brownies and Girl Scouts. I’m sure and beaded flowers. she had to sit through a lot of boring Any creativity that I birthday parties, but she was always have and appreciation there for me. of beauty is because I was a painfully shy child and she of her. She encouraged wanted me to have friends. One day my artistic talents and I we were in front of the house and a even majored in art in girl named Rhonda passed by. She college.\ said, “Rhonda, would you like to play I met my best friend with Linda?” Rhonda and I became at 13 and she took inseparable childhood friends and Sheryl in as another still keep in touch to this day. In fact, daughter. When I recently went to Rhonda’s wedding. Sheryl and I started When we got our first family dog, our bag business and Skippy, we picked him up as a puppy

we did our first trade show in San Diego, she and my father took the train down to be there for us. When I did my first Women’s Small Business Expo in Palm Springs, she was there for me as a constant source of love and support. When I bought my first house, she got down on her hands and knees and showed me how to plant beautiful flowers in my front yard. Recently, I introduced her to one of my new girlfriends and she brought a photo of me as a child on Santa’s lap to show her. She was always so proud of me and made lots of gifts for my friends.

May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT My father made sure that my mom had a great life. She had a beautiful home and my parents traveled the world to Europe, Bali, Russia, China, the Greek Islands and had many amazing adventures. My mom and dad also taught me what true love and devotion is. My mother loved my dad and she would do anything for him. How many people get to spend 53 years with the love of their life? When my mom got sick, my dad didn’t just visit my mom in the hospital for a few hours. He spent all day and night in a small hospital room with my mom day after day. He came at 8:00am in the morning and didn’t leave until 10:00pm at night. He gave up his life for her. She never had to wait more than 5 minutes for a glass of water, a neck massage, or someone to hold her hand and let her know that she wasn’t alone. She never was alone, ever. I’m the oldest daughter and the first born child in the family. After I was born, my father took some time off work. Then he had to go back to the office, and it was the first time my mother was alone with a newborn baby. She said, “Bob, I’m scared. I don’t know what to do with this baby.” Well, she did just fine. I want to go back and tell young Blossom she had nothing to worry about. She was an amazing mother and her life was a legacy of beauty, devotion and love. I know her spirit will be with me for the rest of my life. Blossom Rose passed away in 2010 and I think about her every day. As 46

Amazing Women May 2015

J.K. Simmons said when he accepted his Supporting Actor Oscar, "If you're lucky enough to have a parent or 2 alive on this planet, call them. Don't text. Don't email. Call them and tell them that you love them. Thank them and listen to them for as long as they want to talk to you."

Linda Hollander has been featured by Inc. Magazine as the leading expert on corporate sponsorship. She is the CEO of Sponsor Concierge, author of Corporate Sponsorship in 3 Easy Steps and the founder of the Sponsor Secrets Seminar. Her corporate sponsors have included Citibank, Fed Ex, Health Net, American Airlines, Bank of America, Staples, Wal Mart and IBM. She consults with businesses on how to increase their profits and get sponsors.

y Mother and I By Kim Fuller

was 8 years old and went with my two older sisters to pick plums from the trees that lined our streets. These very ripe red plums were going to be cooked and as my motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s turned them into her famous plum jelly. We were half way around the block when my sister swung the pole to knock the plums from the tree and the pole struck my face. Blood splattered everywhere and I fell backwards. My other sister scooped me up and we ran home, as I hold my face in pain, with the front of my shirt and shorts and pooling in my shoes turning my ruffled white socks a dark crimson red. My mother came to the door and saw me covered in blood. She moved quickly to get me an ice pack, into the car and off we headed to the emergency room. She held my hand, told me stories and even sang to me while I was being examined. I left the hospital with a butterfly bandage over my nose and a rubber glove filled with ice. That is my mother, calm and collected under pressure, always nurturing and supportive. Having girls, I am the youngest of 3, allowed her to immerse us in activities she enjoyed most; indoors games, shopping, cooking and talking/ debating. My mother taught me how to play speed, bid whist, solitaire, May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT concentration, and spades, but I failed to learn pinochle or bridge. During high school my friends would visit and we looked forward to playing games all night with my mother. One night during a game of Pictionary, my friend drew a hand with a large thumb. My mother’s guessed, “A man with a big thumb like my husband.” We laughed for hours at that response. A few days earlier my father had hurt his hand and his thumb was swollen. The actual answer in the game was hitch hiker. She has a great sense of humor. After I finished college my mother decided to explore the Northwest and I joined her on a mother daughter drive to Seattle, WA. We chuckled about the signage in Oregon being literal…Jump off Jack Road in Grants Pass had a small bridge over a creek. We learned more about each other, including our mutual fear of heights. This driving adventure was a few years after the eruption of Mount St Helens and the damage from the lava that spewed out of the volcano was now a tourist attraction. I asked her to go with me on a helicopter ride tour from above, her response, NO. “I’m still recovering from the drive up here because these winding roads have no safety rail.” Once we arrived in Seattle, we went downtown and boarded a train to tour the city. The train went one stop and the conductor said, “Everybody off, last stop.” We looked around puzzled as all of the passengers who boarded with us left the train. We still don’t understand why people get on that train. Holidays are relevant in our family. All of my memories of my mom include her cooking at family events. The process starts with her calling to discuss the menu in detail and which type of dinnerware and who will be joining as guests. She calls me because I appreciate those types of detailed conversations and we can talk for hours. A few years ago, we spent hours each week discussing my older sister’s wedding plans and even went shopping for her registry, without her, just because it’s fun to us. As time has gone on, my mom has allowed us to take some of the responsibility for preparing and cooking family meals. She takes this time to sit and enjoy her friends and family members. The transition to letting us take on more responsibility has not been seamless, occasionally her showing up in the kitchen and us having to ask her to go sit down. She continues to give her opinion and instructions along the way. Her need to be a leader and in control of 48

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situations are still intact, a role that I have taken on as well. For Mother’s Day, I invited my mother as a featured guest on my radio show. It didn’t take long for me to realize that even with all of our hours of conversation there was still more opportunities to connect with each other. I learned my mother’s interest in education started in grade school when a black woman substituted in her class wearing a white jacket with a crest on the lapel. My mom instantly identified with this teacher. This lady’s presence and her attire left quite an impression on my mom at a time when there weren’t role models with her same color skin. This career choice to become a teacher supported her life journey to make an impact on the lives of children. I asked; “What is the one problem she would like to solve?” Her answer, “…every child deserves to have a happy healthy childhood...” My mom was the first Black principal in Merced city school district. Today she is retired. Her journey from Jersey City, NJ brought her to a slower pace of life in rural Merced County, CA. She has adjusted very well, volunteering her time to this community through different organizations including; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, Black Catholics Society, Red Cross, National Council of Negro Women, Ebony Socialites and Multicultural Connections. My fondest moments with my Mom are times we spend on the phone and video conferencing each week. This has replaced the many childhood breakfasts that we shared. My mom is my biggest cheerleader from dance class to playing instruments. My friends know her well and enjoy her company as much as I do. I admire my mother and the love, joy, stability and connection we have. I hope that I can maintain that type of emotional connection with my daughter. My Mom is my hero. I am so proud and blessed to have her in my life. For you, Mom, all my love. Kim Fuller is a Certified Life Coach, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Radio Show host, Author, and Solo Mom. She is founder and CEO of Fuller Life Concepts, Inc., personal coaching to women entrepreneurs and small business owners. She works with clients who struggle with getting important tasks on their to-do list done. She shows clients how to create systems for life and business, implement strategies to stay accountable to their goals and maintain the mindset needed to be successful.

Ways My Mom Made Me Who I am Today By Kim Acedo, MS, CHWC

y mom is one special woman. Ask anyone who’s ever met her. This Mother’s Day, I’d like to share the five biggest ways my mom has helped me be a better person. I owe a lot of where I am today to the woman my mom has become in her own time. Always leading by example, my mom is a phenomenal woman. 1. Her Happiness My mom is one of the friendliest women I know. In fact, I haven't met anyone who doesn't love my mom. How could you not? Her smile lights up a room. My mom’s charm comes so naturally for her now, but it didn’t always. What changed is that she improved some situations in her life and as a result started to become happier. Watching her TRANSFORM from an unhappy person into a happy person has shown me how the JOY in my own life can be used to positively impact others, just as she touches each person she meets with her smile. 2. Her Work Ethic My mom is one of the hardest workers May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT I know. She’s always been. However, there’s one thing to work hard at your job, and there’s another to take great pride in your work. Not only does she work hard, but she does an exemplary job. She goes above and beyond the call of duty because that’s the kind of person she is. Plus, if she’s done with her work, you better believe she’s going to find someone who is having a hard time and go and help them. What’s more, she is always on time to work and brings a positive attitude, no matter the circumstance. Because of her example, I have learned that you can love your work and your work can love you back, bringing you a sense of purpose and accomplishment day in and day out. 3. Her Healthy Lifestyle My mom is has been borderline diabetic for several years. My grandma was diabetic. It runs in our family. However, my mom has managed her health through regular exercise and being aware of what she eats. Both of my parents have been regular gymgoers since I was little. I’ve had a gym membership since I was old enough to have one. As a kid, spending hours at the gym every week with my parents was a huge reason why I went into Exercise Science. I became fascinated with human movement back then and I still am to this day. Thank you Mom AND Dad for exposing me to exercise so long ago! 4. Her Cooking Skills My mom is one phenomenal cook! Ask anyone who has tried her famous ribs. 50

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But ribs aren’t the only thing my mom can make. Amazingly, she can make Chinese food, Mexican food, Italian food – you name it, she can make it! And boy is it good! In fact, ever since I was able to put “real” food in my mouth as a baby, I was exposed to so many different foods and flavors. There’s even a funny story that goes around in my family of me gnawing on a rubbery octopus leg at the dinner table when I was a teething baby! I now feel very fortunate to be an adult who enjoys a variety of foods and loves to cook just like my mom. I’ve learned so much by just observing her skills in the kitchen (with the occasional taste when she wasn’t looking). More importantly, my mom rarely served a meal that wasn’t accompanied by healthy vegetables. To this day, you’ll rarely (let’s just say, never) find me serving a dish without vegetables. Thanks Mom for starting me off right! 5. Her Courage My mom came to this country when she was 18 years old with a 9th grade education and knew very little English. She wanted an opportunity for a better life than she had in Taiwan in an emotionally unhealthy home. When she arrived in the U.S., she learned English by watching soap operas in the afternoon while my dad was taking college classes. She also got a job and learned how to drive. My mom’s courage has inspired me to go for it, to take a chance, and to seize opportunities even if I’m scared. Like her, I trust that it will bring out the best in me and allow me to inspire other women to pursue a better life.

