BY CHRISTOPHER MANSON
It was the day before my birthday, and I was talking to my mother (Pauline Manson, nee Weekley) about the legendary movie star Charles Bronson. Mom expressed her dismay at the lack of Bronson movies being shown on broadcast television these days.
Good son that I am, I introduced her to Tubi, the greatest free streaming service in the world. We spent the afternoon watching Death Wish 4: The Crackdown, which she had somehow missed during its brief theatrical run in 1987. It was all I could do not to recite the dialogue out loud, as I’d seen this Cannon Films classic dozens of times.
Thanks, Mom, for letting me share one of my favorite movies with you. And for not complaining about all the commercial breaks.
In celebration of Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 11), Life reached out to friends, family, and complete strangers to share how their lives have been—and continue to be—blessed by their mothers.
My stay-at-home mom demonstrated sacrifice by taking on work to send us to Germany after college, giving us the priceless gift of heritage, family connection, and a remarkable cultural experience.
– Dr. Doug Stauffer, bibledoug.com
My mother-in-law, Carol Palmgren, died over 13 years ago. I had lost my mother to cancer in the 1980s, and when I married Lornie Palmgren, who was an only child, Carol shared with me that because of health complications she had been unable to bring more children into the world. She had always wished for another child, especially a daughter.
Upon hearing that, I made it my mission to spoil her on a consistent basis. We had one “Mother-Daughter Day” each Sunday and made a bucket list of things she had never done—Broadway shows, a cruise, trips to different cities. So much fun together. I treasure these moments and am grateful I had two moms in my life.
– Barbara Palmgren
My mother has created a strong, independent, opinionated young lady. I always know she is available for support and to listen and to give me the artificial inflation for my personal hype team I need at this point in my life!
– Kassia Garfield, MaxStrength Fitness
My mother taught me many things—honesty, generosity, kindness and love. She has always been there for me. She is my mother and best friend.
-Debra Henry, CPA
My mother taught us by example the importance of being gracious and kind. Always full of Southern colloquialisms, she was quick to remind us “You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar” and “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” I’ve never heard her disparage anyone or pass judgment on poor choices.
When my mother says “Bless her heart,” she actually means it. “It’s not my favorite” is the most she will ever say to show distaste. Her voice stays in my head as I navigate relationships, children, and my career, and I strive to stay gracious and kind. If I can be half the woman she is, I am truly blessed. Happy Mother’s Day, Callie!
-Amy Milligan, Cryo850
My mother Artie passed away when I was 36. My father had already been gone 18 years. She met my husband and my firstborn, which I count among my greatest blessings. One of the most profound gifts she gave me was permission—permission to protect my peace, even if that meant distancing myself from negative people, including family if necessary. She gave me the freedom to be present on my own terms. She never expected attendance at holidays or gatherings out of obligation; she wanted you there because you wanted to be.
And, perhaps most meaningfully, she gave me permission to choose my family. If I felt deeply connected to friends, she believed they could be considered family too. Having left my hometown in my twenties and living away from relatives ever since, this perspective was a powerful and lasting blessing.
– Zandra Wolfgram, Director of Marketing and Communications, Sinfonia Gulf Coast
I didn’t fully understand the depth of a mother’s love until I became one myself. It was then I realized that my mother had made that same choice every day—to put someone else before herself. She gave of herself completely, without hesitation. Though she’s been gone for years, I still miss her deeply. She was my biggest cheerleader and my quiet strength. A gifted artist, writer, designer and true professional—she created beauty in everything she touched, long before technology made things easy, such as page layout on a computer.
She loved God, her family, and her husband deeply. And her friendships? Many of them are still mine today. She left me with the best of who she was—her legacy. Her wisdom, creativity, and faith continue to guide and inspire me in both my work and my life. I carry her with me, always.
-Lori Leath Smith, Publisher and Executive Editor, Life Media
Carol, my mom, was a blessing in so many ways. She was compassionate and loving yet firm. She instilled in me to be a gentleman, to always give my best and to never quit.
-Scott Miller, Director of Advertising/Sales, Life Media
