MY BAG (O)item(s)
Behind every great Athlete, Employee, Friend and Individual stands an inspiring parent and/or parent figure. We want to hear your story about how one of your parents has inspired you to be the person you are today. For one week, we’re inviting you to give a special shout-out to the parental figure that has inspired YOU and enter to win $25 SWAK Bucks!
To start off the Inspiring Blog Entries, we have included 3 SWAK Staff members inspirational stories about their Mothers:
Jessica – a 28 year old SWAK Team Member working in Marketing and Sales: My mom is the most incredible woman I have ever known. She was Girl Scout leader, field trip chaperone and team mom – anything so we and all the other kids could do activities. All that on top of being rule maker/enforcer, tutor, counselor, tailor, and nurse at home.
Jessica & Momma Debi
She has three children, ranging in age from 25-29 (that’s me!) and she is always “there” for all of us. She is smart, understanding, kind and non-judgmental. All the “stuff” she did was to show us how to love more than you are loved so there will always be enough to go around, give more than you get so everyone always has enough to get by, and put your heart into anything that’s worth taking the time to do. She told me mothers are never perfect, but figuring out what to do is easier if you try to remember every foot prints you leave will very likely be followed. She inspires me to live a life of service and strength. She is all that is beauty and light and is the definition of what a mother is, can and should be.
Sarah – Director of Marketing and Creative Development: My mother, Laurie, is the unsung hero of my life. Supporting my crazy dreams hasn’t always been easy—I know she would love for me to live back on the East Coast closer to her—but she has always done a spectacular job at supporting my independent spirit. Her warmth and humor would be an inspiration to anybody. From ice skating lessons to singing lessons, she tirelessly supported any activity I wanted to peruse. And, at the age of 24, when I decided pretty quickly to move cross country, she helped me pack my bags.
Tears were shed when I left but she’s always allowed me to put my dreams first and given me the space I’ve needed to grow into the woman I am while remaining available for a phone pow wow any time needed, day or night. For that, I will always be thankful. She also looks super cute in SWAK clothes! LOL.
PS- Check out the hand poses in this photo… Clearly unintentional but yup, we’re obviously related LOL.
Laura – SWAK Customer Service and Marketing Assistant: I couldn’t possibly count the number of ways my mother inspires me. She’s my best friend, she’s caring, she’s driven, she’s strong willed, she’s insane, she is beautiful and most of all, she is loving.
My mother inspires me by being a friend to strangers, family to her friends and everything to her family. She has always encouraged me to follow my dreams and to simply find happiness. Because of her, I am not afraid to take risks, try new things, meet new people and to seek out what makes me happy.
How to Enter:
- Comment on this blog post with an inspiring story about one of your parents and how they influenced the person you are today.
- One winner will be chosen at random on August 10th to receive $25 SWAK Bucks
*Contest starts on Wednesday August 1st and ends on Wednesday August 8th at 11:59pm PST. Winner will be announced on Friday August 10th*
My mother, Bonnie Moore-Delong, is the sole reason I exist. She isn’t a traditional mother, in the sense that she was part of physical conception. She is my mother because she, over the coarse of four years, made me into who I am today.
She is a strong, Independent artist with a heart of pure gold, or Amethyst.
The day I started highschool, I met her first. I was a shy, self conscious, nervous child with no goals, and no will to live day to day. She took me under her wing, becoming my mother.
She oftentimes kept me after school to set and talk, or to take me somewhere to inspire me. She gave birth to the artist I now am.
She was a stern, but loving guardian. Chastising me for poor grades, and praising me, showering me with love when I was to succeed.
She built me up and made me strong, showed me how beautiful I am by just being me, and in that gave me the world at the tip of my pencil.
My mother, Bonnie Moore-Delong, is the sole reason I exist. She isn’t a traditional mother, in the sense that she was part of physical conception. She is my mother because she, over the coarse of four years, made me into who I am today.
She is a strong, Independent artist with a heart of pure gold, or Amethyst.