Thank you, Mom, for everything you ever were, are, and will yet be. I Love You! I bet your mom is/was a phenomenal woman in her own way too. How has/ did YOUR mom helped make you into the woman YOU are today? Kim Acedo believes that a healthy life is a life you’ll love! She partners with women in their 50’s who are ready, willing and able to make a healthy change in their lives and coaches them toward improving their Sleep, Food, Mood, and Exercise habits so that they can live a healthier and more joyful life. Kim has a Master’s degree in Exercise Science, is a Certified Health & Wellness Coach, and is the owner of Transformation Wellness for Women where she works with her clients virtually in the comfort of their own home or office. Learn more: www.TransformationWellnessForWomen.com

s Much as I was Loved: Hoping to Love My Son as Much as My Mom Loved Me

By Janie Lidey

May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT

hat if we could choose the woman we got to have for our mom? Some people believe that we do choose our parents before we are born and while I can’t say for sure how it happens, I do know that if I were to pick the lady I would want for my mother, I would pick Phyllis Anne Sykes all over again! My mom, Phyllis Ann Sykes, was born in Medford Massachusetts in1930 to Ernest and Helen Brown. They were a happy three-some until a trip to Northern Maine left my mom and Gram Helen plagued with Tuberculosis. After drinking the raw milk of an infected cow, they each had to spend time in isolation at separate sanitariums for TB patients. My mom was in the san as she calls it from age two to age six, and her TB afflicted her in the eyes which left her blind for almost four years! During those years she didn’t get to see her parents except for the rare occasion when her mom was allowed to come for a visit. I remember the poem Gram Helen shared with me when I was little about how she felt when she was able to go and see her baby girl. Years later, I added a few verses to it and we became co-authors in this little poem about the love of a mother for her daughter and a child for her mom. Did you ever cry because you were happy And not because you were blue That’s what I did today baby darlin’ When I first saw you For two weeks long I have missed you Your kisses and your sweet charm My heart just filled overflowing When I held you again in my arms Yes I have cried because I was happy And not because I was blue That’s what I did when I first read this Because I love your baby darlin’ too And I know that she’s still your baby But now she’s also a mom And my heart just fills overflowing 52

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When I hold her each day in my arms Written by Helen Mildred Brown in 1932 Edited by Janie Louise Sykes Lidey in1979 Mum got out of the sanitarium just before she turned six years old. She never fully regained her sight so she was unable to get a driver’s license and now, at the age of eighty-five, her sight is almost completely gone again. But Mum always says how fortunate she feels to have been able to see her beautiful children grow up. My parents met each other when they were in Kindergarten and I think they have been truly, madly and deeply in love ever since. They married in 1951, had 6 children, (Bobby passed at 7 weeks of age) have 7 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and have been happily married for 64 years! On Valentine’s Day, 2015, they were voted Prom Queen & King at their assisted living home in Arizona. I have so many favorite memories about growing up with the best mom ever! My little sister Carol and I shared a bedroom when we were kids and every night, Mum would come in to tuck us in and it seemed like she would stay for hours. She would read or tell us a story, sing us a few silly songs, say our prayers, tuck us in and kiss us goodnight, only to have us lure her back in for more laughter before she would make her way back downstairs to spend some time with Dad after a long day of raising 5 children. Dad was the one who would wake us up early in the morning before going off to work and Mum was the one who was there for us in the morning, made our lunches, sent us off to school and welcomed us back home at the end of the day. Dad was always home for dinner and I remember Mum cooking us a nice meal every night. We always sat down at the table together for supper, which was such an important part of how she turned our lives into a beautiful home. My mom played a huge role in the inspiration behind this song about where we grew up in Bedford, Massachusetts. Where I Grew Up Listen via: http://amazingwomenofpower.com/WhereIGrewUp.mp3 Where I grew up was a little street in a little town Where the houses all were lined up in a row

Where I grew up my Daddy went to work each day

Right there on the corner’s where the barber used to be

And Momma turned our lives into a home

He knew all of us by name he was a real good friend to me

Where I grew up

The butcher and the baker right next to the general store – I miss them even if their groceries cost a little more

Saturdays the air filled with the smell of fresh cut grass

Where I grew up

And children’s voices laughing ‘cross the yard And Sundays you could count on everybody dressin’ up and goin’ to church

That little world has come and gone

To spend their day with God

It’s not like everything was ever perfect in the past

Where I grew up

But these days things are changing just a little bit too fast

Before you know it life moves on

There weren’t as many fences up dividing us back then Where I grew the postman brought your mail on foot

I wish I could go runnin’ back again

And the milkman brought the milk right to your door

Where I grew up where I grew up

Where I grew up was a simple time in a simple place it was a simple world And I was a simple girl Where I grew up

Music & Lyrics by Janie Lidey & Matt Wilder Janie Lidey Publishing, BMI Wilderside Publishing, BMI, ©2013 Mum has always loved to sing and play the piano and when I was 12, I started following in her footsteps. When I started playing the guitar and writing songs, she would sing along with a nice low harmony. We used to try and record ourselves singing together but we never got far because as soon as we hit the record button we would start laughing hysterically. Music was such a magical part of growing up because she always made it so much fun. My parents got married on March 16th, 1951 and on March 16th, 2000, my son Tristan was born. Mum and Dad flew all the way from Northern Maine to Alaska for the birth of their 7th grandchild and got to celebrate his birth on their anniversary. I remember my mom saying it was the best anniversary gift ever because May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT she didn’t think I was going to get to have children. She had turned 70 years old that year and for her seventieth birthday present, I wrote her a song about how much she loved me and how I hoped that my son Tristan would be loved as much as I was loved growing up. As Much As I Was Loved

You sat there on my bed at night and you laughed me into tears With lullabies and say good nights with tales of “Flip” and flickering lights You filled me with your love and you drown away my fears Now I lay me down to sleep I pray the Lord my soul to keep

Listen via http://amazingwomenofpower.com/ AsMuchAsIWasLoved.mp3

Now I lay me down to sleep I pray the Lord my soul to keep These are the words you taught me well when I was a little girl If I should die before I wake I pray the Lord my soul to take And God bless Mommy and Daddy and all of the world Dear God we thank Thee for this day for all our work and all our play These are the words you taught me well when I was only a child We thank Thee for Thy love so true that sheltered us the whole day through And God bless my mom and dad and all of the world All the nights and all the weeks through all the months and all the years You sat there on my bed at night and you laughed me into tears With lullabies and say good nights with tales of “Flip” and flickering lights You filled me with your love and you drown away my fears Dear Father in Heaven how I thank Thee for this life For how you made me a daughter and now you’ve made me a wife And now you’ve blessed me with a son I only hope as he grows up That he’ll be loved as much as I was loved All the nights and all the weeks through all the months and all the years 54

Amazing Women May 2015

My mom has always made me feel like the luckiest girl in the world! If my life were a play ~ she would be its number one fan always sitting right there in the front row watching and cheering me on. She has loved me unconditionally every single day of my life and if I had only one wish at the end of my journey, it would be that I loved my son As Much As I Was Loved by my mom!

