Vision & Purpose LifeStyle Magazine -Mother & Son Special Edition

Special Edition MOTHERS & SONS

MAY 2021

MARJORIE MIDDLETON & CHRISTIAN HARRIS Page 14

Mothers & Sons VANDPMAGAZINE.COM

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VISION & PURPOSE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

CONTENTS V&P Special Edition

4 Yolanda, Sterling and Langston Brooks

6 Patrice Webster and David Dyson

8 Yvonne and Marlon D. Williams

10 D. Jamese, Zyon, and Ocir Black

14 Marjorie Middleton and Christian Harris

18 Kyonna and Jeremiah Brown

20 Dr. Renee and Chase Allen

22 Reverend Girdie and Seth Washington 24 Tammee and Quinton Gaymon 26 Marcella Barnes and John Rutherford

Founders Karen McConnell-Jones & Dr. Sharon H. Porter

28 Mother & Son Poem MAY 2021

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May 2021 Founders Karen McConnell-Jones & Dr. Sharon H. Porter

Editor-In-Chief Dr. Sharon H. Porter

Deputy Editors Karen McConnell-Jones Marjorie Middleton

Featuring

Layout & Design

Mothers and Sons Marjorie Middleton and Christian Harris Yolanda, Sterling,and Langston Brooks Yvonne and Marlon D. Williams D. Jamese, Zyon, and Ocir Black Kyonna and Jeremiah Brown Dr. Renee and Chase Allen Reverend Girdie and Seth Washington Tammee and Quinton Gaymon Marcella Barnes and John Rutherford

Dr. Sharon H. Porter

Contact www.vandpmagazine.com info@vandpmagazine.com

Vision & Purpose LifeStyle Magazine Fathers& Daughter Issue coming June 2021

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For services and pricing, please contact us at infor@vandpmagazine.com.

Karen McConnell-Jones Dr. Sharon H. Porter Krystal Glenn Karen Clay Stevie Gaymon Domminique Massaquoi Deven Richardson Jason Greene Kyonna F. Brown Dr. Essie McKoy Marjorie Middleton Antonio Turner Martina Turner Seth Washington Candice Camille Donna Harris Michelle B. Hauser

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V&P SPECIAL EDITION I MOTHERS AND SONS

V&P LifeStyle Magazine An Interview with Yolanda, Sterling, and Langston Brooks

Yolanda Brooks...

Fun. Caring. Smart.

VPLM: What has been most rewarding with being a mom?

YB: I relish in the opportunity to pour everything into my children who are completely reliant on me for direction, support, happiness, and security. I want them to experience all they can. My reward is their unconditional love and memories for a lifetime.

VPLM: What is one of your mom’s sayings that have stuck with you?

SB: The character of men is what you do when no one’s watching.

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VPLM: Describe the joy that your sons have brought to your life?

YB: I am blessed with two wonderful and loving young men. I love watching their personalities develop, recognizing their strengths and pushing through challenges, and hearing them repeat things I have told them over and over again. I am so proud of my babies.

VPLM: What is one of your special moments with your sons?

YB: I love to watch the sunrise. I always try to catch a few when we are on vacation and make my husband or children watch one with me. On one occasion, I went to bed with no intention of waking anyone up the next morning, to only have Sterling wake me up and say “Mom, aren’t we going to see the sunrise? It’s so beautiful seeing it over the ocean.” He has been experiencing them with me ever since.

Langston was recently diagnosed with epilepsy. After his first episode, the doctors told my husband and me that if Langston has another seizure be prepared for him to be disoriented and unaware of his surroundings. We prayed he would not have another. So, when he had a second seizure, I sat anxiously holding his hand, waiting for him to wake up, then Langston opened his eyes and said, “Hi Mommy, can I have some chocolate pudding?” J. Moss’s song popped in my head – God’s Got It! My spirit settled knowing he would be fine.

VPLM: What is one of your special moments with your mom?