The day I started highschool, I met her first. I was a shy, self conscious, nervous child with no goals, and no will to live day to day. She took me under her wing, becoming my mother.
She oftentimes kept me after school to set and talk, or to take me somewhere to inspire me. She gave birth to the artist I now am.
She was a stern, but loving guardian. Chastising me for poor grades, and praising me, showering me with love when I was to succeed.
She built me up and made me strong, showed me how beautiful I am by just being me, and in that gave me the world at the tip of my pencil.
My mother has been a rock in our family for some time. While I grew up my mother was always working and taking care of our family, our home, and did much more than what most could do. My father worked long hours and long distances on the railroad and as a result my mom was responsible for not only the day to day stuff in our home she did everything. My father past away when I was 19 and my Mom though her heart was breaking continued to be there for my sisters and myself. Now as an adult with two children of my own, I look back on all my mom did and I can really appreciate her tireless drive to keep our family together!
My mother has been a rock in our family for some time. While I grew up my mother was always working and taking care of our family, our home, and did much more than what most could do. My father worked long hours and long distances on the railroad and as a result my mom was responsible for not only the day to day stuff in our home she did everything. My father past away when I was 19 and my Mom though her heart was breaking continued to be there for my sisters and myself. Now as an adult with two children of my own, I look back on all my mom did and I can really appreciate her tireless drive to keep our family together!
my grandmother was my world.When my mother and father didn’t want me she stepped up to the plate and took me in and banished my parents from ever seeing me.She taught me how to love to share to care to cook to clean she taught me everything i know.She made me the woman I am today and everything she taught me i know pass on to my two children.Sadly my grandmother passed away soon after my daughter was born.I regret that she didnt get to meet my son so she could hold him at least once so he could feel the love.
my grandmother was my world.When my mother and father didn’t want me she stepped up to the plate and took me in and banished my parents from ever seeing me.She taught me how to love to share to care to cook to clean she taught me everything i know.She made me the woman I am today and everything she taught me i know pass on to my two children.Sadly my grandmother passed away soon after my daughter was born.I regret that she didnt get to meet my son so she could hold him at least once so he could feel the love.
What can I say about my Mom? How did she inspire me, how she continues even tho she is gone? Well for one thing she taught me how to swim even tho she was afraid to get her own face wet and she wouldnt go in the deep end!She taught me how to make the world’s best chicken soup. In her own way she taught me patience and tolerance.She taught me how to dance, sing, cook, pile up things to make a room look neat. She taught me how to strip, ice skate and make a mean meat loaf. I love my Mom. She is the best. AND….. she gave me a great name.
Thanks Mommy !!!!!
What can I say about my Mom? How did she inspire me, how she continues even tho she is gone? Well for one thing she taught me how to swim even tho she was afraid to get her own face wet and she wouldnt go in the deep end!She taught me how to make the world’s best chicken soup. In her own way she taught me patience and tolerance.She taught me how to dance, sing, cook, pile up things to make a room look neat. She taught me how to strip, ice skate and make a mean meat loaf. I love my Mom. She is the best. AND….. she gave me a great name.
Thanks Mommy !!!!!
My parents have always been there for me. When I had an opportunity to go to university, I could not qualify for a student loan and my savings from my part time job were not enough to pay for tuition. My parents made the decision to sell our house so I could go. SELL OUR HOUSE!!! I asked why they would do this. They said so I could have the opportunity to have a better life then they did, further my education and have a wonderful future. My Mom said it just a house, not a home. A home is where ever we are together. I will always be grateful that they did this for me and now I will be there for my own children.
My parents have always been there for me. When I had an opportunity to go to university, I could not qualify for a student loan and my savings from my part time job were not enough to pay for tuition. My parents made the decision to sell our house so I could go. SELL OUR HOUSE!!! I asked why they would do this. They said so I could have the opportunity to have a better life then they did, further my education and have a wonderful future. My Mom said it just a house, not a home. A home is where ever we are together. I will always be grateful that they did this for me and now I will be there for my own children.