Janie Lidey has been a singer/ songwriter since the age of twelve. She has been recognized for her excellence in music through winning an Emmy for her songwriting; a Grammy for the fine arts program she helped direct at East High School in Anchorage, Alaska; the Mayor’s Arts Award which recognizes excellence in music education; and, a spot on the George Lucas Edutopia website for her role in helping make the world a better place. As a music teacher in the public schools of Alaska for over two decades, Janie Lidey taught students from over forty different cultures. Not only did she teach them to sing and play the guitar, she taught them to live their lives with passion, kindness, love, hope and gratitude. The most important lesson was to instill the belief in her students that they could do anything they dreamed or imagined. As an artist, teacher, motivational speaker and now author, Janie is passionate about raising your vibration through the magic of a song.

he Best Gift My Mom Ever Gave Me By Heidi Symonds these things for me and MORE. She has helped make me the woman, the Health Coach and “Universal Mother” I am today. Mothers are the epi-center of the household and are required to juggle so many things. As I grow older, I have come to appreciate my Mom even more. Being a “Full-Time Work From Home Dog Mom” is a ton of work and can be quite overwhelming at times. I have so much more compassion for her occasional melt-downs. Those were the times when she just wanted everything to be “perfect” and for people to notice and appreciate all the hard work and special touches (#ribbons #bows #flowers) she put into everything she did (and still does.) She just wanted to do best work and sometimes reaching for the “high bar” over and over again makes your tired and run down.

other’s Day is such a special day. It’s the day we celebrate the woman who gives us

life… the woman who gives us hope… the woman who loves us and nourishes us to be the best versions of ourselves. My Mother, Barbara Whitten has done

Who was there to nourish her? I remember wanting to nourish her during those times. I think this is is part of why I love to nourish Mom’s in my coaching practice. I’m not a mother in the traditional sense, but I am a Dog Mom of 2 and I’ve been helping “raise” hundreds of kids in some capacity since I was 10 years old. I May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT She holds the bar high for herself and those around her. She sees the best of people and forces them to see it in themselves. She is “scrappy.” She will roll up her sleeves and dig right into the heart of the matter as long as you are willing to get in there with her. You have to “show-up” in a way that demonstrates your commitment and she will turn herself inside out and upside down to help make it happen. That is just who she is. She is a fighter. She never gives up. She just keeps going. NO MATTER WHAT.

have babysat, coached, and taught so many beautiful children who all hold special places in my heart. Some of them were even in my wedding. I am passionate about nourishing kids by nourishing their Mom’s. As a child I watched my Mom work hard as a Stay-At-Home, volunteering at our schools, making all the meals, organizing the household, helping us pick out clothes for the first school dance, bandaging our boo boos, (just be mindful not to get any blood on the new carpet!) and being there when we got our feelings hurt or a broken heart. Once we got older, she went back to work. And by “back to work” I by NO MEANS mean she wasn’t working. 56

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Even as a stay at home Mom, she was volunteering and making a difference; always putting herself out there with power and grace. She is a natural born leader and has a great ability to rally the troops and get stuff done— no matter what the cause. She is a driving force; which is what helped her become a true leader of the tourism industry in not just Portland, but the entire state of Maine. She has won a number of awards and accolades for her achievements and was always making us proud. I love watching her walk into a room and not only solve the problem at hand, but teach people how they can do it for themselves even better the next time. She has high expectations of people.

Failure is not an option. Failures are only lessons on how to do it better next time. She worked in tourism so she published hundreds of publications, maps, brochures etc. (She was even the “Parent Advisor” of my Senior Yearbook Committee—I learned so much from her during that time.) One of her famous quotes was, “You print the perfect piece; you die.” As a recovering perfectionist, I find this fascinating. I’m always striving for perfection. Isn’t that the goal? Isn’t that why the bar is set so high? “Reach for the moon, if you miss, you’ll land among the stars” is one my favorite motto’s so how could she be so flip? She expected high quality work, but could move on so quickly when it wasn't perfect. This didn't make sense to me. She wouldn't beat herself up about it. She would shrug it off and take on the next battle. She is a warrior and she taught me to be a warrior too. I can also be a “worrier.” Maybe I just got the message wrong all these years…? I’m supposed to be a warrior, not a worrier. Hmmmm…something to think

about… See??? See what I mean??? She teaches all the time. And isn’t that what all Mother’s do? They are our very 1st teacher… our very 1st coach…our very 1st mentor…and our very 1st boss! ;) She had us working for her hosting dinner parties and showing us how to present and serve all the beautiful food she was making and nourishing her guests with. I have been learning from her all my life. And all the things I’ve been learning from her have brought me to exactly where I am right now: A busy Mom and Wife, with more drive and passion than I know what to do with, a thriving health coaching practice, with lots of amazing clients to nourish, a Radio Show, and gig on the local NBC Affiliate Moring Report and all of it requires: •

The ability to inspire hope

•

The courage to set the bar high, reaching for the stars

•

The willingness to keep going, even when it’s hard

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To ability to see the light in people and help them shine

•

The courage and strength of a warrior

•

The wisdom and grace to trust that everything is exactly as it should be

As I write this I am stunned. I had no idea. I am more like her than I thought. I always knew my Mom has played a crucial role in my life, but I had no idea just how much all the things I have been learning from her were going to lead me to my purpose. So many pieces, but I have yet to share the biggest piece of this pie…

We have both struggled with food. It seems she was always on a diet. I just wanted to eat Twinkies. Anyway, she found her way into a 12 Step program for food while I was in my 30’s. She lost a ton of weight and I watched her find a better place of balance, not only with her weight, but in her overall level of grace. I was attracted to the serenity she had like a month to the flame; but I was unwilling to do the work she was doing to get there. She offered so many times, but I just kept gaining weight and getting sicker and sicker. To the point where I was on a list of medications a mile long, including insulin 4 times a day to manage Type 2 Diabetes. Those were dark days, but my Mom, who is so good at seeing the light in people and not willing to give up, kept asking and offering out a hand. A loving hand of hope, and encouragement. A hand that would help pull me out of the darkness and into the light. One day, I surrendered and took it. I was scared to death, but I knew it was the only option. This is the biggest gift of all. This was the “Mother” of all gifts. I lost 100 pounds, was able to get off all my medications, including the insulin and learned so much about my relationship with food and how I tend to use it to cope with life’s not-sopleasant moments. While we both decided that this program wasn’t a sustainable lifestyle; I still carry the skills and tools I learned with me today and incorporate many of the practices into my daily routine. I love to take the things I learn from people and programs “out of the box”,

pull it apart and put it back together in my own way. I have to make things “my own” and my Mom has inspired so many fun ways to make it possible. My Mom’s drive to never give up and to keep the bar high not only saved my life, but has provided a strong foundation for me to continue the work and share it with the world. She saw the light in me and continues to foster it in a way that helps me #shine. Working in social work, and playing with horses, I never really saw myself as a “business woman” like my Mom, but now that I have been able to pull all the pieces she has been laying down in front of me…It’s like my yellow brook road. Now I just need some sparkly red shoes… “There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home.” Happy Mother’s Day Mom, I’m so grateful for the road you have put me on… I can see the rainbow with my pot of gold. I won’t let you down. This is my path. This is my purpose. And I learned it all from you. I love you. I am forever grateful and I can't wait to see what next! Heidi Symonds, Author, Speaker, Radio Show Host and Certified, Holistic Health Coach, Wife and ‘Dog Mom’ of two, is passionate about coaching people of all ages to use food, spirituality and lifestyle choices to nourish and heal themselves—mind, body and soul. Heidi’s simple strategies and intuitive practices help her clients incorporate loving selfcare and creative, top notch nutrition into their lives allowing them to feel the best they've ever felt! Visit NourishYourselfForLife.com for more information on programming, seasonal resets and fun nourishment parties and cooking demos.

May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT

Remarkable Life: Fauna Hodel

By Yvettte Gentile

going on. I actually have my beautiful first-born daughter, Yvette. Yvette Gentile. She is my heart. Just my rock. I was just a baby myself when I had her. I just turned 16 years old. Can you imagine? And unless Yvette wants to say our age, I am just going tell you that part. So, Yvette is going to be interviewing me. We’re going to have her talk about her mother and she gets to ask any question she wants. So, I open the stage. Enter in, Ms. Yvette. Yvette: Hello mother. Fauna: Welcome. Welcome. I’m going turn over this show over to you. And whatever you want to say, the listening audience from all over the world on the Amazing Women and Men of Power Network, I’m so proud to be affiliated with this and maybe some of them don’t even know who I am. So, Yvette, who is Fauna Hodel? Who is your mother? Fauna: Welcome to Fauna’s Sizzle Report on the Amazing Women and Men of Power Network. Celebrate the power of giving and discover who is making a difference, what’s working in the world of fundraising and philanthropy, and how you too can learn to do it first hand from those in the know. In addition to my Charity Sizzle Report, we’re doing special Sizzle Reports where we’re interviewing people who pay it forward. Just amazing people from all walks of life. And today, we have a switch 58

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Yvette: Well, my mother, Fauna Hodel, is probably one of the most beautiful, kind hearted, loving human beings myself and my sister will ever know and for all those who meet her definitely know that about her. I guess the most important thing that stand out to me is I have never met a more positive person than you, mom,-Fauna: Oh. I’m not paying her to say this. I promise. Yvette: …in my whole life. That started one of my first

questions because even through all your obstacles in your life, for some reason, you always find a rainbow at the end. And so, why do you think that is? How do you do that? Fauna: First of all, input from the time you’re a little girl. I remember my grandmother. I called her big momma and people can learn more about my personal life story from going to my book, One Day She’ll Darken. Just go to Amazon and search on Fauna Hodel. But anyway, Yvette, when I was just a little girl, my grandmother, big momma, taught me all about God and God’s angels. There was something about that, you know, times when I was afraid big momma would just wrap me in her arms and she would say, baby, don’t you be afraid. You’re protected. And I feel that at an early age, I bought that I was protected, that I had God and God’s angels. And I believe that, you know, from the time I was just little I got cradled in love. Even though I had a mom who was an alcoholic whom you remember well even as a little girl. Yvette: Yes. Yes. Fauna: …but she instilled in me kindness and love. And it’s just followed me all the days of my life. I really feel that’s what I can tie it into. I can tell you many other stories along the way of people who I studied under, but-Yvette: Right. Fauna: …yeah, I really feel that it was my grandmother-big momma. Yvette: Big momma. Right. Well, that kind of ties in to the next question because it’s-- I know that your younger life, was-- I mean, filled with a lot of complications. Not to say that it wasn’t a happy environment. But if it was a different environment and where you had different choices, what path do you think you would choose? And if you could go back and change anything, what would it be?

