Our mothers are often our first teachers. From how to fold a fitted sheet to navigating relationships, the insightful women in our lives pass their wisdom to their loved ones, from generation to generation. You might be surprised, Mom, but we’ve been listening! In a salute to mothers and mom-like mentors, local ladies share life lessons they’ve learned from their magnificent mamas.
Caroline McKinney
Mom Debra Garmhausen
My mom is a teacher, and she has a special knack for getting through to the more challenging students. She treats kids with respect and kindness, never allowing another person’s experience with a student to define her own. My mom, “Mrs. G,” is known for believing in kids and finding their potential. She leads by example and teaches me the importance of finding genuine connections with people.
This life lesson has become a part of me. I approach people and situations with an open mind and look for the positive. Being genuine and authentic is important to me and I live by the golden rule of treating others the way I want to be treated. You just never know how one act of kindness can change someone’s day or impact their life.
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Katy Kanelopoulos
Mom Cindy Hackney
My mom has taught me the value of good female friendships. She has always encouraged me to maintain friendships and to welcome more women into my circle. She would say boyfriends come and go, and husbands will pass away, but your girlfriends will still be there. You will never be lonely with good friends who will help you through the ups and downs of life. My mom (sometimes several days a week) meets with friends for lunch. In fact, she left lunch with friends early to take the picture for this article.
I tremendously appreciate my friends. I have known some of them since preschool! When a friend witnesses you grow and continues to support and love you through all stages of life, that is a gift. I recently went on a girl's trip with high school friends to Austin, Texas, and I am going to a New Kids on the Block concert this June with friends from grade school. Each woman friend in my life inspires me uniquely, and I am thankful to my mom for leading by example and valuing her friendships so highly.
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Ailee Dobrozsi
Mom Andrea Dobrozsi
My mom has taught me the importance of trying new things and pushing myself.
This lesson shows up in the way I live my life, particularly in school and sports. I'm a student-athlete—I play volleyball and run track. Last year was the first year I ran track, and I didn't know a thing about it. I showed up in worn-out gym shoes with no insoles, but embraced the new opportunity with no training at all and just ran (fast) like I knew I could. Turns out, I did pretty well and went on to break school records at my high school this year!
My mom always encourages me to push harder to achieve limits I don't think exist. She lifts me up when I need it most and is a very supportive and great mother!
Dr. Jennifer Dehnbostel
Mom Katy Harrison + Bonus Mom Mary Ruhl
Both of my moms taught me to have a "can do" attitude. "Can't" was a bad word. They raised me to have the confidence to attempt something new and possibly fail rather than to not try at all. Learning from mistakes was celebrated, not ridiculed.
My confidence helps me raise a family and run a successful small business surrounded by 23 intelligent and ambitious young professionals.
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Lucia Lyons Stubenrauch
Mom Chris Xeil Lyons
My mom taught me a lot of things:
A love of animals, especially horses and dogs.
A love of trying new things, especially foods and activities.
A love of adventure and traveling, especially to the beach.
But the main thing my mom taught me was, “Be nice!” Be nice to everyone you meet, smile, look them in the eye and shake their hand when meeting them for the first time.
Thank you to Running on Blooms for hosting our mothers and daughters photo session. RunningOnBlooms.com, Liberty Center, 7570 Gibson Street, Liberty Township