My mother, Phyllis Layton, has been my greatest inspiration. I have been large all of my life. I never paid much attention to what I wore when I was younger, but my mother did. She taught me how to shop for clothes that are flattering to my figure, first off. But more importantly, my mother has taught me to be patient, respectful, kind, generous, understanding, and to never give up. She taught me these things by being that way herself. Though she may hold her own opinion of things, she taught me to respect that other’s opinions may vary from my own and that they have a right to those opinions, but not to let it influence what I truly believe in. She taught me how to give when you have nothing to gain and how to give when you think you have nothing to offer. Sometimes it might be advice, sometimes it might be a shoulder to lean on, but sometimes, it might mean doing with a little less of something yourself so that you can share it with others who have nothing. But the biggest lesson in life my mother has taught me is to never give up, whether it be on yourself, or on someone else. I have used this many times over in my life to not just benefit myself, but more importantly, to benefit someone who needed the encouragement they couldn’t find within. I’ve been rewarded with some of the best friendships, relationships, and stories of survival by never giving up. If you believe in something, its worth keeping on trying for. Thank you Mom. These are things I will keep and treasure long after the physical things have come and gone from my life, and after the good Lord decides its time for us to part ways. Who knows, maybe it will even help me get into heaven. I love you Mom!
My mother, Phyllis Layton, has been my greatest inspiration. I have been large all of my life. I never paid much attention to what I wore when I was younger, but my mother did. She taught me how to shop for clothes that are flattering to my figure, first off. But more importantly, my mother has taught me to be patient, respectful, kind, generous, understanding, and to never give up. She taught me these things by being that way herself. Though she may hold her own opinion of things, she taught me to respect that other’s opinions may vary from my own and that they have a right to those opinions, but not to let it influence what I truly believe in. She taught me how to give when you have nothing to gain and how to give when you think you have nothing to offer. Sometimes it might be advice, sometimes it might be a shoulder to lean on, but sometimes, it might mean doing with a little less of something yourself so that you can share it with others who have nothing. But the biggest lesson in life my mother has taught me is to never give up, whether it be on yourself, or on someone else. I have used this many times over in my life to not just benefit myself, but more importantly, to benefit someone who needed the encouragement they couldn’t find within. I’ve been rewarded with some of the best friendships, relationships, and stories of survival by never giving up. If you believe in something, its worth keeping on trying for. Thank you Mom. These are things I will keep and treasure long after the physical things have come and gone from my life, and after the good Lord decides its time for us to part ways. Who knows, maybe it will even help me get into heaven. I love you Mom!
My mother, Jean Brown, is my inspiration! She was a military wife and sacrificed everything for her family. Every time we moved somewhere, she would give up her job or new career only to start all over and work her way up from the bottom again. She has helped me to have the flexibility to do the same. She taught me that nothing worth having comes easy and that one cannot expect to be given anything. She taught me to be strong. As my friend from a very young age, she shared many of her life’s experiences with me – both good and bad. She showed me trust with some of her longest-held secrets. My mother always supported my dreams, even when they were nothing but a passing fancy, and she knew it. Through her own struggles, she taught me the signs and symptoms of mental illness, enabling me to recognize them in myself much earlier, and supported me in my own struggle to regain control of my life. When my husband became ill with cancer, she offered to give up everything once again to come across the country and help us through the ensuing rough patch. Even now, living thousands of miles away, my mother is my best friend. We can’t go more than a couple of days without talking to each other, we cry for each other, laugh with each other and challenge each other to always be the best person we can be. Above all, I know that as long as she is alive she will continue to be my biggest fan. Mom, I love you so much. Thank you for being you.
