The Press invited readers to submit Mother’s Day tributes.

Moms, this love’s for you.

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“You only get one mom, and I am lucky enough to have Jan Tymesen as my mother. She radiates her love and generosity to everyone in the community while asking for nothing in return. I know if I need anything I can always rely on her. She has shown me what a strong woman is and how we should all strive to be. Thank you for being the best mother in the world!” — Nicole Holmes

“My mother is wonderful because she’s just the sweetest, most kind person in the world and she reminds me of a warm cinnamon roll. If I could, I would give her all the daisies in the world and make her French toast every morning.” — Morgan Robertson on her mom, Meg Roberts

“My mother is so amazing because she loves me, cares for me, helps me in math (which I hate), and tries to make everything fun! I am so thankful for her! When I need help I know she is always there for me. My mom loves me even when I’m a pest. My mother is the best! I love you so much — thank you!” — Esther R. Hill (age 11) on her mom, Tanya Hill

“My mom, Leslie Gonzales has been fighting cancer for five years. My mom has always put her family first, even with cancer. To this day she will apologize that she can’t help me very much with boys. ‘Lil does she know, her still being with us is all we need. When I was pregnant with my baby she even put off a surgery just to be there for me. She fights every day to stay with us! She is the strongest greatest woman I know.” — Dawn Pratt

“My mom is Rebecca Ronald. She is wonderful and strong. My dad passed away and she has remained strong in her faith and is still supportive of me and my siblings. She has so much grace for my brother who has OCD and Autism.” — Miranda Ronald

“My Mom’s best advice was to read, dance and appreciate the little things in life. She instilled values such as justice, love, human rights and civil rights for all people. She taught me to appreciate our Mother Earth. I love her for teaching me to be a strong and independent woman. She gave me a belief system and a home life filled with an abundance of creativity and freedom. I’m forever grateful for the forest farm life we shared. She is so beautiful inside and out. Love and Peace, Mom. Thank you.” — Orenda Peterson on her mother, Troy Anne Evans

“On Feb. 3, 1950, we awoke in the night to learn that our mother had passed away. She had a goiter and it burst. I was 13 years old. Our mother was a loving wife and protective mother. She was full of good humor and kindness and loved to laugh and enjoy life and everyone in it. She has been missed by us all for a long time, but she is still in our hearts.” — Addie Neufeld remembering her mother, Elizabeth Michelene Styzen

Oh Mama Dee.

With a smile and a hee hee,

Good times bring laughter until we wee.

Thrifty treasures filling your sacks,

Playing games, spouting life hacks,

Searching for Bigfoot, ghosts and UFOs,

Cussing “sh!t, fart, damn,” at bad fortune woes.

Thoughtful and helpful, appreciative for every day.

Never a complaint or boohoo, just a

“Let’s hit the casino for big slot wahoo!”

You’re a friend, accomplice, and Mama to many,

We love you for all you do and your soulful beauty!

— a tribute to Mama Dee, a.k.a. Deanna Hummel, from her kids, Darren and Michelle Hummel

“Sacrifice, strength, selflessness and determination! That’s what I think of when I think of the Moms in my life! First, my Mom, Norma Cheevers. Very understanding, so willing and able to help in a pinch. A love that will last an eternity. Second, my daughter-in-law, Amy Fries!

Such a strong mom and wife! You are indomitable! You two are an inspiration! Happy Momma’s Day!” — Christine Allen

“My mom has a beautiful soul. She is a warrior and one of the bravest women and single moms I know. She raised three girls doing the best she could, even worked two jobs. She is my hero, my rock, my wise counsel. She is the purest, most amazing grandmother to my three girls and my nephew. I love you Mom. Happy Mother’s Day.” — Brachel Meyer on her mom, Chrissy Cameron

Matron of memories. The moments we have experienced together; Maui, movies on Christmas and baking cookies.

Organized. Everything in its place. If it doesn’t spark joy, out with it!

Tradeswoman. You are highly skilled in many trades. Nursing, gardening, boating, couponing, interior design, and whipping us into shape.

Homegrown. You embody the Idaho spirit. The love of plants and animals. Raised in Cd’A you can’t go anywhere in town without knowing someone.

Empathetic. You feel people’s emotions and make them your own. A reason why you are an excellent nurse.