I had Aunt Lucille. I had my Aunt Rosie. I had people who loved me. But growing up in a time in America and I’m going say my age and people can figure out how old they are if they want to, but we-- I’m 63. And growing up that time in America being a white-skinned child that was raised in the AfricanAmerican community and never darkening, there was always so much-- It was always all about race, you know. Everything was about the color of your skin. Everything was about black and white. And so growing up, I was so sensitive. I just hated all the stupidity around the color of one’s skin and I vowed as you know, Yvette-- I’ve told you this story many times and I was only 8 years old. I vowed I was going grow up and tell my story and make a movie and we know that I was successful in doing that even though it stopped. But what I would do over again looking at everything that came down, I think-- You know, back then,-Yvette: Uh-huh. Fauna: …I was focused more-- For example, when the trouble started around the film and the film was stopped, instead of staying into the prayer energy and blessing it all the way, I kept trying to fix everything,-Yvette: Right. Fauna: instead of going to that deeper level. And even though I’ve always in my own way been spiritual and prayerful, what I would do if I could do this all over again is just stop trying to fix it and going into all the problems. I would have stayed solution oriented. Yvette: That’s a good one. Yeah. Fauna: Yeah. Definitely.

Yvette: Right.

Yvette: You know, your story resonates with so many different people. But for those children, teens, and adults that are trying to find their identity and searching for their biological parents, what advice would you give someone today? I mean, the way it happened for you, I mean, is a long story.

Fauna: I definitely had my grandmother.

Fauna: Right.

Fauna: You know, first of all, it wasn’t a happy environment.

Yvette: But how would you tell people today who are May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT kind of lost and they want to find, you know, that biological side?

Yvette: It’s funny because I’ve had, I’ve heard your whole life story obviously my whole life.

Fauna: Right.

Yvette: What advice would you give them?

Yvette: But there are certain questions that, came to mind and this is one of the questions I thought about and I don’t think I’ve ever asked you - How did you feel the first time you actually met your mother, Tamar, and when you met her-- kind of a 3-part question-did you resent her for not fighting for you when you were a baby or did you have at that time in place-did you have more love for Homer and Jimmie for raising you as their own?

Fauna: You know, looking at all this, I was so fixated from the time I was a little girl on, you know, finding my birth mom. And once again, you know, my story-My book is the first 25 years of my life and sort of my journey and how I do that. The kids out there who know that they were given away and they want to find out where they belong and what their roots are, it’s a tough one because, you know, having found out-- When I found out about my real family-- If I was to do it over again, maybe I wouldn’t want to know the truth. I know. Yvette: Oh, my good-Fauna: Right. But, you know, at the end of the day, there is that longing, that calling. We want to fit. We all want to belong and I actually-- Interestingly enough, rather than focusing on who your real people are, I think if I could give advice ti a young person first, is to find out who they are. Yvette: True. True. Fauna: You know, to go within and really-- you don’t know what you’re going to uncover and why you were given away. I’m not saying not to do that. I’m blessed and I know there’s a reason for all things and it was part of my history and my mission. But at the end of the day, I think the first thing is about going within. You know, it’s scary for a young person, just the-everything, who am I, how do I fit in, what do I do with my life. I would encourage a young person to really start establishing their own self first and then start that journey of who am I and absolutely going on the search.

Fauna: Very deep complicated question. Yvette: Yeah. I know. Fauna: First of all, I went on a search. My mom that raised me, you know, Jimmie Lee, she actually had told me from the time I was a little girl about why she had taken me in and she had been told that I was a biracial baby and my book is called One Day She’ll Darken. And supposedly, one day I was going to darken. So, growing up-- This is to the listening audience out there who doesn’t know my story. But growing up, I kept expecting-- I wanted to darken. I wanted to belong and Mama, you know, had said to me that one day I would find my real mother. She actually encouraged me on the journey. She gave me a lot of clues even though she was very, very mysterious about it all. I started my search when I was about 13 actively and I didn’t find my birth mom until I was 19. I met her, I think, I was like 21 or so. But when I met her, to say that it was a big disappointment would be the understatement of the universe. I was shocked. Number one, I flew-You were with me, Yvette. Yvette: I know.

Yvette: Building up their own inner strength.

Fauna: How old were you then? How old were you then.

Fauna: Yes. Yes.

Yvette: Maybe 7.

Yvette: Right.

Fauna: Right. 6 or 7. Somewhere along there. Right. 7, I believe. Anyway, we arrived and I remember later-- If I’m not mistaken, it was on a Sunday and the airport closed early that day. It was in Honolulu and I remember we were waiting and--

Fauna: because you’re going need it in most cases. There’s a history why you were given away in the first place. 60

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Yvette: For hours-Fauna: …waiting-Yvette: …and hours. Fauna: …and waiting and waiting. So, every person I would see, woman, thinking-- that was approaching, this was my mother, you know. Wasn’t. So, when she arrives late and I think it is maybe 3 hours late and right about that point, there was someone that had befriended me on the plane that had actually stayed with me the whole time, you and I, to make sure we were safe. Yvette: Uh-huh. Fauna: And she arrived and, you know, falling to her knees crying about being late and meeting me. I was just sort of shocked by the whole experience and trailing her were these 3 little baby boys, my brothers. You know, Peace, Love, and Joy with long hair and, Yvette: Right. Fauna: …hippies during that time, you know, they would have been called in America, not that I was some perfect, straight person that knew a perfect life, but it was all so foreign and strange. And when she picked us up, her friend who was driving her was smoking a joint and it was happening-Yvette: Like a van or-Fauna: Right. Yvette: Some crazy-looking van-Fauna: One of those hippie vans. Right. Right. And scary because having grown up with an alcoholic I have tried so hard to be straight. I wasn’t like, a drunk or druggie. And there’s these people openly passing a joint around and yeah. So, it was hard. It was crazy. And then as you know, without going into my whole story, she told me a lot of shocking things during that first visit. So, to answer your question, actually,-Yvette: Yeah. Fauna: …we were going spend 3 weeks in Honolulu. I had taken 3 weeks off. And after 6 days, I arranged to leave. It was all too heavy. It was just way too

heavy. So, back to the people that raised me, you know, I loved them always and did I love a mom who was a drunk and who was always angry. No. But I was glad that I didn’t grow up in that world that my birth mom had come from? I was very glad. Fauna: I was very glad. Yeah. Absolutely. In there, I was a young mommy. My mom, myself. I think, you know, considering it all, I did my best to protect you, and later our Rasha that was born 11 years later. So, does that answer the question? Yvette: Yeah. Absolutely. Interesting how you just keep following into my question. Fauna: Perfect. Yvette: As I was going say you being such a young mother yourself and, raising 2 strong women, what advice would you give young moms out there today who are struggling to keep persevering and to stay positive because, throughout your life, again, like I said, you’ve gone through, your ups and downs and obstacles, but yet in the end you continue to persevere and stay positive, what do you say to those young women out there who may not have a father figure for their children and their lives, to keep their heads up? Fauna: What followed me and still follows me to a degree and I’m doing much better with it, but it was more than anything the lack of money. I got pregnant with you when I was just in that would have been the 10th grade and, I went back and got a GED and I was all so self-learned, but not having an education, a strong background. You know, I feel that-- I guess this is going go back to an earlier question, what I would do over again. Yvette: Uh-huh. Fauna: I would get a degree or something. And even though-- I would give advice to a young mother to really-- I mean, most important more than anything is I think that what I kept giving you and Rasha was love. I have a loving, kind heart and I was always there no matter what. Yvette: Yes. Fauna: I did struggle with money and did I have stuff May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT around money? Absolutely. Yeah. But what I would-what I feel that my strength was is that I instilled the love in my soul-- you know, the kindness. I feel that you and Rasha picked up on how important kindness is and honesty and integrity. Yvette: Yes. Very much so. I mean, I remember always going to sleep at night and you would always say God is love, God is love. So, the basis of everything, I think, for my sister and I comes down to love. Truly, you know. Kindness and love. Fauna: Absolutely. Yvette: If you don’t feel that from-- If someone doesn’t have that in their character, then you move on. Fauna: Exactly. Referring to that, my choices in men, I mean I didn’t have the best choices in men. I know that I was-- Your father was not a bad man, but we were just so young. I was married when I was 15 years old. I can’t even believe that. And then I think by the time I broke up with him I was 21, but it was just from being young and wanting to make a better life for myself. And I actually met an engineer who flew with Bill Lear of Lear Jets and it was just-- I was always seeking to do different things. And then when I met Rasha’s father, which I don’t even want to go into that story on any level, but my choices on-My choices in men, I just feel that, you know, how to make better choices-- we often fall for someone in reference to passion and all of a sudden you’re all entangled with someone that might not necessarily be good for you. What I would advise young women, young mothers is to make better choices in who they’re allowing into their children’s lives. Yeah, you get involved with someone and all of a sudden they become a part of your whole life. So, it all starts with making better choices. I also got myself out of those kind of choices as fast as I could. Yvette: Right. Right. Without recognizing I think a lot of people, they see the sign and then they choose to… They’re not going do it again or just going happen once, but what people don’t realize, if it happens once. It happens again-62

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Fauna: Right. Yvette: …and again and again and again. So, once you see a red flag, you have to move on. Fauna: I think it was Oprah that said when a person shows you who they are the first time, believe them. Yvette: Right. Exactly. Fauna: That’s the lesson that I learned and I encourage other young mothers out there, and fathers. There’s a lot of single parents on all levels. How to mother your children, mother and father your children whether you’re a single parent. How to be there for your child is by, you know, making better choices as to who you’re bringing into your child’s world. I think that’s key. Yvette: Very key. Very key. Fauna: Right. You know, with you, I was so protective of you. And as soon as I could when I get myself involved-I never stayed long in something bad. I mean, even though-- Yeah, I just tried to wiggle my way out of it. Now, I’m being more conscious of who I’m letting into my personal space because it affects everyone around you. Yvette: Yes, it does. So, mom, what makes you happy today? Like what makes your heart sing today in the now? Fauna: Right. Right now, in the now, my family. You know, there’s nothing more important to me than seeing you with the man that you love and that’s kind and that’s good to know and that you two will travel all over the world for, many places anyway. I remember from the time you were a little girl, you wanted to travel. It was all about travel. And I love the way you love your sister and I love the way you love me, and your family, and your friends, and your community. And our Rasha, I’m proud of Rasha with her strong energy who is going have what she wants and follows that heartbeat and little Leilani Rose, my granddaughter. It fills my heart. It fills my heart. I love my children. I love-Yvette: Yeah. Fauna: …my children.