My mother, Jean Brown, is my inspiration! She was a military wife and sacrificed everything for her family. Every time we moved somewhere, she would give up her job or new career only to start all over and work her way up from the bottom again. She has helped me to have the flexibility to do the same. She taught me that nothing worth having comes easy and that one cannot expect to be given anything. She taught me to be strong. As my friend from a very young age, she shared many of her life’s experiences with me – both good and bad. She showed me trust with some of her longest-held secrets. My mother always supported my dreams, even when they were nothing but a passing fancy, and she knew it. Through her own struggles, she taught me the signs and symptoms of mental illness, enabling me to recognize them in myself much earlier, and supported me in my own struggle to regain control of my life. When my husband became ill with cancer, she offered to give up everything once again to come across the country and help us through the ensuing rough patch. Even now, living thousands of miles away, my mother is my best friend. We can’t go more than a couple of days without talking to each other, we cry for each other, laugh with each other and challenge each other to always be the best person we can be. Above all, I know that as long as she is alive she will continue to be my biggest fan. Mom, I love you so much. Thank you for being you.
My mom, Esther has to be the #1 person I’ve looked up to my whole life. She raised 3 kids pretty much by herself when she decided to leave my father. She worked hard and always made sure us kids had what we needed. She always taught us kids to be who we are and that we were enough just the way we are. I’ve always been a heavy person but growing up I always knew I was beautiful because my mom made sure to tell me. If it wasn’t for my mom I’m pretty sure I would hate my body and think I’m ugly, but I’m not. I’m beautiful just the way I am. I recently lost her (7/8/12) due to cancer. She dealt with it for 6 years and pretty much always stayed positive and kept her head up. I was very scared when the day came that she asked if she could live with me because she couldn’t take care of herself anymore. I was scared and not sure I could do it. After losing her it made me realize that not only did I take care of her, but she gave the greatest gift ever by letting me take care of her. She is forever in my heart and I will forever be a strong lady because of my mom. I could go on and on about my mom, but I had to make this short and simple because I’m now crying thinking about her.
My mom, Esther has to be the #1 person I’ve looked up to my whole life. She raised 3 kids pretty much by herself when she decided to leave my father. She worked hard and always made sure us kids had what we needed. She always taught us kids to be who we are and that we were enough just the way we are. I’ve always been a heavy person but growing up I always knew I was beautiful because my mom made sure to tell me. If it wasn’t for my mom I’m pretty sure I would hate my body and think I’m ugly, but I’m not. I’m beautiful just the way I am. I recently lost her (7/8/12) due to cancer. She dealt with it for 6 years and pretty much always stayed positive and kept her head up. I was very scared when the day came that she asked if she could live with me because she couldn’t take care of herself anymore. I was scared and not sure I could do it. After losing her it made me realize that not only did I take care of her, but she gave the greatest gift ever by letting me take care of her. She is forever in my heart and I will forever be a strong lady because of my mom. I could go on and on about my mom, but I had to make this short and simple because I’m now crying thinking about her.
My mother is an extremely complicated woman. She grew up in a traditional patriarchal Chinese family, who nearly disowned her when she converted to Christianity and married my father. Her mother used to beat her and her sisters in the bathroom for punishment. After she left that family to marry my father, who was a harder man to live with. He does not have major vices and is a good man, just… hard to live with. And there’s her job, which she hates because she has to work to pay the loan on the house and she pushes herself everyday. And now her father has been abandoned by his wife and son and she and her sisters are the sole supporters. It’s wearing on her everyday.
Despite all of this, she still found time to grow me up in line with her own moral set of values. I grew up someone lonely and unique but with the presence of a strong mother figure. When it came time for her to let me be independent, she just let go. I was an athlete who participated in the Youth Olympics and she never stopped supporting me emotionally and mentally the whole way, despite her own familial and working problems. If anything, she has told me to learn from her own faults and failures; for example never choosing the wrong degree in university. She never hesitates to admit that she’s wrong and there is no one whose judgement I trust greater on earth (except God). She has been there for me all my life and she inspires me with her humility, caring, and never-say die attitude. If my life were a painting, she would be the lone shadowy figure in the background which made it a masterpiece.
