{ BERGEN BUZZ } OUR GUIDE TO NEW IDEAS, TIPS, TRENDS AND THINGS WE LOVE IN OUR COUNTY.
HERE’S TO YOU, MOM! The verdict is in: Bergenites not only love their moms, but have lots of praise for them too. With Mother’s Day on May 8, BERGEN wanted readers’ reports on these women who are your severest critics when you track mud in the house, but your staunchest supporters when you win the grand prize ribbon— or when you’re cut from the team. We asked a broad question: “When you think of your mom, what comes to mind?” Here’s what nine of you said:
“I think of strength and perseverance. She held the world on her shoulders as a single mom, and I am eternally grateful.” —Kerri Burghardt, South Hackensack
“The one word that comes to my mind is ‘warrior.’ She has been through a lot during her life; she overcame a divorce and the death of her husband. Through it all she has always been a constant in her children’s lives—and now her grandchildren’s lives. She never feels sorry for herself for the things she has been through, but rather is grateful for all the positive things she has.” —Kimberly Guidetti, Upper Saddle River
“My mom passed away 13 years ago. Now, as a mom myself (of a 7-year-old and a 2-year-old), my perspective is so different. My mom was amazing [when I was] growing up, but I realize now that she was a superhero with super powers that spanned empathy, understanding, immense love, kindness and selflessness.” —Andrea Cancro, Leonia
“My mother always said she felt like a regular bird who gave birth to a peacock (me). But the truth is, she makes everyone feel colorful and alive and beautiful and it’s a gift to be seen the way she sees you. If only we could all be that loved and make others feel that way.” —Linda Pordon, Ho-Ho-Kus
“Unconditional love and support. No matter what, my mom has always been there for me. Now that I have children of my own, I always make sure that they feel the same from me— that no matter what, they will always be loved.” —Stacey Derderian, Montvale
“I think of my mom as my biggest cheerleader and biggest defender, my best friend with the best shoes, my forever shopping buddy and someone who took on both roles (as mom and dad). She made me the woman I am today.” —Chelsea Weaver, Midland Park “My mom is a real-life superhero who raised two daughters on her own and worked around the clock to give my sister and me the best possible life. What immediately comes to my mind is her smiling face and warm demeanor. She spent all her free time doing activities we enjoyed, and encouraged us to chase our dreams and never give up. My mom should be recognized each and every day for the endless love she was able to give to us and for her incredible strength, kindness and compassion.” —Jessica Ruderman, Englewood
“Even when the going got tough, my mom dealt with everyone and everything with an admirable level of patience, calmness and composure. They’re traits that helped her as a nurse and mother of two wild kids. Any time today that I’m told I have those same qualities, I think about her and thank her for setting the example.” —Darius Amos, Westwood “My mom was always my No. 1 fan and motivator. When I was a kid, she gave me the motherly push I needed to do my best, from practicing piano an extra 30 minutes or studying a bit longer after I finished homework. She passed about six years ago, but I can still hear her voice telling me to never rest on my laurels—and to sit up straight!” —Renato Villegas, River Edge
DID YOU KNOW? More than a quarter of all holiday flower and plant purchases in the U.S. occur around Mother’s Day, says DID YOU KNOW? More than 141 million cards are sent for Mother’s Day in the U.S., according to the folks at Hallmark. But the holiday only ranks the Society of American Florists. Lilies, orchids, tulips and roses are the most popular flowers, while hydrangeas, azaleas third on the list of top greeting card holidays. Christmas tops the list with 1.6 billion cards, followed by Valentine’s Day (151 million). and chrysanthemums are favorite house plants. BERGENMAG.COM
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4/15/22 9:21 AM