SB: Going to Kings Dominion’s Halloween Haunt – just the two of us. She gets on all the rollercoasters and screams before, during, and after the ride is over.

It is hilarious!

VPLM: What special message you would like to say to your sons?

YB: Sterling, I love you! No matter how old (or tall) you get, you will always be my baby. Know that I am always here whenever you need a laugh, a hug, or a punch in the stomach (tighten up)!

Langston, do not let labels define you. I did not acknowledge the preemie label when you arrived earlier than expected. I did not allow your recent diagnosis to put limits on or shame you either. Let the world see God’s work through your example…continue to live your best life!

VPLM: What special message would you like to say to your mom?

SB: Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. I love you, M O M! LB: Mommy, I lubba you!

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Patricia Webster...

Virtuous. Priceless. Loving.

V&P LifeStyle Magazine VPLM: What has been most rewarding with being a mom?

PW: Discovering my son’s gifts & graces and cultivating them so that he might fulfill his Godly purpose.

VPLM: What is one of your mom’s sayings that has stuck with you?

DD:"Look it up in the dictionary" (in reference to when I would ask for word meanings or spellings).

VPLM: Describe the joy that your son has brought to your life?

PW: David’s playful disposition and wonderful sense of humor has always filled my life and our home with laughter and joy! He’s been medicine for the soul!

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VPLM: What is one of your special moments with your son?

PW: The joyful excitement of driving my son to Massachusetts for his first year of college versus the tearful heartbreak of returning home without his loving presence and vibrant personality.

VPLM: What is one of your special moments with your mom?

DD: When I was frustrated, angry, and hurt..and she hugged me saying nothing. 1000 words...

VPLM: What special message would you like to say to your son?

PW: You are a tremendous blessing and have made me immensely happy and proud. I love you to pieces!

VPLM: What special message would you like to say to your mom?

DD: Mom...I love and appreciate you more than you could ever know. Thank you for everything.

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An Interview with Yvonne and Marlon D. Williams

V &P LifeStyle Magazine

Yvonne Williams...

Beautiful. Selfless. Loving.

VPLM: What has been most rewarding in being a mom?

YW: Watching my son Marlon grow from son to “Man”. My son, that quiet boy to a man. He continues to grow towards perfection. He has never been a follower. I always looked at him as a leader. He thinks on his own and he is willing to help if he can. He continues to grow in kindness, helpfulness, willingness to listen, patience, ability to continue to learn and grab as much knowledge as possible for growth.

VPLM: What is one of your mom’s sayings that have stuck with you?

MW: "Things can always be worse so be thankful."

VPLM: Describe the joy that your son has brought to your life?

YW: Watching him spend time with his precious children. Not just helping them grow to be well citizens or obedient children, but respectable and grateful children.

I always remind him the most important thing is not time spent, but what you do with them during that time, the quality.

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VPLM: What is one of your special moments with your son?

YW: His birth...What a precious blessing that GOD had sent.

VPLM: What is one of your special moments with your mom?

MW: One special moment was my mom taking me to a Philadelphia Sixers game as a kid.

VPLM: What special message would you like to say to your son?

YW: I am so very proud of you. I could not ask for a better son. I have watched you grow into this extraordinary young man, gracious father, caring son. Each day I continue to watch you grow.

Continue to have faith in GOD and believe and ask and you shall receive. I am not financially rich, but I have a loving, blessed, and caring son which I will ask for no more! Keep doing what you are doing.

VPLM: What special message would you like to say to your mom?

MW: Words can’t explain my love and admiration for you. I am who I am because of you. Love you, Mom.

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D. Jamese, Zyon, and Ocir Black An Interview With D. Jamese, Zyon, and Ocir Black V &P LifeStyle Magazine VPLM: What has been most rewarding in being a mom?

VPLM: Describe the joy that your sons have brought to your life?

DJB: Watching my boys grow into positive men. It is awesome to watch them develop into their own individuals and create their own interests.

