I am so inspired by my fabulous mom/women pals who toil away everyday both at work and at home. This post is to honor their 90 hour weeks, senses of humor, hilarious anecdotes, nurturing spirits and all around awesomeness!
Some of my heroes are:
Cybele Ryan, mother of three, restaurant manager and best friend to Jeff (Ryan). This woman has weathered unimaginable storms over the last 20 years – always holding onto her humor strength and integrity. The loss of her son inspired her to reach out to other parents suffering that immeasurable grief (HAND). Raising 3 daughters has been mostly joyful interspersed with frustration and downright agony (I can SO relate). Cybele is a writer, an artist, a thoughtful listener, and engaged activist – she is truly the whole package! Cybele and I have been brownie troop leaders together, Bobby Sox moms, soccer moms – and even had our daughters 9 hours apart (AND named them both Taylor…story for another day). One of my favorite memories was 8 years ago when we threw the girls a double B-day party – SPICE GIRLS!!! Cybele’s mom had a direct connection to Emma Bunton (baby spice) and Emma was nice enough to call the girls during the party from London. Pretty cool!
Stephanie Griffin, mother of two and, as a matter of fact, yes she is a rocket scientist! An engineer at Lockheed Martin, Stephanie’s career is admirable and important. Along with that full time gig she never misses a basketball game (has the hotel thing down to a science) for her immensely talented basketball star of a kid, Kayla (NCAA Cal Poly Mustangs) – even during tax season when hubby John is MIA (yep, tax accountant). She’s my California camping buddy (I miss those days!), fellow brownie troop leader and birthday party partner. She’s got two kids in college now so maybe life will slow down a tad for her (yeah, right!)
Anne Marie Levis - a master juggler. Whether it’s managing the growing company (Wildly successful Ad Agency here in Eugene, Funk/Levis), volunteering on numerous boards or serving on the City Planning Commission, or, most recently her position on the 4J school Board she never drops a ball. Add her number one priority, her family, and she’s quite possibly eligible for Superhero status. Her husband, Dana, and adorable boys, Connor and Dylan agree. What astounds me most about Anne Marie is the ease and grace with which she tackles her multitude of projects.
Sandy Kauten – Sandy, a single mom, moved to Eugene from Sacramento to attend Dental Hygiene School and found a copy of Oregon Family Calendar at a local retailer. Her entrepreneurial spirit got the best of her and before she knew it, she was a newspaper publisher! Sandy renamed the publication Oregon Family Newspaper and focused her efforts on creating a more comprehensive resource for parents and families. Today the paper remains a source of pride for Sandy and her boys – her advertisers are “family” and she is devoted to creating a place that is a joy for both her readers and her many business supporters. Sandy is an amzing mom and friend and camping partner!
Michelle Obama (no brainer)…When I talk to people about Michelle Obama, which I do often, they inevitably respond positively. She’s gorgeous, strong, brilliant, accomplished, an inspiration, they say. They talk about how her life story exemplifies the American dream. They say we could be girlfriends – which is so telling. I think it’s true. When I see her digging in the organic garden she planted with her kids (encouraging all Americans to eat healthy) or warmly greeting the Queen of England (remember that amazing moment where she gently placed her hand on the mum’s back – you go girl!) I truly believe this is a woman I could sit down and chat with. Yes I said “chat”. Michelle definitely makes my list of amazing women.
Send me your mom/women heroes! I want to honor all the fabulous Momtrepeueurs in your world!!
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Denise…You never cease to AMAZE me with your thought and generosity to those around you. You need to let one of these mom’s write something about YOU as one of these women! You deserve to be at the top of this list.
Love you,
Your Couz
Thanks Couz! You’ve always got my back, don’tchya?
Hugs
While I certainly respect the First Lady, I don’t really think that Michelle Obama should be held up as the prototypical working mom. She’s got lots and lots of help, and not just from her mother.
Nice article. And by the way, they do have a vacuum you can rider:
http://www.webofentertainment.com/2010/02/home-decor-for-absolute-geeks.html
Blog on!
DPS