Yvette: And I see that in -- definitely with Leilani and even Peace’s daughter, Sky, I see you light up around kids. I mean, that family, you know, just warms your heart. Fauna: And I’m so proud because I see how much love Rasha and Vanna are giving little Leilani. Look at that. Look at what a happy child she is and Sky, you know, my brother Peace’s daughter. I mean, he and his wife, shower their child or have showered their child with love and to be around Beacons of Light. Oh my God, it’s just amazing. Yvette: Right. Yeah. And even Amy and Love with Haven. In their kids, there’s a ton of love because, the experiences that they have had too in their life. They become better parents. Fauna: And to answer your question in addition to my family, the happiest time in my whole life, number one, in reference to work is when I went out and made a movie happen. And because it was stopped, there’s this energy in me that somehow someway-- because I don’t know how to quit and I won’t stop until I make it all happen. And as we know, without going into all that, there’s a lot going on and it’s finally moving in a good direction, but I love this radio show. Raven Blair Glover who actually started this network. It’s a positive news network. For 2 or 3 years now, I’ve been doing radio on the worldwide web where I get to interview powerful people who pay it forward. My next step will be is to get a sponsor and get paid to do what I love-Yvette: Right. Yeah. Fauna: …and interview amazing people that will shed light, who do shed light on this planet. So yeah, I love Fauna’s Charity Sizzle Report, Fauna’s Sizzle Report, because I get to-- From my understanding, over 5 million people are tuning in on a weekly basis awoptalk247.com and, you know-- this is a-Yvette: Awesome. Fauna: Yeah. This is a pretty cool thing. So, we have listeners all over the world. And the good thing is as soon as we’re done with this show, Yvette, we’ll have an mp3. We could send it to whomever we

want. So, I love this vehicle that was given to me to have my own show. I’m the executive producer of it. I’m going start doing it. I took a little hiatus for a little bit. I have been taking care of a close family member that had a brain stem stroke, but it’s time to-- I feel like I’ve been in retirement for a couple of years helping, but it’s okay. I needed, having been a young woman, having been through a lot of drama, I needed to breathe a bit having had many bad choices in men. Yvette: Of course. Of course. But it’s such a wonderful platform, you know, because I was just talking to a friend the other day and it’s like just listening to everybody’s individual story. It is so fascinating because there’s so many people who have gone through so many different things and overcome and it’s just great to hear that, because it just uplifts. You don’t know who’s going be listening and it just uplifts someone whether it be a struggle or, a lifelong dream coming true or, philanthropy. I mean, it encompasses everything. So, it’s really cool. Fauna: And now, to ask you a question. Like you never know who’s listening out there all over this globe. But what do you have to say to other kids? You were pretty much raised by a single mom, even though, you didn’t have your dad in your life for a long time. What can you say to young people out there that you could-- because you’re a teacher and an educator. That’s who you are. Wise. Yvette: I think for young kids, you just have to really stand in your own truth and not be a follower. You don’t necessarily have to be a leader, but don’t be a follower. Just stand in your own truth, what is true to you and really surround yourself with like minds and above so you can grow to your highest potential, but I think so many young kids just-- they get caught in a rough spot or they just-- they follow behind the wrong person and then that just leads to bad mistakes. So, one just really has to stand in their truth and recognize good people. I mean, it always doesn’t happen that easily of course. But again, you go back to that one statement and somebody May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT shows you their true colors or there is one red flag, you move on. You throw people out of your life and you move on. In that way, you’re always going stay on your journey, when you get all that negative energy out of your way. And I just always stood in my own truth. I don’t care what someone else is doing over here, over there. I’m just going be me and do me. Fauna: …you are a beautiful human being. I am so proud of who you are. You’re just filled with integrity, light, and love. And as I often say to people, you have mothered me. You have mothered Rasha. You know, we love the ground you walk on. You are just a beacon of light on this planet, Yvette. What a wonderful opportunity to have my daughter interviewing me on the Amazing Women and Men of Power Network. So, we have maybe about 2 more minutes left and whatever you’d like to say we’re going just wrap this up. Any other questions you want to ask, just ask. Yvette: This is the last and final question, and this goes back, to your movie and it would be for all those, you know, naysayers who have seen you on this lifelong journey, your project. What do you say to them? Because, it’s a process. You’ve been going on this journey for many, many years. What do you say to those people who say, well, you should move on to something else? And what keeps you motivated to get to this finish line? Fauna: You know what, what I’ve come to terms with-- For the listening audience that doesn’t know, I actually produced a feature film based on my life story with Alfre Woodard, Charles Dutton, Jill Clayburgh, Tess Harper, Alison Elliot. We have to change all the names to protect the guilty. That was all the way back. In `91, it stopped dead in its tracks with only 2 days left to filming. And anybody who knows me knows that I’ve been on this long journey to save my work. And you know what, Yvette? I am so proud of who I am. The truth is I did make a movie whether it 64

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got stopped or not. I did take it to the level where, I am working with-- I can say that I’m not afraid of anybody stopping me anymore, whatever. I am working with Patty Jenkins. She’s the lady that produced the movie, Monster. She wrote it. She directed it. She just got chosen to direct Wonder Woman and she has my story in development for a series and I know it will be green lit soon. Over the past several decades, however long this has been, it’s now-- there’s so much. It’s a series material. How can I use my life for good? It’s actually better than it ever would have been. And as you know, I always take negatives and turn them into positives. So, even though it took a long time, you never quit. And today, it’s not out. No one’s funded it. I mean, actually, it’s moving along. But you know what? Right here and right now, if for some reason nothing happens, you know, I did accomplish all of this and whatever happens tomorrow is only a bigger blessing and that’s how I keep running my life. I can wake up in the morning and look in the mirror and I love me. I love who I am. I’m going be silly and say this, but I might have slept with a few wrong people along the way, guys. Yvette: Mother. Fauna: But other than that, I love me. I love me. And that’s what keeps me going. And what I’m proud of is I love who I am. I can honestly say I’m a kind, beautiful woman that shares light wherever I go. Yvette: Absolutely. Absolutely. Who would give you the last dime in her pocket. Fauna: And so, millions will be there and we’ll do philanthropy all over this world. Meanwhile, I pay it forward by sharing my gift of interviewing amazing people. And Yvette, I love you. Yvette Gentile. And her last name, G-E-N-T-I-L-E. I just love saying that. She’s married to a beautiful, kind soul and good things are a fit. So Yvette, we have to wrap up the show. Thank you for interviewing me. We’re listening to awoptalk247.com. Thank you. Blessings, blessings, blessings. Yvette: Thank you, mom. I love you. Happy Mother’s Day.

lma Phyllis Sterling, Living an Inspirational Life By Consuelo Meux, Ph.D. people from the area to Alabama to help make the world a better place for her children and others. The next year, Dr. King came to our hometown to give a speech and mom escorted him around town. In a news articles of the event she said Dr. King was "quite personable, and the nicest man."

lma Phyllis Sterling was a woman of inspiration. One of many memories that stands out for me was when she went to march with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma. My siblings and I were very young at the time. But, I remember my grandmother crying and my father was asking her if this was the right thing for her to do with

Mom was born on November 22, 1914 in New Orleans, LA., along with her twin sister, Irma. Growing up in the South was difficult and my grandmother made sure her girls were well educated. The twins attended the Sisters of the Holy Family Convent School through high school then graduated Cum Laude in 1937 from Xavier University, a Historical Black College (HBC) in New Orleans. Mom earned her BS degree in chemistry. four babies at home. Their reactions made us aware that mom was going into a situation that could risk her life. But she was a strong woman with a lifelong passion for equal rights and the Civil Rights Movement. It was 1964 and she was the president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). So she led a group of eight

In 1944, she moved to California and married my dad in 1947. They had five children, although one sister passed as an infant. I was the middle child. They were married 51 years when my father passed. Together they owned the Sterling Funeral Home where mom worked as the co-manager and served as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lady Attendant" at all funerals in the Louisiana tradition. May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT At home, mom always kept education, politics, and community activities a priority and held high expectations for our academic achievements. She also started us in piano lessons. I was six years old at the time and loved every minute of it. Our mom influenced every aspect of our lives and those of people in the community. She made sure we understood the issues and voted in every election. She influenced the lives of many people. One community leader said of her “Mrs. Sterling was a leader who approached issues in a calm and rational way. You never knew when Elma Sterling was mad. She always had that smile. She had that calming kind of air about her that made her special." Mom encouraged young women in the community to stay in school through action not just words. Even today, many women who have made great strides attribute their success to my mother. She organized ladies to “adopt” a girl from the community and hold her accountable throughout the year. I still remember my “adopted” sister. Her name was Carol. We spent a lot of time with Carol. Mom would pick her up to go out to dinner with us and took her with us to buy new school clothes. She spent many holidays at our home enjoying family festivities. Carol was a part of our lives until she graduated and left town. I was many years before I realized she wasn’t actually a relative. In 1969, mom was appointed to an open position on the City Council, making her the first African American in that position in the city. In a 66

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newspaper article, she was asked if she was prepared for negative feedback about her race and gender. "I expect criticism -- 'Why did they pick a woman for the job, and why a Negro woman?' -- but now is the time for a person from the community who knows what the people need and how they feel, to become a member of City Council.”

associations.