DJB: Words cannot express the joy OZ has brought into our lives. They have been a blessing to us along with our family. They are caring, considerate and responsive young men who love to create a splash and leave a mark in the lives of others.

VPLM: What is one of your mom’s sayings that have stuck with you?

ZB: One day, there will come a time when I am not going to be here to teach you, take time to learn now.

OB:You are a Black and that means somethingMAY 2021 SPECIAL EDITION V&P MAGAZINE I 10

D. Jamese Black...

Beautiful. Fun. Fair.

Honest. Supportive. Flavor.

VPLM: What is one of your special moments with your sons?”

DJB: Sitting around the dinner table simply discussing our day.

VPLM: What is one of your special moments with your mom?

ZB: Car ride talks.

OB: Our weekly Sunday Family meetings - We share our thoughts and concerns with no judgment.

VPLM: What special message would you like to say to your sons?

DJB:You matter! God gave you to us and we do not take that lightly. Your voice matters, Your heart matters, Your voice matters. No one can change what God has created. Step high in your passion and calling. Above all “Respect Your Journey” .

VPLM:What special message would you like to say to your mom?

ZB: Keep on being the mom NaNa taught you to be” OB: “You are a strong Black wonderful woman. Thank you for being a role model of what a great woman looks like. I would not be who I am and would not have accomplished anything without you.

Zyon and I strive every day to make you proud.

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s i r ar H n a i t s i r h C & n o t e l dd i M e i r o j r a M Mother and Son

V&P SPECIAL EDITION I MOTHERS AND SONS

Marjorie & Christian An Interview with

Marjorie Middleton & Christian Harris

V&P LifeStyle Magazine

Marjorie Middleton...

Philanthropist. Lighthearted. Forgiving.

VPLM: What has been most rewarding in being a mom?

MM: Christian was my firstborn, and as a young person growing up I was never around any babies or toddlers, so it was exciting for me to be a first-time Mom. I enjoyed learning new things and watching how I shaped some of his ideas and decisions and then watching him make choices that had nothing to do with my influence, but with who he is as a person.

Christian was a great teacher!

VPLM: What is one of your mother's sayings that have stuck with you?

CM: “Let’s take a picture!” Every time we are together with family she says this phrase. It’s gotten to the point that at every gathering everyone is prepared to take a picture…or 50! If you don’t gather around when you hear, “let’s take a picture,” expect to see some candids of yourself on family texts.

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VPLM: What special message would you like to say to your son?

MM: I love you and I am proud of your growth as a man, a father, and a husband. Anyone who knows me knows that I consider my children my greatest accomplishments. I’m proud of you for being a gifted, published author, a preaching man and an avid learner; I marvel at the work you put into being a contributing Black man in this world and to the building up of the Kingdom of God!

VPLM: What special message would you like to say to your mom?

VPLM: Describe the joy that your son has brought to your life?

MM: My son has brought so much joy to my life in many ways.

There are so many things about Christian that I’m joyful about! But, I’d have to say making me Grandmother to his beautiful daughters has created so much joy.

VPLM: What is one of your special moments with your son?

My son and his sister got married a few months apart. When his sister married first, I was a happy and proud Mom, but there were no tears (for a Mom a daughter is always close because she’s a woman and marriage solidifies friendship). But, when Christian got married I cried throughout the whole ceremony. I wasn’t expecting that and afterwards examined my feelings. He was truly, for sure, and absolutely a man now and no longer my little boy. Thankfully those were tears of joy.

VPLM: What is one of your special moments with your mom?

CM: My Mom became a single mother early in my life and when I first started playing sports she taught me the things she knew and was willing to learn and practice sports she didn’t know, to help develop my skills. With my mom, I became skilled at batting, catching, throwing a football, and tossing a rugby ball. Those times remind me to thank her for always having my back and for giving in so many ways, as well as for being a wonderful grandmother.

It’s been great to see you grow and I appreciate how you encourage me to never give up.

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CM: Thank you for always being in my corner and supporting me. I love you and appreciate you.

