May 2, 2021 4:38 AM
Mother of the Year! I just woke up from a dream where my 100-year-old mother was selected as the Mother of the Year. It made me smile. The fact is that every year of my life she has been that to me. A large part of all of the success I have had in my life is due to her. She was my first teacher and she was good at it. She provided me with a safe and loving environment. I was so fortunate to grow up in a home where I knew I was loved, valued, encouraged and supported. The kind of home with the kind of parents that every child deserves.
I imagine many of you also had a mother like mine. One who would sacrifice anything to protect and nourish you. I also know many of you may have had mothers who might have been in different circumstances than my mother, yet, did all they could to help you succeed.
Every year in May, we honor our mothers. For me that has meant a card, taking her out to lunch or dinner, trying to express my gratitude with a small gift. This year I am going to do something extra. I am going to give a gift in her name to the Literacy Coalition. I cannot think of a better way to honor my first teacher.
This year for Mother’s Day, I am inviting you to join me. Honor your mother with a donation to the Literacy Coalition in her name. Send a check to the Literacy Coalition, 901 S. Courtland Ave., Kokomo, In. 46901. Include your mother’s name in the memo.
While working at the Literacy Coalition for the past 30 years, I have witnessed the value of improving a mother’s reading skills. It does not just change the lives of out students, but of their families. (Read the earlier post here titled “Echoes of Kindness.”). Research shows that a mother’s reading skill level [1] outweighs all other factors including family income, neighborhood, etc.
You can feel good knowing that your gift honors your mother while helping other mothers change the lives of their children.
GIVE TODAY to CHANGE TOMORROW!
[1] U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (2010, October 25)