My mother is an extremely complicated woman. She grew up in a traditional patriarchal Chinese family, who nearly disowned her when she converted to Christianity and married my father. Her mother used to beat her and her sisters in the bathroom for punishment. After she left that family to marry my father, who was a harder man to live with. He does not have major vices and is a good man, just… hard to live with. And there’s her job, which she hates because she has to work to pay the loan on the house and she pushes herself everyday. And now her father has been abandoned by his wife and son and she and her sisters are the sole supporters. It’s wearing on her everyday.
Despite all of this, she still found time to grow me up in line with her own moral set of values. I grew up someone lonely and unique but with the presence of a strong mother figure. When it came time for her to let me be independent, she just let go. I was an athlete who participated in the Youth Olympics and she never stopped supporting me emotionally and mentally the whole way, despite her own familial and working problems. If anything, she has told me to learn from her own faults and failures; for example never choosing the wrong degree in university. She never hesitates to admit that she’s wrong and there is no one whose judgement I trust greater on earth (except God). She has been there for me all my life and she inspires me with her humility, caring, and never-say die attitude. If my life were a painting, she would be the lone shadowy figure in the background which made it a masterpiece.
I have had the most amazing mother… Elizabeth Csokmay. Not only was she a wonderful mom, a loving ER nurse and a friend to die for! She lived her life to the fullest and even when she could no longer speak for herself, found a way to touch your heart. My mom died four years ago with complications with MS. She was diagnosed when I was a teenager and her life changed drasticly, but that never stopped my mom, she still was taking care of others or influence her children and family. I wanted to be a nurse because of her but, the site of blood just didn’t agree with me. Somehow, I ended up caring for everyone, including mom, as the last eight years of her life her MS progressed so bad that she was bed ridden. But, through it all she knew how to make you feel special and always said “I love you!”
I find it somewhat ironic that this contest ends the day before her birthday! She always said that everyone had their own special day that was theirs. She just loved birthdays! Growing up, my brother and I had birthdays only 3 days apart and being a nurse there wer not many days off in the same week so, most of the time parties had to be celebrated together but the morning of your birthday she always made it special with a cake and always a gift that made all the difference in the world. To this day, finding the right birthday gift for a loved one or friend is the most amazing feeling. The gift of giving, caring and even her talent and love of art will live in my heart forever! Not a day goes by she is not thought about or rememberd! Happy Birthday and I love you, Mom!
I have had the most amazing mother… Elizabeth Csokmay. Not only was she a wonderful mom, a loving ER nurse and a friend to die for! She lived her life to the fullest and even when she could no longer speak for herself, found a way to touch your heart. My mom died four years ago with complications with MS. She was diagnosed when I was a teenager and her life changed drasticly, but that never stopped my mom, she still was taking care of others or influence her children and family. I wanted to be a nurse because of her but, the site of blood just didn’t agree with me. Somehow, I ended up caring for everyone, including mom, as the last eight years of her life her MS progressed so bad that she was bed ridden. But, through it all she knew how to make you feel special and always said “I love you!”
I find it somewhat ironic that this contest ends the day before her birthday! She always said that everyone had their own special day that was theirs. She just loved birthdays! Growing up, my brother and I had birthdays only 3 days apart and being a nurse there wer not many days off in the same week so, most of the time parties had to be celebrated together but the morning of your birthday she always made it special with a cake and always a gift that made all the difference in the world. To this day, finding the right birthday gift for a loved one or friend is the most amazing feeling. The gift of giving, caring and even her talent and love of art will live in my heart forever! Not a day goes by she is not thought about or rememberd! Happy Birthday and I love you, Mom!