There were also fun days and family celebrations. Holidays were grand occasions. Our grandmother lived with us and she and our mom had mouthwatering flavors of good Southern Creole cooking flowing through the house days ahead of the holiday. All four of us could invite any friend we wanted to a holiday dinner. The only requirement for Christmas was to let mom know who was coming so there would be a gift for them under the tree.

3. Be brave. Courage allows you to do things you’d never imagine, to change things others leave as is.

We also had an annual family vacation. Mom let the four of us suggest where to go. Dad didn’t want to leave the business so we went on most vacations traveling in one car with mom at the wheel with my sister, two brothers, our Auntie (mom’s twin sister). We went to fun places like theme parks but there was always an educational component too such as a visit to a museum, library, or local business person. With all the busyness of her life, mom took time to attend school plays, piano recitals, and parent/teacher meetings. She was a faithful member of her church making sure we attended every Sunday and took part in church activities. Mom was a founder, officer, or member of multiple organizations, clubs, social groups, and professional

My mother taught many lessons through her life. Perhaps the top three for me were 1. Find a live a purpose that makes life better for others. 2. Use your God-given talents to the fullest; He gave them to you for a purpose.

In 2003, mom’s health took a downhill turn and she was unexpectedly moved from her home to a care facility. My husband and I had moved to a new location where I was pursuing new opportunities in my field of academia. But I wanted her to be among family at this time of her life so we brought her to live with us in Paso Robles, CA. where I gave up my career to become her sole care-provider. At that time, the doctor said she would have about six months to live but the Lord gave her another two years and a half years. During those years as her health declined and I did more for her daily needs it brought us even closer. When she could still speak she would say, “Play the piano, you have gift.” The Lord came to receive her soul into His care on July 4, 2007. Elma Phyllis Sterling had lived 92 inspirational years. Consuelo Meux, PhD., author, writer, business consultant and Certified Heath Coach is the proud daughter of Elma P. Sterling. She only hopes to fill a portion of the heel-print her mother left on the world.

ood Character Despite the Odds By Christina L. Suter like her, it actually comes with a lot of limitation. My mother was not judged based upon her authenticity or her passion for living. She was not accepted as a joyful child because effectively, she was a tool. She was seen as a being that was to be crafted in order to continue the lineage of power and politics. My mother’s mother came from a line of politicians, judges, lawyers and down right political players; people who moved in the world of politics and in the world of power. So my mother was cultivated to try to be another one of those. Her academics were not judged based on how smart she was, although my mother was very smart. She wasn’t encouraged to be a good student for the sense of internal pride and joy that one can take in mastering. She had to be a good student in order to insure that she went to the next right school and then the next right high school in order to graduate from the next right college. Her performance was a requirement to being accepted.

y Mom, Fran Kellogg Anderson, had a tough childhood. She was born into privilege and born into abuse and each one of those carried its own limitations. Most people would think that being born into privilege is not a limitation, but I think for my mother and many children

My mother wasn’t allowed to pick her friends the way she wanted to. Her best friend was not her best fried because she got along with her, but because her mother had chosen her. It was the right family to be involved with. My mother told me the story of the girl she wanted to get along with who. The one she resonated with the most in her class. She was not allowed to play tennis with or allowed to play with her at all because she wasn’t in the “Social Register.” She wasn’t acceptable in their circle. My mothers tennis partners were prescribed by her mother because she would then be a part of the “right” network and involved with the right people. Friends weren’t friends because you liked them, they were friends because you were all heading in the same political direction. They had to be useful to you or you would useful to them. May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT greater risk factor for child abuse than a parent having been abused themselves either as a child or as an adult. One study estimates parents abused as children are 10 times more likely to abuse their own child." The American Bar Association announced in July of 2011 47% of children abused, abuse their children.

My mother managed to break this cycle. With her will and courage she came to California hoping to find a place of her own. She got pregnant and then disowned because it was dissatisfying to be pregnant at 17 in her family. Suddenly, she was a young, pregnant and married woman to the boy she liked who was the center of the basketball team. They were both trying to make their way in life. They eventually got a divorce after about five or six years. My mother didn’t go back to Chicago, her hometown, begging her mother for refuge although she was unemployed and a single mother of two. She started her own company and for several years as a single mom, she raised three kids and found her own financial way. Life was not easy and I’m sure there were many nights when she wished she could go back to her mother and her place of privilege. However, she knew it came with a loss of independence, the harsh judgments and the abuse. She eventually remarried and continued to raise, what was now, three kids. She raised us with a few core lessons and the first was to be committed to your nature. She would tell us that being unique was a good thing. Being yourself is what you can be and want to be. Know your passion and follow it with hard work and you will find your own way. So, all three of us kids did jus that. My mother was physically abused, hit, kicked and beaten to the ground on several occasions from age 6 to age 12. CNN in August of 1998 said "Experts say there is no 68

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My mother didn’t do that to us. She was an angry woman, make no mistake of it. She was big, angry and scary whenever she lost her temper, but she didn’t beat us and kick us to the ground. She didn’t want to break our spirit. As a matter of fact, she tried very hard to take it out on other things other than her children though she was still scary. She was trying in her own way to break the chain of abuse that her mother had received and her mother’s father had received. In my personal opinion she was successful. None of us have ever beaten or even lost our temper with our children. She broke the chain of abuse and our children are living proof of that. All three of her children are all independent characters each vastly different from the other, but nonetheless a family, a clan. We accept each other because that’s what my mother encouraged us to do. We’re all unique individuals because that’s what she praised in us. We each have a deep sense of character and commitment to trying to do what’s right because that was my mother’s guiding star. I thank my mother for the freedom she gave us in praising our uniqueness. I thank her for not abusing us so we wouldn’t pass it on. Finally, with her deep determination and depth of character, she showed us the right way so we could become good people with the ability to realize that hard work is a reward within itself. Thank you Mom for the most important lessons I could possibly imagine. Christina L. Suter is the founder and CEO of Ground Level Consulting in Pasadena CA. Christina works with small business owners to improve business performance and work/life balance. Focusing on the unique challenges facing small business owners, Christina helps clients increase profits, reduce management hours, and improve business quality and service. During her 20 years of successful small business experience, Christina developed a variety of programs based on key fundamental principles for building and managing a small business and meeting goals. Christina has used her intrinsic understanding of essential business practice to help her clients triple business revenue,turnaround failing businesses, create consistent and predictable cash-flow, prevent unnecessary loss, increase gross sales, achieve financial clarity and mastery, and attain family/personal life balance.

he Taught Me to See with Eyes of Love

By Adrian Murray

cake, lots and lots of sweets and my mom was right there in the center. She loved Hershey bars, ice cream, cake and anything sweet. In fact My Grandmother gave her the name “Tootsie” ” because of the Tootsie rolls she was told not to eat in the cabinet. When she was asked; Josephine, Did you eat those tootsie rolls? She always replied with a mouth full and shaking her head with a little girl voice; nooo. She graced this name her entire life since the day she was born in Baltimore Maryland on March 17th 1938. I know now that the reason my mom loved sweets is because that is what exactly what she was. “Sweet”. If you were to ask members of the congregation where she served as a full time minister they would tell you that she was indeed sweet woman.

hat is the first thing I think of when I think of my mom? My mom Josephine Murray loved sweets and she loved to dance! If there was a dance floor in site, then she was on it. My early memories as child were of my mom, her sister and cousins all dancing the Madison at my grandmother’s house. Yes, and there was plenty of food. Fried chicken, ham potato salad, mac and cheese, collard greens, cornbread, homemade biscuits and sweet potato pies, caramel and chocolate

It is ironic because like myself, a lot of her life was not so sweet. My mom had her share of pain. I have memories of her in emotional pain because of having to deal with wounds that no child or young adult should have to go through. In spite of her depression and suffering she provided a wonderful example for us children because she did not allow her pain to swallow her up but she moved through it in her own way. She spent her life helping others to have a hope for future. She believed that this life was not all there is and that there had to be more purpose in life. So she dedicated her life to helping others. In her early years she raised 4 children and instilled in us the power of Love. I never saw my Mom say a mean May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT thing about anyone. Even though I witnessed people being unloving to her, she always took the higher road and looked past their imperfections knowing that she was not perfect either. I am so happy that I learned this from her. I know this is the reason I am a successful Life coach because my mom taught me to shine the light on the greater good in ALL people and to see them as the whole beings created In the image of God that they are until they were able to see it in themselves. Growing up during the Civil Rights era, my mom did not have a prejudice or resentful bone in her body. She treated everyone with the same respect and love. Despite the racial unrest in our community especially after the assassination of Martin Luther King, my mom would show love to people of all races just as if they were her own family. She said that we are all a part of the human family. I thank my mom that now as an adult I see only their good qualities. My mom taught me to remain calm in crisis. Always her motivation was love. She showed this calmness with small crisis when we were young so that when the bigger ones came along we were able to calm the amygdala and not lose control. I can remember when one of my youngest sisters came into contact with a bee hive and her entire head of hair was tangled with hundreds of bees. My sister was hysterical of course. However my mom very calmly and without fear sat her on the steps to our home and one by one pulled each bee from her hair without so much as whisper. I will never forget this because it taught me that by remaining calm you can see clearly how to eliminate problems one at a time. She was also a bit of an entrepreneur and opened her own retail shop with my grandmother and a friend and called it the Three J’s. I remember her being so happy to work there. She loved, loved it! To her this was another way of serving and loving people. She did not have a lot of secular education but she worked at that shop as if it were a Fortune 500 company. I enjoyed seeing her do something that she enjoyed rather than doing something just to make money. I remembered this when I was in school and deciding what path to take. I started with tailoring but it did not give me that feeling vest and passion my life. Within a few days I switched my major to Graphic and spent 25 years of fun 70

