First place

Mother: Marian (Porter) Westrum

My mother had a real style all her own. My restless father kept our family on the move, but I was confident every time I went to bed the first night in a new place that I was home.

Because of mother’s style, wherever we landed felt like home. Right away there were familiar pictures on the walls, familiar arrangements of furniture, familiar meals on the table. That was her quiet style.

Mother’s sewing machine would appear and there would be fresh curtains on the kitchen windows. In the yard, familiar flowers would be planted — petunias, marigolds, zinnias. In the fall, she set tulip bulbs to make a springtime array.

Besides the things we could touch and see, it was Mother’s style of living that made each new place home. While she many times had to change the trappings of her life, who she was remained constant and dependable. And from this woman, I learned these valuable lessons that I have passed on to my daughter: Anything is easier when it is done with a smile; kindness always comes back ten-fold; love is unconditional; talents are meant to be shared; and giving of yourself never diminishes who you are.

Mother passed away in 2007, and while I miss her greatly, I am very proud to carry on her style.

Julie King, North Mankato

Second place

Mother: Marilyn (Becker) Dwyer

We learn from our mothers the word “no” at a very young age. They say this to protect us from touching something hot or tumbling down a flight of stairs.

As we reach school age, the word “no” takes on new meaning — to stop giggling in church and crossing our eyes or they will stay that way. When we become an adolescent, hearing the word “no” is seen as a challenge. It is used to keep us off of the streets late at night, driving with too many people in the car, and hanging out with individuals who may provide peer pressure.

All of the times in which I heard my mom say “no” growing up take on value now that I am a parent. I don’t know if I have my mother’s eyes or smile, but carrying on the trait in the strength to say “no” when needed is the foundation of raising children who are kind, respectful and have a strong work ethic.

So after all of these years, thanks Mom for saying “no” at times.