I feel very grateful for the opportunity to attend the American Mothers Convention in New York on April 25-27th, representing Oregon as the 2013 Oregon Mother of the Year. It was held at the incredible hotel, the Waldorf=Astoria, filled with much history, and granduear. From the minute we arrived, until the final evening we were treated so well. They did so much to make it a choice experience for all of us.
Best of all it was wonderful to get acquainted with outstanding women across the country that are God fearing, righteous women who are raising wonderful families and making a difference in their community. It was an overwhelming experience to be there.
In just a short period of time we became good friends among the Mothers , and the Young Mothers. Many tears were shed as the speeches were given. There were many heartaches that were shared, and you marveled to see the strength of these women go forward and change a tragic or sad experience into a cause to help others.
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| The lobby at the Waldfor=Astoria |
Thursday afternoon we had an orientation, get acquainted games and we were video taped for a short interview that they played the last night when we were introduced at the big Gala Event.
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| Welcoming reception the first evening. |
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| Each mother had a card with their picture and name. Then the last night we signed each others cards. |
We really enjoyed getting better acquainted with Helen Bean (center). She was a National Mother of the Year in 2005, I believe. Her husband is very involved in scouting and they know Brad and Dantzelle very well. Also, he was on the planning committee of the Portland temple and they knew Myreel & Larry well. Her daughter, Charlotte Laughlin and family use to live in our stake. Francine Cowie from Vancouver was the WA Mother of the Year. Her daughter-in-law is a friend of Ondalynn's.
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| Francine Cowie, Helen Bean, Vivienne Lewis |
The most stressful part of the whole experience was giving the three minute speech. You had to keep it within the time limit and when I memorized my speech and practiced it ahead of time I was keeping it to three minutes. But when I gave it I had no idea I was going much slower. It was such a massive room, and speaking in that setting was so new to me, and I ended up going over, but many others did, too. As I prepared for the speech, I felt prompted that I was to speak about my journey from polio as a young child, to the miracle of nine children, and the struggles of Post Polio Syndrome. Many were kind to share that it had touched their hearts. I'm grateful for Heavenly Father's help to get me through it!
It really was a tender mercy that I was well and had a voice to speak. While in Jamaica Crismon picked up a bug and he was pretty miserable the first few days in New York. I started getting it, too. Gratefully thanks to many prayers on our behalf, I was able to pull out of it and I had energy and was strong through the entire Convention even though we had done a lot of walking site-seeing in New York. The demand of the trip caught up to me by the time I got home and put me down for a week or so. But when I needed my strength, it was there.
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| Giving my speech at the Convention |
Fortunately, I didn't have to pay for the Convention, but we paid the half registration so Crismon could attend the speeches, and the big Gala Event on Sat. evening. While I was busy those few days, he worked our business from the hotel room. When I got a break, then we took a much needed break to get outside and enjoy the gorgeous weather. New York looked spectacular in the sunny spring weather.
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| This is the room we gave our speeches. I was relieved it was over. |
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| A treat to meet LDS Dorothy DeVore, the State Pres. from CA. |
On Friday evening after niece, Laura & Wilfried Eyi, were finished with their hospital tour in preparation for their first baby to arrive shorty, they were good to take the subway and come to our hotel where we could visit for a short time. Sorry this picture didn't turn out better. Such a smart, wonderful couple! It was so fun to see them and visit for a short time.
The biggest highlight was getting acquainted with wonderful women who inspired me to be a better person, Mom, and Grandma.
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Top row, left to right: Judith Jepsen-Popel (IL), Renee Starr (CA)
Jan Schiferl (NE), Zan Hyer (NV), Vivienne Lewis (OR). Renee and Zan are also LDS. |
Before the Gala Event started, we had a reception and visiting in the room behind me.
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| The hotel was elegant wherever you looked. |
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| Elizabeth Caswell, OR Young Mother of the Year with her children. |
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| Breakfast on Friday morning |
The Featured Presenters were Kathie Lee Gifford, a famous television host, actress, singer, playwright, songwriter and author. She is a strong woman with a spiritual nature and devotion to God. She shared how important it is to have her daily devotion of scripture study, prayer and meditation. To meet the demands of co-host on the fourth hour of the Today Show, and not wanting to miss her devotional, she gets up an hour earlier each day so she doesn't miss the most important part of her day.
Sherrie Rollins Westin, CEO of Sesame Workshop gave an outstanding talk on the importance of mothers especially in the early years of a child's development. Again, I was impressed by her being grounded in the importance of family, and her love for her children.
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| Sherrie Rollins Westin and her daughter, Lily. Sesame St. CEO gave a great speech. |
The few days flew by and before you knew it, the final evening arrived. Again, it was like a dream, filled with many choice and memorable experiences.
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| The formal Gala Event was a very special evening. |
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| Final preparations for the big event were being made. |
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| After the event, some of the mothers gathered for a picture. Others had already slipped out. |
Judy Cook from Vineyard, UT was chosen as National Mother of the Year. She is a lovely LDS woman that will represent the Church and the American Mothers Association very well.
