Sara Mannix

One of the things that brings me great joy is watching Julia’s Optimism.  Whenever things don’t go her way, she responds “oh well…” then she’ll elaborate a reason why it’s fine with her.  When someone asks her how she is, she replies  “great” because she wants to make sure they know she is great.  Fine or Good could just be an answer even when you’re feeling bad but “great” l leaves no doubt… she explains to me.  I tried to explain to her that she is an optimist with the lemons and lemonade idea and and she responded, even just lemons would be great… I love lemons… indeed she does.

Where does this optimism come from?  The belief that everything is going to be okay?  Grandma.  She passed this to me even in my darkest hours - she told me God had a plan for me.  Even after many years of trying and four miscarriages she assured me that I would be a mother some day.

Her deep belief in God and his love for me, his plans for my life were her assured answers to my deepest concerns.  Her constant praise and faith that I could be and do anything I wanted - built the foundation for my lifetime and this hope, optimism and confidence, I hope to pass onto my children in the same way she passed it down to me.

My parents legacy of love did not just affect their own children but countless others from the many foster kids they took in, exchange students and foreigners from around the world.  The net of love they have cast hit the water and the ripples touch the lives of many.  Has my mom changed the world… yes and most definitely for the better.

Click on this twice to see the Tribute

Happy Mother’s Day!

There is no one more beautiful in this world than my mom.  She is an angel among us.  A selfless soul who finds immense joy in giving to others.

When I went to find this photo to demonstrate what an angel my mom is- I was suprised to see the halo on her head. Sure I KNOW she’s an angel but I’ve never actually SEEN the halo before.

What kind of woman hoots and hollers so loud at a basketball game to cheer on her grandson that even the umps hear her and are distracted?  The kind of woman who at 70+  searches the web for the mini-zippers for a ski outfit for the doll of grandaughter that just learned to ski, hand knits a scarf and hat and makes mini-doll size custom skis.

She’s the same kind of woman who will go out of her way every week to work with the poor in Schenectady, who will cry deeply when you’re hurt and give of her self until there is no more.

I could not admire anyone more than I admire my mom.  She is so full of love and effervescent joy.  She listens deeply when hard times hit and offers sage advice.  She is the person I most want to be like in life.

I have been blessed, my greatest blessing in life has been my mother. Thank you God for my mom.

A born leader, she never doubts herself, she’s carefree and self confident.  Even in Kindergarten, she didn’t mind sitting on the bus alone, she had a plan - she’d bring her Pokemon cards and trade with others in other seats.  At 8 years old, she’s met a few “fickle” friends, and when the fickle friend is not a friend, she’s completely unfazed moving right onto someone who does care.  I’m proud of my Julia, she is kind, thoughtful, a leader, laughs easily and is so smart and utterly assured.

You shower my face with kisses, you snuggle into my arms whenever they are free and you rush to bear hug me when we’ve only been apart for hours. Sean you are my affectionate one. You love to kiss my eyes, hold my hand, be held like a little monkey with your face snug in my neck, even your eyes shower me with love.

“Don’t you want to be healthy and happy?” I ask Nina as she refuses the broccoli, “Healthy don’t make me happy – being with mommy every day all the days makes me happy” Nina responds and it’s true, in her world there is nothing better than being with mom. Even friends pale in comparison to time spent alone with mom.

You don’t even care what we do, you are happy to play alone in my company even if I’m working. You have a proximity alarm and if I’m not near it goes off. “Mommy where are you?” You are almost five and refuse to become a big girl, so different from Julia who just couldn’t wait to be a big girl! I spoil you and coddle you, there is no doubt. You don’t want to go to pre-school, everyday, you ask if you can have a mommy day instead or if I’ll pick you up early (before the 1pm naptime instead of at 2:30 or 3). You are my baby and I love you.