Resilience. You have the ability to bounce back from numerous hardships. You help others do the same. — Sisters Alyssa Romero, Makena Whitaker, and Jamie Green submitted this acrostic poem for their Mom, Patty Crowe Romero

“75 words don’t begin to describe my Mom, Ilawynne Lauhon but I can say that love and being a role model fits her. She was first in a family of 12 children raised on a farm in Arkansas and ‘old’ values were so important to her and my Dad. She raised my brother, Johnny and me with the values that were taught her and she lived them 24/7. Hope to see you soon Mom.” — Mary Jane Hahn

“Momma, you’re the best friend a daughter could have. I love our daily conversations that are sure to have us laughing till we cry. I hope today and every day you know how much you mean to me and how important you are. Love, your favorite child. — Janis Griffin on her mom, Linda

“My mother was a devout Christian who taught me about life and faith from her actions. She was giving birth to one of her 8 children when she was told the child would have massive birth defects and her life would be in jeopardy in giving birth. Mom never wavered. When she gave birth to a perfectly healthy child, she looked at my dad and the doctor who urged her to abort and said, ‘the problem with you is, you have no faith.’ Sadly my mother passed when I was 6. I will forever be guided by her words, selflessness and faith.”

— Ken Siwierka

Mother

Should you search the sky and earth

For life’s gift of greatest worth

You will find above all other

Life’s greatest gift is mother

— Author unknown

“My mom, Mary Paine, is a spry 93 years young. I’m her youngest, the 64-year-old baby, and feel blessed to have all these years of her generosity, guidance, companionship and unconditional love. Happy Mother’s Day Mom.” — Love, Linda Stranger

“Margaret, the matriarch of our family, shared generously of her resources and her advice with everyone in the family. Her greatest satisfaction was that her two sons and five grandchildren graduated from college. Her pearls of advice included: 1) It is not how much you earn that is important. It is how much you save. And 2) If you can’t say anything nice about someone, then don’t say anything at all.” — John Deus describing his mother, Margaret Coldani-McCary.

“The most important mother to me is my wife of 54 years, Ann, who entered my life following a football game we both attended in September 1962. We were young, but we seemed to get along well most of the time and found some magic in each other that could not be ignored. From the beginning, she exhibited kind, helpful, and caring tendencies that have grown into love, patience, encouragement, tenderness, and a natural ability to be a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother.” — George A. Washington

“My wife was raised in an abusive home, found Jesus at 18 and learned to forgive. She homeschooled 6 kids who are now all successful, married parents. We have 12 kids/spouses, 13 grandkids and they ALL LOVE boating, barbequing or making sourdough with Grandma. She is always happy, optimistic and full of Love. We agree on everything. She says she’s the luckiest woman in the world, which makes me the luckiest man. My name is Frank Rypka and her name is Teresa Rypka.”

“To my Mom in Heaven. This is the first Mother’s Day you have not been here with me. I love you and miss you every day. I know that you are truly always with me, as your legacy of love and joy remains. You have been my greatest cheerleader, taught me about unconditional love, and I remember your encouraging words every day. Have a wonderful Mother’s Day, Mom! — a special message from Brenda Hanson to her mom, Nancy Carter.

“My mother, Claire Masters has been a devoted mother for 55 years, a devoted wife for 56 and a loving grandma for nine. She is inspiring, enthusiastic, intelligent, inquisitive, tenacious, extremely generous, humorous, passionate and knowledgeable about many topics, vibrant, a very friendly extrovert, supportive and involved in her community, a voracious reader, an eloquent and eternal writer, a teacher and my lifelong, amazing friend.

I am eternally grateful to have been bestowed to my wonderful Mom!” — With love, Alda Masters-Smith

“Happy Mother’s day to the most loving and caring person. I’m so lucky to have a mother like you supporting me through sports and always making me laugh. You are the BEST mom ever! You are still better than me at basketball in the driveway.... I’ll give you that! Anyway, Happy Mother’s Day. I love you to the moon and back.” — A special message from Kameron Holzer to his mom, Shannon.

“Gabina Nunez ‘Momma’ gone but not forgotten Spring reminders garden flowers Giant Sunflowers Clothes on Clothesline Welcome feed hobos on train track crocheting linens giving them away to whoever admired them sewing garments helping me through snowdrifts to attend Mass Able copy a tiny pattern sew crochet it into full design Mexican food for fundraiser for Knights of Columbus Grandma crafty thrifty Loved by 8 children, 11 grandchildren Love and Miss You Mom” — A tribute to my Mom, by Mary Eatherton.

“My mom, Cindy Matthews is the best mom. I am so grateful she chose me as her daughter and has put up with me all these years. Now she is the most amazing Grandma to my two daughters. We are blessed to have her in our lives. She is always there for me and has taught me many life lessons and helped me become the woman that I am today.” — Nicole Randolph

Dear Momma,

It’s so easy to talk about people from a distance. Knowing you up close and personally, we want you to know what we see. We see you fight for the unseen. We see you grieve with the broken. We see you champion the people around you. We see you stand as an ambassador for a generation of women. We see your momma’s heart that loves not just us, but every person you encounter.

