Lynda H.

Dawn shares: “My mom is always giving to others. She has taught me what a woman of grace and strength looks like. She raised my siblings and I without child support from our dad. Many years later she went to court and forgave the thousands of dollars he owed in back child support. I watched her walk out forgiveness and extend grace when it was undeserving. She moved up north with my brothers and step dad to be close to her parents. I have watched her take care of many people over the years. She cared for her dad until he passed. Then her mom, and later her step dad. This meant bringing meals, picking up medications, groceries, helping with lawn care, and visiting, bringing books and many other things that go unseen. We lost my youngest brother unexpected, she stepped in and cared for his son, raising him like her own the last 12 years. In that time she has helped him develop a relationship with his mom and has loved her through all her challenges as well. We lost another brother 5 years later and then she cared for my step dad through his battle with cancer until he went on to Heaven. During it all she has worked and given many things to others, whether its a single mom at work who needs dishes for a new home, school supplies or clothes for their children, or just an ear to bend she is there for many. She has helped my brother and I through our valleys as well. As a single mom myself, I don’t know where I would be without her listening to me, her encouragement, wisdom and financial help. She has worked in the same place for over 20 years, they have seen all she’s been through. People sometimes will say, how do you not drink? Her answer is, her faith is what has helped her get through. She is a feisty, beautiful woman of grace. I’m so thankful she is my mom!”