V&P SPECIAL EDITION I MOTHERS AND SONS

Kyonna F. Brown & Jeremiah Brown An Interview with Kyonna and Jeremiah Brown

Kyonna F. Brown ...

Beautiful. Honest. Giver.

V&P LifeStyle Magazine VPLM: What is one of your mother's saying that has stuck with you?

JB: Take care of yourself. If you don't no one else will.

VPLM: Describe the joy that your son has brought to your life?

VPLM: What has been most rewarding in being a mom?

KB: The most rewarding part about being Jeremiah’s mom is to witness his growth. It still amazes me that I carried him inside of me. As he develops, I'm able to witness his gifts.

He is a very outgoing young man and can get just about anyone to come out of their shell. He also has the gift to make others smile. I notice that his gifts with some pruning will truly be an awesome way to serve the kingdom of God. As the scripture says in Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

He was already destined for great things. It is truly an honor and rewarding to be a part of his journey.

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KB: Jeremiah brings me so much joy. He seems to know what to say and how to say things to lift my spirit. I love that I can be just me with him.

Sometimes we are not able to be free in all our ways.

But with him, I can be goofy ole me and we enjoy each other in our truths no matter what they are.

VPLM: What is one of your special moments with your son?

KB: Just recently we went on a vacation together. It was just him and me. We were hiking and he decided to play some Jesus music as he calls it. We were able to enjoy each other, God, and nature. This is a moment I won’t forget. I got the chance to be enveloped by 3 of my favorite things in life and he initiated it.

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"Jeremiah, you are my heart."

VPLM: What is one of your special moments with your mom?

JB: Every moment is special. I just love being with my mom. She always makes things fun.

VPLM: What special message would you like to say to your son?

KB: Jeremiah you are my heart. You are perfect in every way. I would not change a thing about you. Every work opportunity, meeting, call, and Facebook Live is to grow more and to become wealthier in my mind to build greater resources to help make life a little easier for you. I'm growing to help you grow. I love you my son and I'm always yours VPLM: What special message would you like to say to your mom?

JB: I love you and wish I could give you all my love.

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An Interview with Dr. Renee and Chase Allen V&P LifeStyle Magazine

Dr. Renee Allen...

SuperHuman. Overcomer. Vivacious.

VPLM: What is one of your mom’s saying that has stuck with you?

VPLM: What has been the most rewarding thing about being a mom?

RA: Wow, there have been countless rewards being Chase’s mom! However, if I had to choose one it would be the fact that I was actually able to have him at a later age than most women.

Chase is my ultimate gift in this life and I am reminded everyday how blessed I am to have him.

CA: My Mother is extremely book smart and street smart as well as beautiful [inside & out] and is almost always right. As a child I remember her always saying “Be Kind To Others!” It has stuck with me throughout my entire life. As I experienced people who weren’t kind; she said “God Sees Everything; You Just Continue To Be Kind!” I have realized that being kind wasn’t just for people, it was for me as well.

It has kept my mindset positive.

VPLM: Describe the joy that your son has brought to your life?

RA: I remember when Dr. Sadler handed him to me in the delivery room; I was in awe!

It was LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT! Whether our day brings laughter or tears; he is my Daily Dose of JOY! VPLM: What is one of your special moments with your son?

RA: Chase is multi-talented and has a huge imagination! He has always been the comedian of the group and dropping rhymes at a whim. One of our special moments was when he submitted his poetry in a competition at Reid Temple Christian Academy. He was a bit shy and nervous; however, Chase is super gifted. Of course, his Dad and I encouraged him. The moment his name was called as the First Place Winner; we shared the most amazing hug as I congratulated him. The look on our son’s face was priceless. In fact, I replay it in my mind at times because it was such a memorable bond between us.

VPLM: What is one of your special moments with your mom?

