Tribute to Moms on Mother’s Day
They play many roles in children’s lives, from cook to chauffeur to dispenser of endless advice. And ultimately, they are the women who will have the biggest influence on our lives. In tribute to moms everywhere, we asked area residents and community leaders to share their stories and recollections of their own moms. From keeping laughter paramount to giving back to your community, the following moms conveyed valuable lessons indeed.
John Robert Williams, photographer and co-founder of the Traverse City Film Festival, recounted the following story about his mother, who recently turned 93:
"She was a stay-at-home mom, as my dad was on the road almost every weekday for my first ten years. My dad was out of town when I fell and broke my arm. Our family only had one car, and it was a "˜company car’ issued to my dad. Mom had to get creative and find a way to transport me to the hospital. She never panicked...finally flagging down our next door neighbor, on his way home.
She didn’t fret, get upset, but was the picture of calm and "˜get it done.’ Actions speak louder than words, and her calm confidence in a rather stressful setting was a model of excellent response to a serious calamity (it was a bad break). Thank you mom, for being calm when the cards were stacked against you. Love to you!" Traverse City Realtor Marilyn Taylor grew up as one of nine children, "all born within 12 years of each other, so I believe my mom should be considered for sainthood!" "One of many lifelong principles I learned from her was to always look for the silver lining in the midst of difficult circumstances and even find the humor," recalled Taylor. "She would often write funny stories or poems about everyday trials and tribulations and have us all laughing. She taught me that laughter can be the best medicine. Today, at 81 years "˜young,’ still healthy and still beautiful, she is living proof there is truth to that adage."
Brian Haas, Traverse City commissioner and digital marketer, recalled his mom’s entrepreneurial spirit. As a single mother of two, she had no help and little money, but what she did have was a "make it work" attitude, he said. She was a realtor, had a housecleaning business, and grew and sold flowers for a time.
She also kept her focus on the future, not dwelling on the past. "Bad things happen – oh well. You move on," recalled Haas, who said she inspired his independence and ability to "roll with things."
Todd and Caroline Oosterhouse are coowners of Old Mission Peninsula’s Bonobo Winery. Todd’s skills in juggling the various aspects of a business might just have been learned from his mom, Mary.
"She knew what she wanted and how she wanted it," said Todd, calling his mom an organizer and planner capable of envisioning just how she wanted things, then executing her vision. Neighbors might have witnessed Mary directing the action on yard clean-up, pointing to various areas and letting her four kids know who needed to do what. Todd learned that he could make things happen, and that he could speak up to get what he needed – but in a polite and respectful manner. Caroline Oosterhouse recounted a mother who put everyone at ease and made them feel welcome, a humble woman who loved kids and who instilled faith in her five children. Caroline called her mother a realist who also loves being festive, decorating for holidays throughout the year. There’s a special emphasis on Christmas, as Caroline’s father runs a Santa training school. It makes perfect sense, then, that it’s her mom who plays Mrs. Claus - bringing to mind her mom’s favorite quote: "Behind every successful man is a great woman."
Becky Philipp-Kranig owns Petoskey’s Bearcub Outfitters, a business she took over from her parents. "There are too many memories of my mom to just give one," she said.
"What I do remember is her always being there for me. Growing up, she was always in my corner. She went to my events, even if she didn’t want to. She would confront teachers, even if some of them were her friends. She listened to me and gave me advice, even if I didn’t always use it. I never felt that I couldn’t come to her, even if I did something I shouldn’t have. This gave me trust and confidence to be the person I am today."
In Frankfort, Rick Schmitt is Stormcloud Brewing Company’s 6’4" co-owner who heard "stand up straight" a lot from his mom, Beverly. She believed in making a good first impression.
"She would tell me to "˜look people’ in the eye and give them a firm handshake.’ She also helped foster gratitude in her son. "She made sure to impress upon me the significance of taking the time to write a thank you note. She said people will remember those symbols of gratitude. And they do. As always, Mom was right."
In Thompsonville, Michigan Legacy Art Park’s Executive Director Renee Hintz recalled the nature walks her mother took her on while a small child. The woods near Fletcher Creek in Mesick were a "magical place" for Hintz.
Kate Madigan, who won an "Environmentalist of the Year" award from the Northern Michigan Environmental Action Council (NMEAC) in 2015, said her mom’s "influence is so fundamental to who I am and why I have become that person," and recalled her mother as a "unique mix of strong, kind, generous and fun."
"My mom has always had high expectations. She expected us to be kind and polite, work hard, and put family first. She held herself to those same standards, going back to nursing school when we were young and getting straight As while raising a family. My mother also expected my sisters and I to be strong and independent women. She and my dad never doubted that we could do or be anything we wanted to be, and because of that, I never did either.
She supported our decisions, even when it was probably pretty hard for her. When I traveled to South America alone for a year after college, instead of talking me out of it, she threw me a party. She also figured out which countries were the most dangerous at the time and convinced me to avoid them. She also taught us through example to voice our opinions and to not be afraid to stand up for what we believe in," said Madigan.
Jen Lake emcees Traverse City – based "Swingshift and the Stars," the dance-off that has raised tens of thousands of dollars for area nonprofits. She is also the founder and creative director of Brand Tonic, a marketing and design firm. Her mom not only raised three kids, volunteered and helped run the family business, she did so while struggling through the effects of multiple sclerosis. It was when her mother died at age 50 that Lake felt her mom had the most impact on her life.
"At that moment, life became too short.
Within months, I started to shift. I quit my job and started my own business in graphic design. I wasn’t afraid of failing. I wasn’t afraid of anything. Fear never crossed my mind. That’s when I realized I was my mother’s daughter. Through everything she went through, she wasn’t afraid. She was strong, she was confident, she kept pushing through every challenge."
Lake describes her mom as "a movement." "She believed everyone had value. And she believed in giving back, when sometimes, I’m sure she didn’t have a lot of energy to give. But she was there, volunteering her time with seniors, children, and those with disabilities...she made this world better," said Lake. "I realize what I do today is a reflection of the values she showed me."
For all you’ve taught us, moms, thank you!
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