This Sunday, Americans will celebrate another Mother’s Day. Since everyone has a mother, it’s an important proposition to honor them. Biblical, too. You know, “honor your father and mother” is one of the Big Ten.
One Illinois mom who has an extra reason to celebrate this year is Caron Lamen. In February, this Aurora mom was at home alone with her daughter Aria. Caron suddenly passed out while talking to her daughter.
Aria quickly called her father. Then 911. The dispatcher kept Aria on the line while giving her instructions as the girl checked on mom’s breathing. As Caron Lamen would say, “For her to do what she did and stay so calm is amazing.” Indeed.
Aria then had to compose herself to help first responders get the needed information to save Caron’s life. The dispatcher, Tracie Whalen, sent the ambulance. Observed Tracie,”I’ve taken calls for 30 years. I have never seen a kid ever do as well as she did. I don’t see most adults do as well as she did.”
Mom came back home after spending 16 days in the hospital. Such a godly blessing! And what a special Mother’s Day this will be for the Lamen family!
But worth noting, how many mothers have been by their child’s side as they struggled with the many issues of life? Too many to count. Whether it’s an illness or injury, an emotional or relational problem, or some other form of pain, a loving mom will be the chief support person for her children.
One seemingly impossible task is to select a national “Mother of the Year.” Yes, there is such a competition. And the nominees appear to be selected having earned the same title in their home state.
Rachel Ternstrom was selected by the nonprofit American Mothers Inc. as the 2022 Illinois Mother of the Year. (Not able to find a 2023 winner yet.) The Rolling Meadows woman was the 72nd woman in Illinois history to receive the honor. She has two daughters.
Ms. Ternstrom graduated from DePaul University. She worked for many years in the recruiting and sales industry. Then she became a stay-at-home mom. Her passions are interior styling and home decor.
I personally know a previous state of Illinois winner. Her name is Kendra Smiley. She was selected as the Illinois Mother of the Year in 2001. Kendra was the “baby” in her family and a true achiever. This woman graduated with highest honors from the University of Illinois and earned her Master of Science degree from the University of North Dakota. Again, graduating with highest honors.
Kendra and her husband John have raised three sons. She is a true “Proverbs 31 woman” having spent years as a teacher and a girls basketball coach. Kendra also served as a church and community leader. She’s a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.
A few years ago, Kendra gave women a wonderful devotional blessing. It’s a book titled, Mother of the Year: 365 Days of Encouragement for Devoted Moms. Along with her several other books, Kendra has touched the lives of women as a speaker and host of the daily radio program Live Life Intentionally. She has also been a blogger a TV personality.
While every one of us has a mother, not everyone has a mom with whom they feel connected. And, of course, there are women across our country who are unable to have children and experience the joys—and pains—of motherhood. Yes, the celebration of Mother’s Day annually can leave gaps.
My children have learned from my wife not to greet women randomly with “Happy Mother’s Day.” Unless, of course, she’s your own mother! That greeting is reserved only for that maternal relationship.
There is a mother who stands head and shoulders above all others. She gave birth to the Savior of the world—Jesus the Messiah. Her name is Mary.
When this special “pregnant virgin” went to visit her cousin, here is the account: “Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, ‘God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed.’” (Luke 1:42, NLT)
The opportunity to be a mother means a woman has been blessed to bring life to another soul in this world. What a privilege! And honor. Even…a divine calling.