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in that industry doing something I enjoyed just like my mom. Her final years were spent making jewelry. She enjoyed this so much. It was fun to her. I’m grateful for my mom. I would not have wanted any other. She was the perfect mom for me. When you are a child you don’t really see how your parents help you to grow. Now that I am getting close to the senior years myself I know that much of my growth has been because of parents. Every experience with my mom was a lesson, an opportunity to look at something from a different perspective. My mom was a good balance for my day. My dad was very serious and my mom liked to have fun. She loved to dance and sing, have and go to parties and always looked at the fun part of life. Maybe that’s why I am the Feel Good Coach. I learned how to take serious issues in life and transform them by doing something fun. Even after my mom s passing, her influence could still be felt. I have embraced the grief now and I say thank you for helping me to be aware of the GIFTS my mom is still giving. There is much more unity in our family. I have a renewed relationship with my Dad again. We struggled for so many years because I made a decision to change my beliefs over 15 years ago. I was very bitter for a long time but now all the bitterness has vanished after her passing. There were many rekindled friendships that came out of her passing. Much forgiveness’s took place between some in the family. The immense Love our family is experiencing again across what we perceived as separations because of religious beliefs have been mended. No one has changed their beliefs but it seems that all have realized that the bond of love never dies. My Mom believed that Love is the most powerful force in the Universe. She is a powerful teacher. She does not need the eloquent word. She teaches just by her example and her presence. That’s why she my mentor and the woman I love most in life. Adrian Murray is a Professional Life Coach Certified by The Strategic Learning Alliance. An Ambassador of Divine Love Energy Practioner Certified by The Deborah King Center. Radio Show Host for the Amazing Women and Men of Power Radio Network powered by Raven International. In his own words: While I am thankful for the courses of learning I have taken, it is not the reason that I am a successful. It is because of my life journey personal acceptance and Love. I am ready to help you open your energetic heart and soul so that you live the life you envision. adrianemurray@aol.com; 954.261.8645

y Amazing Mom By Pia L. King, MSW, CLC, CVBC

allie Meyers. Lipscomb, affectionately known as “Sal” lived a rich and full life with boundless energy. She departed this life on April8, 2003. Born on February 19, 1930, in Columbia South Carolina to Essie and Chu and Milton Meyers, Sr. Sallie was the oldest girl in the family of six brothers and two sisters. Mom’s life was one of family, service and dedication. She had a special way of doing things that made you feel so very special and all of her attention was focused just on you. She had an infectious smile, a warm caring touch and always a good word or two to share. Highly driven to do and be her best possible self, she gave her to ensure that her family was well provided for and safe. As a busy mother of four and wife, juggling a family and a successful career with the Department of Navy, I often look back and wonder how she balanced that act. I know it wasn’t easy, but my mom handled her business. Education was extremely important and she insisted that her children would have all of the opportunities that a good May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT education would afford. She attended Allen College in Columbia, South Carolina and then moved to Washington, DC to pursue a career in teaching. She was accepted to one of the first Historical Black Universities, Howard University and majored in teaching. No surprises here, mom blossomed at school and swiftly excelled in campus life and school activities. She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the oldest Greek-letter organizations established in America by Black college women founded at Howard University in 1908. She excelled in competitive swimming and tennis. Mom had a distinguished thirty-year career as a computer programmer with the United States Navy Headquarters, United States marine Corp Division at the navy Annex in Arlington, Virginia. Her career highlight was her attendance, and later faculty membership at the Quantico War College. She retired in 1985 to pursue her favorite avocation, Tournament Bridge. How she so loved tournament bridge, traveling around the country to attend league champion play and organizing tournament scholarships events for The Washington Bridge www.abamas.org and the American Contract Bridge League www.acbl.org and the American Bridge League www.ababridge.org. Her passion for the game led her full circle back to teaching, and she achieved one of the highest levels in the field – Master Bridge Instructor. I still display her numerous bridge awards, trophies and certificates in our home today. Although mom tried to “get” me hooked on bridge (sorry not happening mommy), she didn’t give in and with a little push and a tug, corralled my oldest sister, Michele, husband, James and mother-in-law, Elve King into the world of Tournament Bridge. Yes, they still play today and my mother in-law is well on her way to being a master bridge instructor. I know mom is just tickled silly and smiling right down on them. While active in the community, working with HBCU projects, teaching and playing bridge, nothing was more important to her than her family and close friends. What an honor and blessing was bestowed upon me when the Almighty gave me to this woman and allowed her to be my mother. So I’m humbled to have the privilege to share her with each of you today. Although she is no longer in this realm with me, she is always just a prayer and a thought away. 72

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As the youngest of the four siblings, there were times where I thought that I was burden to my mom. I tried to become as independent as quickly as possible so not to worry or bother my mom. Now, how silly was that? Mom always carved out a very special place and time for me. My favorite moments were going to any and all of the luxury shopping malls near and far. Of course my siblings weren’t invited because it was just our special time together. When it was just the two of us I learned so much more about who this women, my mom really was. I remembering sitting in the back of her Ford Mustang watching her every move. How she gently tossed her long tresses off her face to put on those big black movie star sun glasses and checked the review mirror to ensure that her ruby red perfect lipstick was in place. My mom was the first beauty queen in my life. She taught me how to be and act like a lady, to be graceful, polite and kind, yet confident, straight forward and yes independent. She instilled in me the belief that I could do and be anything that I wanted to be if I believed that I could. Did we see eye to eye on everything? No of course not, mom called me her “little rebel baby” always going against the grain. In her own way, I know now that she loved me expressing my individualism by daring to not to be a follower. Mom taught me that your word is bond, always be honest and loyal to yourself, love fully and completely, always be grateful and put God before everything else. My mom is still very present in my life right now as I write about how she filled me with light and love. And for the record, I still rollover every morning expecting her 6 am wake up call, “P, it time to get up and shine”. Hmm, maybe in this phase of my living in midlife I just might take up Tournament Bridge… I love you mom now and forever – my light and aura. Pia L. King is a catalyst for change, as Social Worker, Certified Life Coach, Author/Writer, Executive Producer/ Talk Show Host of Living Life In Mid Life Radio on The Amazing Women of Power Talk Radio, Social Entrepreneur, Trainer, and Motivator. Her personal mission is to ‘Never Be Afraid to Be Powerful’ and her Professional Mission is to ‘Help Others to Participate In Their Greatness Everyday™. She firmly believes that when people know who they are, then they will be who they need to be. plkmsw@gmail.com; 202-280-9954

nly Three? By Lynn Hyde

hen I was asked to share the top 3 things I learned from my Mom, my first thought was “how will I ever be able to narrow it down to three?” What I decided was I would choose three of my favorite pictures and figure out what makes them so special to me. The first is that my Mom taught me to find things that bring you joy in life. This picture shows her, in her younger days, pursuing one of hers. Downhill skiing is one of the joys she shared with all of us. Teaching us about both managing our time (how to have FUN and get our homework done) along with cooperation (if we helped each other, we’d get to the hill sooner) as we got ready to go each weekend. I still love skiing, it refreshes my soul and brings me joy. Making the rest of my life better because the joy spills over to everything I do and is shared with the people I meet. Every now and then I meet someone who scoffs at the idea of doing things that add joy to their life. It is like they May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT always excuses for not taking time to relax.

is something I can honestly say I can’t make it through the day without.

Relaxing isn’t sitting around doing nothing in my family, instead it is scheduling time with family or friends. Staying connected with the people and things that are important to us.

It is silliness that makes tough days bearable. It makes the absurdities in life make me laugh instead of cry. Silliness makes me joyful.

Today, take the initiative and schedule time to spend with the people who are important to you, maybe even doing one of those activities that bring you both joy! Lesson three is that silliness is critical to happiness. Yes that is my Mom sitting on Santa’s lap. In our case that particular Santa happens to be my Dad in one of his retirement jobs (yup Santa at the mall). either don’t believe they deserve it, which makes me feel sorry for them. Others seem to think that it is life’s duty to send them joy, for those people I try and gently explain if they don’t look for joy how will they see it when it shows up.

Lesson two is, remember to relax! Many times in life we are running, running, running. Never taking a breath or moment for ourselves. My Mom, like everyone, is busy and at times over scheduled. Yet in her schedule she does find time to relax.

