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Three years ago, The Times and Democrat launched an exciting feature, the Mother of the Month Contest, that has created much excitement.
The first Mother of the Year, June Derrick of Orangeburg, was crowned in 2006, and Annette Sutcliffe of Norway won the title in 2007. On Monday, May 5, a special reception was held at The T&D for the 2007-2008 Mothers of the Month. One monthly winner, Marilyn K. Smith of Cope, was selected as The Times and Democrat's Mother of the Year for 2008.
Smith was nominated for the title by her daughter, Tara S. Ward.
"I feel very honored to be The Times and Democrat's newest Mother of the Year. I am also very surprised because I am not the type of person who seeks recognition." Smith said.
Smith said when her daughter was a child, she always wanted her to win something on Mother's Day at church such as Youngest Mother or Mother with the Most Children, and it was her desire to honor her mother that resulted in the nomination.
"Last year Tara began to plan to nominate me for the Mother of the Month award because of what we had gone through together during her husband's illness," Smith said. "I didn't know she had nominated me, and was very surprised when Carla Hall of The T&D called to tell me I had won the Mother of the Month Contest for the month of March."
Smith has a son and a daughter, and "mothers" many other young children through her work as a substitute teacher with Edisto School District Four and as a board member and volunteer as a Good News Club coordinator and teacher with Child Evangelism Fellowship of Orangeburg.
"I have always enjoyed working with children, and my life has been greatly enriched as a result." Smith said. "The Good News programs that Tara and I work with at Edisto District Four and Brookdale are making a positive difference in the lives of the children who attend. Many of the school teachers report that the behavior of the students is changing for the better."
Tara, a professional nanny to three young children, says her mother is a compassionate woman who always seems to understand what her family and others need.
"Whether it is comforting, a home-baked casserole or a cheerful word, Mother seems to know exactly what people need." Tara said.
In her desire to minister to others in a unique way, Smith sought God's guidance, and she and Tara have begun a new business venture titled "Blessings."
"Blessings is actually our ministry to others. We make personalized gift baskets for all occasions for people who want to give a very special gift. Each basket is based on the needs of the recipient," Smith said.
As a special Mother's Day feature, The T&D's Mother's of the Year, Marilyn K. Smith, Annette Sutcliffe and June Derrick and their daughters, Tara Ward, Cindy McKeowen and Ann Roberts share their mother-daughter stories today. Also featured are quotes about motherhood from the 2007-2008 Mothers of the Month.
Marilyn K. Smith -- 2008 Mother of the Year
What I learned about motherhood from my children, grandchildren and husband ...
Motherhood is a big responsibility which is best dealt with on our knees. As a mother, it is important to teach our children well and set a good example for them to follow, and it is equally important to learn from them.
My daughter, Tara, has shown me what it means to totally trust God and lean on Him without trying to "fix" things on my own. Tara has taught me how to truly laugh from deep down inside.
Tara's late husband, Scott, displayed for me true courage, inner strength and humbleness during his battle with cancer.
My son, Jacob, and his wife, Cicely, have helped me see what it means to love unconditionally and passionately. My precious grandchildren have shown me how to love life with joy and abandonment, even with its bumps and bruises.
My dear husband of 39 years, Jay Wayne, has taught me that living a simple life of faithfulness, integrity, prayer and loving your neighbor is so bea.jpgul and important.
What I have learned from my mother ...
By Tara Smith Ward
I have learned many things from my mother, Marilyn K. Smith, over the years, but probably the most important things I learned are:
It was through my mother's touch that I first came to know the love of Jesus. Long before Sunday school and long before I could read the Bible, I heard the love of Jesus in my sweet Mama's voice and felt it in her hands as she held me in her lap and sang me hymns.
Mama often does without. Nothing she dreams about or hopes for comes before the needs of her family. We know that we can always count on her to be there to help us out, cheer us on and lift us up. Last year I watched as she willingly gave her time and energy to help care for my husband who was dying of cancer, and also her own dear, sweet mother who suffered from Alzheimer's. Mother gave her all no matter how tired she was or how much her heart hurt.
Mama can always be counted on to pray you through the tough times. Day or night, no matter where she is, you can always call in a prayer request.
Mama treats everyone like family. We always have extra people at our table because Mama is always caring for and "loving on" someone. On the day my husband passed away, one of the last things he did was tell my Mama that he loved her. To me that is one the greatest tributes to my mama and her ability to make everyone feel like family.