CA: My Mother has always made me feel special and even through my teenage ‘trials & errors.’ She always inspired & encouraged me! One of our many special moments would have to be the day I left home for the United States Navy. She, my Dad and sisters, and a few others drove me to the Recruit Headquarters where I boarded a bus to head out on my journey. My mother always showed us her superpowers, strength, and discipline, but on this day she started crying, she told me that she was so proud of me and hugged me so tight that I didn’t want to leave. That beautiful moment we shared was one that I often thought of during boot camp, and it motivated me and brought me peace during the most difficult times. Thank you, Mom! VPLM: What special message would you like to say to your son?

RA: Chase you are my WHY! You and I have weathered many storms and together, we have overcome! You have a kind heart and a great soul! I love you like no other! I am beyond proud to call you my son & friend. Congratulations on your first book of poetry that you published last year in the pandemic. As Dr. Willie Jolley stated the first time he met you at eight years old; “You Are Destined For Greatness!!!”

VPLM: What special message would you like to say to your mom?

CA: Mommy, Mother and Best Friend of mine, a billion Thank You’s could not describe how grateful I am for you for protecting us and teaching us about life. I could not have asked for a happier childhood and it's because of your love & sacrifices that my Dad and sisters Lisa and Sonya were able to thrive in this world! You are irreplaceable and you are the woman that I look up to, respect, and adore more than any other human being in this universe! If you looked in the dictionary under MOTHER & “what a Mom should be” the world should see a photo of you – My Shero!

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An Interview with Reverend Girdie and Seth Washington V&P LifeStyle Magazine

Reverend Girdie Washington ...

Strength. Wisdom. Compassion.

VPLM: What has been most rewarding in being a mom?

GW: As a mom I am thankful that my children are very thoughtful, respectful, loving and considerate of me and of each other. I am also appreciative of their dignity and pride in their self expression.

It gives me much satisfaction in my observance of the manner in which they have remained steadfast to our family values in caring for each other; remembering their elders; not forgetting those who come behind them; giving back to their community; and keeping God in the forefront of their lives.

VPLM: What Is one of your mom’s sayings that has stuck with you?

SW: Mom is the eldest amongst her siblings, as such, she was well versed in leadership by the time she became a parent. I remember Mom saying to me, a long time ago, “I don’t care if every kid in the classroom is jumping off of their desk, I better not hear about you jumping off of yours.” Many years later, trading humorous memories of similar childhood admonishments that we received from our Mothers, a friend astutely pointed out how, in fact, these sayings were aspects of leadership training that emphasized the need to think and act independently.

Thanks Mom, truly.

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VLPM: Describe the joy that your son has brought to your life?

GW: Just being with Seth is a joy for me. His love for humanity is heartwarming. I appreciate the manner in which he encourages others. It also gives me great joy to note that he does not speak disrespectfully about anyone and always tries to see the good in others. I am proud of Seth for the respect that he has for women.

For instance he always opens the vehicle door for me, even when I am driving. He does not hesitate to reach out and give someone a helping hand. I thank God for him.

VPLM: What is one of your special moments with your son?

GW: Last summer Seth surprised me and came to spend an afternoon with me at the boardwalk, which he knows that I love. It was a very special experience for me indeed. I was quite elated and appreciative. The memory of that time will remain in my heart of hearts. He’s wonderful!!

VPLM: What Is one of your special moments with your mom?

SW: Continuing in the tradition of her Mother and Grandmother, Mom is a very good cook. As well, supper was family time. In particular, Sunday dinners were always an amazing display of her culinary skills. During those after church dining events, Mom shared a lot of love through her well prepared food served on her fine china, including the delicious baked items that she provided for dessert. The truly special moments were those that included guests who stopped by to eat with our family. I remain impressed with her consistency in executing those memorable and elegant Sunday feasts.

VPLM: What special message would you like to say to your son?

GW: Remain true to your faith, always putting God first in all of your endeavors. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not to thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV. God bless you. I love you much! Mom VPLM: What special message would you like to say to your mom?