It doesn’t matter if work is hectic, the kids need to get to all their activities, or you have what feels like a million appointments to juggle – there are 74

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Don’t be afraid to put in a lot of hard work into your life and career. When you’re done and look over what you put in, you’ll be more satisfied with where you ended up. To quote author Marvin Phillips "The difference between try and triumph is a little umph." Happy Mother's Day and thanks to my Mom who helped me become the woman I am today. Lynn Hidy, founder of UpYourTeleSales LLC, is the specialist at creating profitable telesales people and organizations. She knows you can make six figures over the phone - she does it! Working with Lynn you will learn to create a phone experience where they will forget you aren’t actually having a cup of coffee together. You can hear Sales Coaching over Coffee every Thursday at noon Central time on the Amazing Women of Power Radio Network. http://www.upyourtelesales.com/ has an Inside Sales Leadership post Mondays and a salesperson focused Wednesdays. You can also connect with her @upyourtelesales (https://twitter. com/upyourtelesales) and find her on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnhidy

On this Mother’s Day remember what your own joyful activity is, continue to pursue it, and share it when you can.

This is a conscious choice that isn’t easy to stick to!

I’m going to sneak in a fourth lesson. Joy, relaxation, and silliness all take effort.

My Mom taught us that being silly will make your life better; singing songs that pop into your head, giggling, or talking in funny voices. Being silly can take many forms, but it

hen Your Mom Isn't Your Mom By Rev. Basia Christ, Ph.D. realized how much she loved me even though I treated her badly at times. By the time I was in my early 20s, I thanked her every day for what she did. She comforted me; she laughed with me; and she made me tomato soup with curly noodles and milk, a grilled cheese sandwich, and a big glass of chocolate milk when I was sick. She rubbed Ben Gay on my chest when I had a cold. She helped me with my homework (she was smart even though she only graduated from the eighth grade). Although she passed in 1979, I speak with her every day. A mom is more than someone who gives birth. Let us celebrate all women, those who cannot conceive, those who adopt or foster, those who care for other people's children when they are at work, the aunts, cousins, nieces - all women who "mother" others. We are women. We are born with the ability to see when someone needs a hug, a pat on the shoulder, someone to listen, someone with whom to share a happy moment, or someone to provide a shoulder on which to cry. God Bless all women!

ithout going into the abused childhood, let grandparents, Stanley Studzinski, became my I was 12-years-old.

details of my me just say my and Stephanie guardians when

I took all my grief and pain out on my grandmother every time she tried to get close to me. It took years before I

Rev. Basia Christ, M.Div. has a Ph.D. in Transformational Counseling. She has written for Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Woman, Beach Cities Style, Radiance, and Empowering Women magazines, and, of course, Amazing Women, and the OC Register. She donated her kidney anonymously on November 3, 2010. Basia advocates for human trafficking victims through presentations and fundraising She is available for presentations on human trafficking, gender equality, being a living kidney donor, and Reaching Your Greatness. For more information, call 949.690.1257 or email basia@basiachrist.com. www.basiachrist.com. Listen to her show "Speaking from Spirit: Become Who You are Meant to Be: on Sundays at noon PCT on the Amazing Women of Power Network, powered by Raven International.

May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT

Special Contribution

y Family Heroes

Amazing Women May 2015

By JB Hill, Grandson of Napoleon Hill and Son of David and Frances Hill

e buried them together at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. It rained quietly as the horse drawn caisson transported them with their honor guard to their final resting place among the other heroes of America. The band played its music, the honor guard performed flawlessly, and even the rain paid respect by dwindling to a mist as the burial flag was presented to the family of Lt. Col and Mrs. David H. Hill. We had waited for more than a year to bury our parents together with the honors that they had earned. Dad earned burial rights at Arlington three times by earning two Silver Stars and a Purple Heart early in 1951 over a 2 month period in combat. He earned his first Silver Star after staying too long on the line looking for missing soldiers. He told me later that he thought he had found the missing soldiers and started waiving and yelling at them to hurry when he realized that these soldiers had started to fire at him. Exposed and without the possibility of any cover, he dropped to one knee and fired a burst from his Thompson at the enemy. A few fell wounded, the rest scattered, and Dad took off running for the relative safety of his company. He told me that he had run about 20 yards before enemy tracers started to sweep the ground about him. His skin crawled and he whirled about to re-engage the enemy and so on it went, three or four times until he was safe. His ferocious combat was credited with protecting the rear

of his company as it withdrew while in contact with the enemy – the most perilous of all combat maneuvers. He earned his second Silver Star two months later near Tokkosan, Korea. He was leading his company in an attack against an enemy position on a hilltop when withering automatic fire pinned the company into terrain from which it was impossible to maneuver. Recognizing the company’s peril, he dashed forward in single handed assault on enemy machine gun positions, hurling hand grenades and firing his Thompson, with such accuracy that he destroyed two enemy machine gun positions. This so inspired the men of his company that they renewed their attack and forced the enemy from the hilltop. Dad shrugged his shoulders as if it were nothing when I asked how he earned his Purple Heart. He said that one night the enemy attacked and one of them hurled a grenade at him. It exploded, sending shrapnel into his face and hands. Dad said he was lucky that the grenade used was for concussion and it had little shrapnel. But it took more than 50 years for the last piece of shrapnel to work its way out of Dad’s face. Dad really did not talk much about his combat but he did talk about others in combat. On Dad’s first day of ground combat operations, Lt. John McGuire’s clear thinking and bold action to secure a flank saved the company from being overrun. In Aug of 1951, Lt. McGuire died during the battle for Bloody Ridge. A combat artist captured the moment when stretcher bearers brought his remains down. The

sketch later appeared on the cover of Collier’s Magazine. Dad’s company medic was a black man named Houston Snowden. One day, Dad led his company into a minefield. When the first mine exploded the enemy opened up with automatic weapons. They took casualties and the cry for “Medic!" was passed to the rear. Dad told me that “Doc” Snowden rushed forward and ran into that minefield to pick up white soldiers and carry them to safety. He did it --in spite of the mines, in spite of the enemy fire, and in spite of his fear… and he did it three times. So, I understand heroism from my father and his stories and through him I understand the reason why we should honor our veterans. But I had to learn from my sister Terry why my mother deserved the honor of Arlington burial as much as my father. Several months after my parent’s burial, their marker was finally engraved and set into place. It identified them and their war as “Korea.” Terry was upset by this because so much of our parents’ lives revolved around WW II, not just Korea. She insisted that the marker be re-engraved because anything less would be a disservice to them, particularly mother. Now, this surprised me. I always thought of my patent’s war time lives in terms of my father and what he had to endure, not in terms of my mother’s experience. She explained. Imagine what it must have been like for mother. She lost one husband in North Africa during the WW II before she met Dad and married him. Then in 1946, she left all May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT of her family in Ireland to follow Dad to the United States. When Dad left for Korea in 1950 she was stranded in Florida without her family to help. She had 3 children under 8 years old and could barely drive a car. Money was so tight that she worked as a cashier in a grocery story. Imagine how she felt when Dad’s letters came and she read about his combat experiences. What did she FEEL when she learned about his single handed assault against machine guns? Pride? Terror? Perhaps both. She was alone, lonely, living in a foreign country and must have felt terror at the thought of what might happen to her and her children if his letters ever stopped coming. Dad WAS Mom’s future. Somehow, she endured, took care of her children, and dutifully wrote to her husband’s family. During WW II, Dad flew 55 combat missions. His chance of dying during a mission was about 1 in 8 and he could have rotated back to the United States after completing 25 missions. But he had fallen in love with Mom and feared losing her more than he feared dying. When he got a day off, Dad took the train to London to meet Mom who would wait for him at the station. Sometimes they would have just minutes together before Dad had to board the train to get back to base on time. He often stood for hours on the train so that women and children could be seated. He earned 11 Air medals for his gallantry in the air and later received the Distinguished Flying Cross. But while Dad was bombing Germany by day, the Germans were bombing Mom at night. When the sirens 78

Amazing Women May 2015

sounded, Mom swept my sister Jackie into her arms and ran for shelter. There was so much bombing in London that after a while some people even got used to it. This was not true for the V-bombs which had a distinctive motor sound that suddenly stopped as fuel ran out. Silence reigned agonizingly for Mom and everyone else while they waited for the explosion sure to follow. The V-bombs struck haphazardly and everyone was at risk, everywhere. Some bombs had delayed fuses. They were set to explode during early day when most people moved to and from work. David and Francis Hill Mom survived this carnage of terror and death and she endured. After Mom’s first husband was killed, she fell in love with my father. She knew the danger he faced with each mission and must have wondered with each visit if she would ever see him again. She waited at the train station for him and accepted what little time they had to spend together. I cannot imagine what they said to each other during those moments. But I know exactly what Dad must have seen in her eyes as they said good bye. I know because I was to see it myself as I boarded a bus to Camp LeJeune to start infantry training during the Vietnam War. I saw tears welling in her hazel eyes but I did not understand. How could I? I knew nothing of love or war and even less of my mother’s kind of heroism. A few months before Dad met Mom in England, he wrote to his brother Blair between missions. He was clearly

depressed, lonely, and afraid. He wrote about the future and what he wanted out of life ---“Like most, a good job, a loving wife, and a family.” He also wrote that he had wasted so much time that he had few skills to make all that a reality. Dad vowed to make up for lost time if he made it home safely. Napoleon Hill wrote that success in marriage (or business) required a common cause with sufficient harmony to subordinate selfishness. He was right of course but he left out one essential ingredient --- the willingness to endure. In Mom, Dad found a woman BORN to nurture a family. Family was that common cause for my parents and their marriage endured 60 years and two wars. I do not know which of my parents was the braver or which sacrificed the most during their two wars. I only know that they were both veterans and that both were heroes. Terry is correct: Mom earned her spot at Arlington.

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May 2015 Amazing Women

AMAZING MOMS - PAST AND PRESENT

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Amazing Women May 2015