Annette Sutcliffe -- 2007 Mother of the Year
What I have learned from my children ...
Motherhood is one of the most rewarding and challenging professions on earth, given to women by our Lord. We hold the responsibility to be a nurse, teacher, psychologist, disciplinarian, advisor, prayer partner and friend to our children.
I did not realize when I first became a mother how awesome this responsibility would be. But, being a mother of eight children, I learned quickly that I needed God's help every day to mold these children into responsible and caring adults who would contribute to our society in a positive way.
My children have taught me patience because there were many times when they had to be patient with ME. I made many mistakes along the way, but they would always affirm that they still loved me.
My children have taught me how to love unconditionally because all of them accepted me and loved me unconditionally. As a result, I have learned to accept all people and love them unconditionally.
They taught me how to talk to God, because they always talked to him in a childlike way, simply telling our Father when they were hurting and feeling all alone.
My children have taught me to depend upon the Holy Spirit when "human" efforts failed, and I didn't know how to go forward in their training and nurturing.
I have learned much from my children through the years. They are all grown, married and have families of their own now. But I am still learning these attributes from them as we go through life together.
What I have learned from my mother ...
By Cindy McKeowen
On this Mother's Day, I am so thankful for my mother, Annette Sutcliffe, and I love her very much. Many people have played a part in shaping who I am today, but no one has impacted me like my mother.
During childhood, my mom taught me to be respectful of others and to use manners in every situation. I learned early on to work and always to my best.
I remember on one occasion I wanted to quit a job. Mom told me to fulfill my commitment and continue working, even though the circumstances were hard. I have followed her advice, even into adulthood.
I started saving money when I got my first job and was taught by example to give a portion of my earnings to the Lord. My mom showed me how to cook a variety of foods and to sew my own clothes. I learned how to be a Godly wife and mother by watching my mom respond to everyone in the family with unconditional love, patience and forgiveness.
My mom instilled in me a strong sense of faith and love for Jesus. At the age of eight, she took me to a youth crusade where I accepted the Lord as my Savior. Throughout her cancer treatments, Mom showed great courage and maintained her belief that God is sovereign, even in the midst of adversity. By her example, I have learned to trust God, even when I don't understand His plan. Mother continues to give me Godly counsel and advises me when I have questions or decisions to make.
Recently, Mom ministered to me during a lengthy hospital stay in Michigan. Her presence calmed my fears on more than one occasion. I have learned to be a servant and minister to others by using the gifts God has given me.
My mother continues to influence many aspects of my life today, and she is a role model for countless others who witness her grace and love for God.
June Derrick -- 2006 Mother of the Year
Me? A Mother of the Year?
I didn't know the first thing about children when I had mine! I still don't know a lot professionally, but I do know I love my children with all my heart. Before I became a mother, I didn't know there was that much LOVE in the universe!
I have learned as a mother how to balance meals, toys, time, patience and money and spread it all out to take care of four children to the best of my ability.
I know that children hold their mothers up to a higher standard these days, and I feel so humble that my children think as well of me as they do. They have taught me so much understanding and hope that I have impressed on a few people how important it is to try to live up to what our children think we are.
This is probably the most important aspect that being a "Mother of the Year" has had on me -- to strive to be the person they think I am.
Things I learned from my mama
By Ann Roberts
My mama, June Derrick, has always "been there" for her children, and she has never let me down. She taught us the value of a dollar, how to work and how to save our money if we really wanted to buy something. She always took the time to do things with us such as taking us to the skating rink or Dairy Queen for a Dilly Bar.
Mama taught her children to appreciate every person no matter what their social status is or what the color of their skin is. Mama has always had friends of all races and from all walks of life. She has taught us how to be a true friend.
Mama began teaching us the day we were born by example, and we watched every move she made. She continues to work circles around us, and we admire her boundless energy.
Now, as a mother myself, I understand the sacrifices Mama made for her children. She continues to "mother" her children, grandchildren and others, and her love knows no bounds. Lately, Mama has been assisting with the care and support of my son's mother-in-law, Delaine Cassleman, who is hospitalized because of pancreatic cancer.
I know that all the things that Mama does for others comes from her big ole' heart which is filled to overflowing with love.
T&D Features Writer Sonja Gleaton can be reached by e-mail at sgleaton@timesanddemocrat.com and by phone at 803-533-5540. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.