Where would we all be without mom? She’s the glue, the fuel, the hug. The Keys Weekly asked our readers (both children and mothers) to submit some maternal love stories. Here they are:
Freda Lasswell
“Mom was very liberal and had to tow my rather racist father along the right path. I attribute my feminist beliefs to her, along with acceptance of people for who they are. My Jewish husband and my LGBTQ friends were always welcome in our house. Thanks, Mom, for letting me be me. For making me compassionate and strong. For teaching me that love is stronger than hate. I miss you.” — Simone Lasswell, Key West
Julie Jeffers
“My mom is especially awesome because she has never failed to be my biggest supporter in whatever I need from her. She never gives anything less than 100% for us kids.”
— Arthur Crocker, Key West
Julia Hagen
“In a world full of fear, you comfort us. In a time full of uncertainty, you bring us solace. In an age of terror, you bring us joy. Happy Mother’s Day to Julia, the world’s greatest mom!” — Drake and Regina, Key Largo
Annette Robertson
“My mother Annette is not only the best, but she also is my best friend and business partner. My mom is very wise. She always wants what’s best for me, and she always believes in me. My mom is my biggest and best support system. She has taught me many valuable lessons in my life. These lessons have helped me to get where I am and will continue to help me succeed. Most importantly, she taught me how to be strong. No matter what age, I’ll always need you, mom. I love you! Happy Mother’s Day!”
— Sky, Islamorada
Michelle Franck
“She is a hard working and passionate mom who makes sure we have everything we want and need to be happy and successful children. She is always there to support us through every situation and gives us unconditional love not only as a mom but as a friend.” — Abby Franck, Marathon
Mary D’Ascanio
“Mom, you’ve shown us the light and love since we were born. There’s no one in the world we appreciate more than you. Happy Mother’s Day!”
— Franco and Nick D’Ascanio, Marathon
Lowe Matheson
“My mom is many things. Supportive, brave, fun, determined, kind and funny. But above all else, she is the person who made me who I am today. I don’t know where I’d be without her guidance and love. So yeah, my mom is awesome.”
— Caleb Stowers, 13
Denise Di Salvo Moeller
“My sister and I have never had to question who our No. 1 fan is. Ever. That kind of support is why mamas like mine need to be celebrated. Oh, and she always has wine for us when we come over.” — Lea Moeller
Jill Miranda Baker, Islamorada
“What I enjoy most about being a mom to two almost full-fledged adults, Raffie, who’s 18, and Mason, who’s 19, is that in many ways my job is done. I am extremely proud of the independent and thoughtful people they have become. Teaching your children not to always rely on you as the parent is no easy task. It can be so painful. But the joy comes as I watch them navigate the world and make their own sound decisions.”
Tania Mattson, Tavernier
“The best part of being a mom to Tyler is that he’s always so good and morally upstanding. He always tells the truth, has ethics and morals and always helps in the community and at home. He always had good grades and is well respected and liked by his teachers and community.”
Helen Catchpole
“Happy Mother’s day to our mom. Helen has worked tirelessly through the past 15 years in Marathon raising money for veterans and children through various organizations. She now has 2 loving ‘grandsons’ – Comet & Astro – whom she spoils with love and toys.”
— Frank Catchpole & Chris Kessler-Catchpole, Marathon
Megan Merryman
“I feel like one of the luckiest daughters in all of the Middle Keys, because not many kids have a mom that changes the saying ‘Laughter turns to crying’ into ‘Yelling turns to laughter.’ Every day she continues to be selfless, supportive and the definition of positive to all seven of her kids!” — Clare Merryman, Duck Key
Cricket Desmarais
“It’s hard to think of one thing! But I love that our mom is honest and super artistic and that she’s so strong for us. She makes really good food (especially soup and quiche) and is very funny and silly. She has great cuddles and is very considerate and is just cool! Plus, she’s a fantastic dancer (and lots more!) I love you mom!”
— Seava and Taavi Lamontagne, Key West
MARY ANN BOLEN
“‘Love’ isn’t a strong enough word. My mom’s my everything; my rock and my soft place to land. And she’s never let me doubt for a moment that I am loved beyond belief.”
— Mandy (Bolen) Miles
Jennifer Webb, Key Largo
“The thing I love most about being a mom to Finn, Conor, Liam and Trenton is the adventures that I get to have with these four! I can honestly say that it is never dull at our house. As they are growing up and developing their own little personalities, it is so much fun getting to know them. I see so many qualities of myself and my husband in each of them, but they are definitely their own people.”
Cheryl Powers
“Our mom is the best! She is so incredibly kind, sweet, and compassionate towards everyone. She is the best role model and we are so thankful to have her in our lives. Happy Mother’s Day mom, you deserve the world!”
— Laura, Kendra and Julie
Jasmyn Carver, Marathon
“I love being Jadeyn’s mom for a billion reasons. She is my forever best friend. I watch her grow and experience new challenges daily with a ferocity and bravery that I aspire to have. Her genuine love and endless compassion she has for humanity and the animal world gives me hope for her generation. She reminds me that every day there will be new challenges, some larger than most (hurricanes, relocations and global pandemics to name a few) but we got through it together with beautiful resiliency. I am her safe place and she is mine. I love being able to sing songs from my childhood to her, instilling family traditions that she will hopefully carry on.
I love her pure, guttural laugh when we are joking with each other and we can’t stop. I love when she takes my face in her hands, sighs and says, ‘Mama, I love you.’ Being a mom is an amazing wonder and I hold every second with honor and fragile care.”
Timaree Sparks, grassy key
“I enjoy seeing my two daughters grow up (way too fast) while developing their own individual personalities. Sadie is 11 (blonde) and Teagan is 10 (redhead). One has a fiery personality and the other is very laid back.”
Karly Venezia, Islamorada
“I love the way my kids have reminded me what is so wonderful about life. The little things they do daily to put a smile on my face reminds me how magical life really is. Becoming a mother has also given me a new appreciation for my own mother and mother-in-law.”
Maria Goodwin, Islamorada
“Being my children’s support system as they grow is my favorite part of being a mom. As they go through many phases and stages of development, being there emotionally for them, their joys, struggles, achievements, fears, obstacles, motivating them, is very rewarding when you see how proud they are of themselves or that they know you are always there for them.”
Jessica Kotch
“I’m happy to announce the birth of Capri Coco Kotch. She was born May 2 at Lower Keys Medical Center. Jessica’s genuine love and instinctive nurturing qualities make her a great mom.” — John Kotch
Ryana Gonzalez
“Ryana gives everything for our family. There isn’t a single decision that she makes without Penelope and Trey (our nickname for Luis Gonzalez III) in mind. She wants the very best for them always. From the second Penelope was born she was a natural mom. She is caring, nurturing, supportive and loving. Nothing has changed that since Trey was born. We are so lucky to have her.” — Luis Gonzalez Jr.
Beverly Ferris
My mom is a nurse and has worked in health care in Marathon since 1972, employed by Baptist Health, and Dr. Steve Smith for the past 19 years. She has four grandchildren — Christopher and Caroline Freeman , and Joshua “JJ” Struyf and Kaya Struyf. Her favorite nickname is “Gramma.” I recently posted this picture on Facebook and people had the kindest things to say.
Because of the way I was raised by this #bada$$ lady, I know I can handle whatever ‘crazy’ life throws out and for that I am incredibly grateful.” — Jody Freeman, Marathon
