“Hey Dad?”
“What’s Up?”
“Where’s Mom?”
This exchange occurred more than a few times in my household! But, raising two, kind, intelligent, driven and thoughtful young women, Abigail (23) and Sophia (19), is the true joy of my life.
My wife Sara, like so many Moms out there, deserves the lion’s share of the credit. From the time of their birth, through adolescence, some awkward teen years, to their emergence as young adults, it amazes me that my wife, instinctively, knew their needs and how to meet them; perhaps not necessarily what they wanted, but always what they needed!
Sara Harrod Gieleghem worked a corporate job when I met her, went back to school to earn a teaching degree, has served as a 4th grade teacher for the past 15 years, raised two daughters, and kept a family on track. She did all of that and more, while I, far too often, was driving home from working in Lansing, attending board and committee meetings in the evening, and attending community functions on weekends. Sara is the center-point of our family and the beacon upon which two young ladies will navigate their future.
That’s what Mom’s do!
I grew up in Clinton Township and my Mom was home in the early years, before entering the workforce to make ends meet. Her longest job, besides being a mother to my sisters and me, was working the midnight shift at the old St. Joe’s Hospital in Mount Clemens. Now, as a parent myself, I truly appreciate the care that she provided and the sacrifices she made.
So as a son of Clinton Township, please allow me to wish you the Happiest of Mother’s Day and thank you for the sacrifices you’ve made for your family!
All of us are someone to somebody, so I hope you will share Mother’s Day greetings to all the Mom’s, Aunts, Grandmothers, and women who guide and nurture; and I know flowers and cards are always appreciated!
