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MOTHER'S DAY
My Mother Deserves the Best Because ... The AJT wanted to do something special for Mother’s Day, so we made you an offer we hoped you wouldn’t refuse: Tell us, in 200 or fewer words, why your mom deserves a special treat — candy, flowers or a day at the spa — and we would make it happen for several of the special women in our community. Your submissions, from sons, daughters and one daughter-in-law, start on this page and continue through Page 24. Some of you celebrate the obstacles these wonderful women have overcome, either before or during motherhood. One, for example, survived the Holocaust as a child, then had to raise three children alone after her husband died of cancer. Another has taken her children on multiple moves to ensure that a son with special needs gets the best care possible. One of these moms has Alzheimer’s; another provided care as long as she could for a husband with dementia. You celebrate mothers who care, who cook, who bake challah and who have come through the immigrant experience to become Americans while conveying their cultural heritage to their children. In short, these are stories of women who have shown endless love for their families. You’ll find the winners, chosen by random drawing, on Page 25.
KAT KELCHNER Submitted by Kaylene Ladinsky My mother is the most beautiful and sweetest woman I have ever known. She is always there for her family when we need her. I believe that she especially deserves flowers and a day at the spa this year for Mother’s Day because in the past few months she has suffered a heart attack, recovered from surgery and had to close her business. Those changes have been a hard pill for her to swallow as a successful and independent entrepreneur. It means so much to me that she is happy and healthy every day. Thank you, Mom, for everything you do.
SHEILA FREED Submitted by Shari Alhadell
MAY 11 ▪ 2018
My dad was diagnosed with dementia five years ago. He wasn’t having many issues until this past year, when it got worse. My mother did not want him in assisted living or memory care alone, so she did everything she could to keep him at home. I went in on weekends around my school schedule, then more frequently as he worsened. He was at home until he got asphyxiation pneumonia and was put into a hospital and then into hospice. He passed away Nov. 16, 2017. My mother was brave until the end, trying to take care of him herself. They were married 63 years, and she never wanted to be separated.
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PAM ROSENTHAL Submitted by Julia Rosenthal There are millions of moms out there, but there is no one out there like my mom. My mom is my best friend, and it will always stay that way. We have definitely been through our ups and downs through the teenage years, but I am so glad that I am now able to call her my best friend. She is there for me 100 percent, through thick and thin, when no one else is, and, honestly, sometimes I don’t know how she does it. She is supportive, loving, tough, forgiving and immensely strong. She is my shoulder to cry on and my person to cry laughing with. There are not enough words of appreciation that I have for this woman, and I do not know if she will ever know how thankful I am for her. Everyone deserves to know a person as amazing as my mom, and I love her with all my heart. Thank you for everything, Mom. Happy Mother’s Day!
CAROLE KATZ Submitted by Jody Goldstein Despite having advanced Alzheimer’s disease and not recognizing friends and family, my mom is always upbeat and has a huge smile on her face. She loves to sing and dance and brighten up the lives of everyone she meets. She would love flowers or a manicure-pedicure for Mother’s Day. She lives in a HUD home on very little money. Thanks so much!