SW: Mom, I can’t say Thank You enough for being the excellent role model that you are. I recall, during my childhood, when you decided to go to college and how you prepared Kelly, Audrey and myself to be productive during the evenings while you attended class. It was yet another sign of your strength. You endured many years and levels of education, including two master's degrees. Through all that it took, you and Dad maintained effectiveness in marriage as well as parenting. Your example of a life well lived has been and continues to be tremendous. Once more, many thanks for your love, guidance, kindness and friendship, indeed, they are extraordinary blessings to me.

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Tammee Gaymon...

Supportive. Active. Honest.

An Interview with Tammee Gaymon and Quinton Walker V&P LifeStyle Magazine

VPLM: What has been most rewarding with being a mom?

TG: The most rewarding thing about being a mom is seeing your child living their dream. Oftentimes, as a parent, we have in our minds what we hope our children’s profession would be. We worry about our children’s future and hope that they grow up to be successful and contributing members of society. Quinton is an artist. Honestly, this was not what I had in my mind as a profession for my son. As a young boy, Quinton designed logos for t-shirts, baseball caps, and sneakers. He experimented with spray painting, painted portraits, and still life paintings.

He taught himself how to tattoo. Art, in many forms, is Quinton’s passion. He supported himself through college at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore by tattooing his friends and classmates.

Quinton tattooed his clients in their homes, at our house, wherever he could set up shop. And now he has his own tattoo shop, Tattatoullie Inc. in Clinton, MD. WOW! VPLM: What is one of your mom’s sayings that have stuck with you?

QW: When I wanted to do things my way, my mother would tell me that I am in control of my actions.

VPLM: Describe the joy that your son has brought to your life?

TG: Let me count the ways that Quinton has brought joy to my life. Quinton is accomplishing his dreams and goals. He opened up his own tattoo shop, Tattatoullie Inc. in Clinton, MD. He is opening up event space in the same location. Quinton is an awesome father to his son, Major.

He is a generous, polite, and caring person who brings joy to those he is around.

"Let me count the ways that Quinton has brought joy to my life" MAY 2021 SPECIAL EDITION V&P MAGAZINE I 24

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VPLM: What is one of your special moments with your son?

TG: A special moment with Quinton was being there with him to see the birth of Major. Words cannot explain the joy you feel as a parent to see your child become a parent.

VPLM: What is one of your special moments with your mom?

QW: I loved game night with my mom and family. Especially when I won!

VPLM: What special message would you like to say to your son?

TG: Quinton you are simply awesome and amazing! You set your mind to something and you see it through. I’m just so proud of you! Greatness!

VPLM: What special message would you like to say to your mom?

QW: Thank you for teaching me accountability and responsibility.

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An Interview with Marcella Barnes and John Rutherford V&P LifeStyle Magazine

Marcella Barnes...

Loving. Understanding. Supportive.

VPLM: What has been most rewarding in being a mom?

MB: The most rewarding thing about being a mom is standing back now and looking at my son and listening to him utilize the lessons about life that I taught him as a child and as a young man.

VPLM: What is one of your mom’s sayings that have stuck with you?

JR: Life is about having options and giving back to others.

VPLM: Describe the joy that your son(s) has brought to your life?

MB: My son has brought much joy to my life, but the best thing he has brought is our conversations about anything that comes to our minds.

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VPLM: What is one of your special moments with your son?

MB: Seeing him graduate from college.

VPLM: What is one of your special moments with your mom?

JR: One special moment was seeing her face when I received a full scholarship to college.

VPLM: What special message would you like to say to your son?

MB: Continue to walk behind God and trust in him for guidance.

VPLM: What special message would you like to say to your mom?

JR: Continue to be the mentor to me that you are.

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Mother and Son

by Seth E. Washington

A Mother's love never abandons A Son is an echo of her greatness There was Mary and her sister at the cross The Son of Man was faithful to his purpose Her essence brings forth life into the world He is the light thereof A Mother's wisdom is strength in the storm The Son’s faith is a lasting proof of Her love (c)SethE.Washington2021.