Celebration of Mothers

In honor of those women who nurture, comfort, carry, raise and love children, readers contributed their stories of precious and enduring bonds. Presented in partnership with AdventHealth for Women.

BARBARA LEZCANO SCOTT for PILAR LEZCANO

I met my mother at 12 days old. She lost her mother at 19, raised five siblings, had trouble conceiving, and adopted me at 40 after fleeing communist Cuba. She was forthcoming about my adoption despite advice to the contrary, and I am richer for it. Her strength, determination and resilience are a firsthand example of how to limitlessly look at the world, and her capacity for grace, as my birth mother entered my life, were the epitome of unconditional love. As I now raise three daughters, I pray I am as evolved in my capacity to love.

DYAN GOODMAN for JO GRUSHKA

If we could choose our mothers, I would most certainly choose mine. When we were growing up, she took us to museums, parks, and did arts and crafts. She pushed our sleds and saucers in the snow. She encouraged us to seek our dreams and believe in ourselves. And she always had our backs. Upon moving to Florida, she told the school principal that her girls would not be doing push-ups on the blacktop in dresses. Her turquoise convertible Bonneville had a white patent leather roof, and she had the GoGo boots and a white slicker to match. Emily Post would be thrilled to know that my mother exudes such grace and knowledge of etiquette that her friends continue to call her for proper advice.

GARIMA SHAH

Getting to see the world through the eyes of my daughters is the most amazing part of being a mom. They ground me and give me a beautiful new prospective on everything in my life.

DEBORAH SHEARMAN

What does it mean to be a mother of a teenage son? It’s the understanding of his generation and respecting his boundaries and truly understanding the importance of them. It’s ever-changing from year to year. I’m a listening ear, his biggest cheerleader, a teacher of empathy and forgiveness, resilience and respect. My son has been through many trials and tribulations. And I respect him for how he has come through it all with grace. I’m proud to say I’m Ben’s mom.

JILLIAN McCLUSKEY for CAROL ANN HEWITT

My mom is a true blessing! She inspires me to be my best self and has always been my biggest supporter. Her faith is unfaltering, and she is a constant reminder of what it means to be a strong woman. She is driven in her career yet also a devoted mother and grandmother. When I am with her, we have fun! She loves me unconditionally and reminds me every day of the loving mother I strive to be. I hit the jackpot with her as my mom and feel extremely blessed.

ELISHA GONZALEZ for LINDA LANDMAN GONZALEZ

A mother’s love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible. I love my mother as trees love water and sunshine. She helps me grow, prosper, and reach great heights. Maya Angelou says it best: “To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Or the climbing, falling colors of a rainbow.” My mother is a gift in my life and is truly a force of nature, more powerful than the strongest hurricane and more vibrant than the brightest rainbow.

GINNY BOTTS for JAN McPHERSON

Dear Mom, thank you. Now that I am older and a mom myself, I see what the description of your job really was. You were the one who made Christmases magical and birthdays special. You spent countless hours in school pick-up and drop-off lines. You selflessly went to gymnastics meets, football games, track meets, and basketball games. You sat through tantrums — from toddler to teenager. You planned summer vacations and family trips. You didn’t get sick days, or paid time off, mental health days, or vacation days. Each day you gave it, and us, your best. For everything I saw, and everything I didn’t, I am so lucky to have a mom like you.

JESSICA KENDRICK

When I think about what motherhood means to me, I think about the endless love I have for my boys, the thought that I know I would do anything for them, and I would do everything I could to protect them. Motherhood also means never sitting down, never having a warm meal, and lots of tears to get through the day (and wine), but unconditional true love greater than the biggest highs, a life of laughs, being proud daily, and so many kisses and hugs.

VONNIE WHITLOCK

Motherhood is blissful and challenging at the same time! It starts off a bit overwhelming as you navigate bringing your baby home and establishing a routine. As your child grows, so do you. You really think about your beliefs and values because they are the ones you apply when inspiring and educating your child. Along the way you realize that your life revolves around the needs of your child. As a result of this, you grow, and your child becomes someone you cherish unconditionally. To be a mother is so much more than I could have ever imagined!

KIM WEHAGEN

Being a mother means the world! I love my daughter, Kensie, more than she will ever know. It is beautiful to play such significant roles in each other’s lives and I hope that I can be the most positive role model for her as she grows up. Being a mother literally is having your heart wander wherever your child goes and always having that special bond. I am excited to cheer her on and be there every step of this tremendous journey.

RYDER DEVOE for SARAH GRAFTON

I love my mom because she plays basketball with me. She’s fun, helpful, athletic and smart. I love how she helps me with things I need. I look up to her and she is a role model for me. She always makes me feel safe and is my biggest cheerleader.

ADVENTHEALTH FOR WOMEN’S FOCUS ON WHOLE-PERSON CARE

AdventHealth for Women offers a whole-person approach to health care that embraces women at every stage of their lives. The AdventHealth for Women care network includes eight Baby Place locations throughout Central Florida as well as an extensive support network for new parents including Birth Experience Coordinators, parent education, lactation services and more.

Our world-class providers offer personalized expertise close to home. From wellwoman checkups and mammograms to OB care and pelvic health, you’ll always have a choice of experts in a variety of specialties. And our specially trained Women’s Health Navigator helps manage your health throughout your lifetime by finding providers and helping to coordinate your whole family’s care.

WHAT IS A WOMEN’S HEALTH NAVIGATOR?

A health navigator is a specially trained registered nurse whose job is to make life easier for each and every woman through expert clinical assistance and educational, emotional and spiritual support. All calls are confidential; anyone can self-refer; and Doreen Forsythe, insurance is not required to talk or meet. BSN, RN

AdventHealth for Women’s health navigators provide complimentary services that help you coordinate your overall care and answer any questions you may have. These services include: • Finding a care provider • Answering your health care questions • Assistance with scheduling annual office visits and screenings • Resources and support for you and your family • Coordination of care among multiple providers and facilities

Viviana Diaz, BSN, RN

To contact the Health Navigation Team, call 407-720-5191 or visit HerHealthNavigator.com