I am forever grateful that I was born to such an inspirational woman. I watched my mother always strive for better for herself, and in turn for us also. She showed us a happy marriage is possible. She became a role model when she became Principal of the best special education school in New Zealand, where she was/still is an advocate for children with special needs, for their parents, and a fantastic mentor for her staff. i watched her hold herself high when her husband of almost 30 years had a massive stroke and brain bleed that left him severely disabled. I watched her care for him, while still working everyday, i watched her carry on, when others would have fallen. Again her strength astounded me 3 years after that, when my brother died suddenly, and she had to explain where he was daily to my Dad because his memory was gone. Again she carried on, she was the strength for all of us, she grieved privately, and life carried on. eventually after 6 long years, my Dad her husband of almost 40 years, died. The celebration she gave everyone at his funeral was beyond belief. she shined that day as the strong woman she is. They had been a partnership for a lifetime, but she didn’t fall apart. she fareweled him, with love and joy and knew she had memories for the rest of her lifetime. Through all this she was their for us, my sister and remaining brother, and for our children, as well as for her school, her staff and pupils. My mother Fay Stanton is an inspiration, and I am so very proud to be her daughter.
I am forever grateful that I was born to such an inspirational woman. I watched my mother always strive for better for herself, and in turn for us also. She showed us a happy marriage is possible. She became a role model when she became Principal of the best special education school in New Zealand, where she was/still is an advocate for children with special needs, for their parents, and a fantastic mentor for her staff. i watched her hold herself high when her husband of almost 30 years had a massive stroke and brain bleed that left him severely disabled. I watched her care for him, while still working everyday, i watched her carry on, when others would have fallen. Again her strength astounded me 3 years after that, when my brother died suddenly, and she had to explain where he was daily to my Dad because his memory was gone. Again she carried on, she was the strength for all of us, she grieved privately, and life carried on. eventually after 6 long years, my Dad her husband of almost 40 years, died. The celebration she gave everyone at his funeral was beyond belief. she shined that day as the strong woman she is. They had been a partnership for a lifetime, but she didn’t fall apart. she fareweled him, with love and joy and knew she had memories for the rest of her lifetime. Through all this she was their for us, my sister and remaining brother, and for our children, as well as for her school, her staff and pupils. My mother Fay Stanton is an inspiration, and I am so very proud to be her daughter.
My mother … the most amazing woman in the world, is the reason I am who I am today. She always taught me to be who I am, no matter what anyone else thinks. She was loving and caring, always there for me. I miss her, her laugh, her smile, her beauty. She always wanted the best for me, giving me every opportunity out there. She was a jack of all trades … Teacher, seamstress, babysitter, caregiver. Yet she always made time for me and my brother. Made it to every baseball game and bowling tournament. My mother was and IS my idol, and I know every day, every move I make, every step in life, she is looking down on me, helping me get through the hard times, and enjoying the good times. I am proud to call her “mom”!
My mother … the most amazing woman in the world, is the reason I am who I am today. She always taught me to be who I am, no matter what anyone else thinks. She was loving and caring, always there for me. I miss her, her laugh, her smile, her beauty. She always wanted the best for me, giving me every opportunity out there. She was a jack of all trades … Teacher, seamstress, babysitter, caregiver. Yet she always made time for me and my brother. Made it to every baseball game and bowling tournament. My mother was and IS my idol, and I know every day, every move I make, every step in life, she is looking down on me, helping me get through the hard times, and enjoying the good times. I am proud to call her “mom”!
Thank you everyone for sharing your inspirational stories! We loved being able to read through all of them, as we all have someone we admire in our lives. The contest did end yesterday, and I would like to announce our winner: “Star Wells”, Thank you for sharing your heartfelt story! We will send you an email with your $25 SWAK Bucks.
Again, thank you all for entering and sharing your stories! Stay tuned for more contests
.
- Jessica
Thank you everyone for sharing your inspirational stories! We loved being able to read through all of them, as we all have someone we admire in our lives. The contest did end yesterday, and I would like to announce our winner: “Star Wells”, Thank you for sharing your heartfelt story! We will send you an email with your $25 SWAK Bucks.
Again, thank you all for entering and sharing your stories! Stay tuned for more contests
.
- Jessica