There is one incident recently that has made me stand back and say, "Wow! I am so proud to be a mother." I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.) when my three sons were very young - ages 7, 5 and 2. They were so young and didn't understand at first why there were times that I couldn't walk or I couldn't see, but it didn't take them too long to catch on and really help out during my bad times. My youngest son used to come in my room in the morning, pull back my covers, and say, "Mama, Mama, Get up Mama. I want some git gits (biscuits)." That little boy didn't realize it at the time, but he pushed me to keep going. He made me get up in the morning - rather I wanted to or not. All three of them made me keep going. Two years after my diagnosis with M.S. their dad left us. I had the responsibility to raise the boys by myself. I had been a stay home mom for 11 years and had no work experience. Somehow I always seemed to find work and keep food on the table. I never realized that the boys paid attention to my efforts and I guess I never expected anything because I figured that was my responsibility. My boys are all raised now and we are extremely close. I am also remarried to a great man who took on a full package. Even though I know they all love me, I was so surprised when I got the call a couple of weeks ago from the M.S. Society. They informed me that my youngest son had nominated me for the "Woma of Courage" award and I was in the top five finalists. I couldn't stop crying. I felt like he had already done enough for me when he put on an event in my honor called "Rock out for M.S." Somehow he managed to get five bands together to play for this event. All of the proceeds went to the M.S. Society. I went to the luncheon today where they honored the five of us finalists. They played a video about each of us that our families put together for us. I listened as my brother, my husband and my youngest son talked about how courageous I was. To me, I feel like they deserve the award as they have put up with so much. My son is 21 and lives on his own. Yet, he calls me everyday and comes to see me at least once or twice a week. Not because he feels obligated, but because he loves to be with his mom. My sons are not just my sons, but they are my bests friends. We have been through a lot and overcome a lot - and we have done it together. I have done a lot in my lifetime and I have had a lot of titles. But my favorite title is "Mom." My boys remind me all the time how rewarding it is to be a mother. It is as if I planted these beautiful flowers and now I am reaping the benefits. I am taking the time to smell my roses. Being a mom is such a special thing. No one should take it for granted. I could go on and on and on about why I love being a Mom. Best Regards,

Sherri A. Stanczak

Author, From the Heart of a Mother, a compellation of short stories and poems about motherhood and my 20 year battle with M.S.

Available at most bookstores and Amazon.com, or directly from the author

Sherri0526@aol.com