Happy Mother’s Day,

Jaymee & Seth

— A sweet message to Raydeane Owens from children, Seth Owens and Jaymee Paul.

Mother’s Day Gift

A second Mother’s Day arrives

Without my much-loved Mom.

But, her legacy survives

From which my dreams have come.

She was an educator, see?

Three thousand kids in all.

Her classrooms a menagerie

Of creatures great and small.

Now, I share a place in life

A peace I’ve never known.

With a beauty who’s my wife,

A mother of her own.

To celebrate with one another,

And from our God, uplift.

Just like my own dear mother.

On Mother’s Day: this gift.

— by John Austin

“I’ll be 80 in July and a week doesn’t go by that I don’t think of my Mother. Her only fault was that she gave birth to me when she was 39 and I always thought of her as being ‘old.’ When I was growing up I never wanted to be seen with her. I was mouthy and mean. She died before I realized what I had done and how I treated her! I just want to take this opportunity to say, “I’m so sorry, Momma. I love you very much and I just wish I had told you that!” — A message from Vonda Kerr to her momma, Esther Eliza Carter.

“We’re lucky enough to be the daughters of Cathy Thornbrugh. She’s a bright and warm-hearted woman who has showed remarkable strength in the face of adversity. She’s always fostered our creativity and encouraged us to pursue our passions. Her sense of humor cracks us up daily and her compassion for all creatures inspires us to do the same. Thank you for always being there for us, Mom.” — from daughters, Kelly, Kami and Kaye Thornbrugh.

“I don’t have a mother, but I have an extraordinary mother-in-law. Ginger Rivera has nurtured, loved and supported me unconditionally through everything. She does this for everyone she encounters and throughout the community of CDA. Cooks for the homeless, volunteers and watches over children of struggling mothers. She deserves so much but takes so little. Thank you Mom! We love you! Love, Scott and Annie Parker (and the rest of the gang).”

She listens to my rambling and always laughs with me.

She taught me to love writing, taught me how to read.

She never rains on my parade, she praises all I do.

She makes a wicked guacamole, and potato salad, too.

She brings her grandkitties special treats.

She has the brightest smile that can’t be beat.

She’s my bestie, my ally, my confidant like no other —

Mom, I’m the proudest kid to have you as my mother.

— To Vicki Heilman from daughter, Devin Weeks.

“Bertha Riffel. Born July 22, 1905, in Buhler, Kansas. Passed Dec. 31, 1997. She raised three boys. Dad supplied the house, Mom made it a home for all of us. I am the middle child, Charles Riffel. She is still our loving mother.”

“My mom is a kind and intelligent woman who takes joy in the simple pleasures of life, like watering her flowers or watching the birds and deer who visit her garden. She’s been a constant, loving presence in the lives of my daughters and a source of strength for our family. I’m lucky to be her daughter. Happy Mother’s Day — with love from your daughter and granddaughters.” — A sweet note to Patricia Henson from her daughter, Cathy Thornbrugh.

“My smiling, charming bride of 62 years delivered four sons and two daughters within seven years! She was dedicated to raising our children to be responsible and productive citizens. When our second son drowned, the family nurturer did double duty for a long, long time. My best description of our Mother is joyful. Her joy displays the presence of God within and she passes this on to all who God puts in her path.” — A tribute to Pat Connell from husband, Jim.

“A picture of all the lives my mother, Treva has impacted over the years. We thank her for all the love she has shared with us. We especially thank her for sharing her faith in Jesus with us. We have been blessed having her in our lives.” — Happy Mothers Day with Love. Your 63-year-old little boy, Michael Anson.

“When I see flowers I think about my mom, Frances Miller, ‘little mama’; she loved flowers.

I would bring her a bouquet every time I saw her (which was pretty much every day). Sweet Peas, hydrangeas, lilacs, sunflowers that grew along the canal bank, whatever I could find. She would always say ‘Oh honey they are BEAUTIFUL!!’ I miss her every day. No matter how long you have your mom it’s never long enough.” — Lori Miller

“This Mother’s Day we would like to pay tribute to my husband’s grandmother, Lorna Gibson. She was a ray of sunshine in the eyes of all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She was a beautiful, wise woman who took everything life had to offer with happiness and stride. She was an inspiration to us all and is truly missed. Happy Mother’s Day Grandma Lorna, we love you always and forever.” — Love, The Gibson Family.

Thanks, Babe for all you’ve done over the years for our children and grandchildren. You have shown them a love that only a mother/grandmother can. A special thanks for sharing your love for The Lord with them. A love that lasts an eternity.

Happy Mothers Day, Love Michael

— For, Diana Anson. From, Michael Anson