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Gregarious Mom
Sarah Elizabeth Martin, Oregon USA
From Amazing Moms: Parents of the 21st Century Copyright © 2018 Motivational Press. Reprinted with permission. By Hogan Hilling and Elise Cohen Ho.
Amazing Moms: Parents of the 21st Century is the 1st coffee table book to feature moms. It features 115 amazing moms from a variety of family dynamics and 13 countries – USA, Canada, Australia, England, Netherlands, France, Italy, China, Hungary, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Mozambique, and Croatia. It is filled with captivating self-portraits that reveal each mom’s unique personality and joyful photos of their families. The moms bear their souls about the challenges and joys of motherhood and share a wealth of wisdom about their parenting journeys. These moms represent motherhood and femininity at its best. Amazing Moms is the companion coffee table book to DADLY Dads.
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I’m a mom of a twelve-year-old daughter and three-year-old son. Prior to my conviction I was a caregiver for my father and operated a home childcare service. I was also in the process of starting a photography business.
In May of 2016, the court convicted me of murder and sentenced me to 25 years. To improve my life I have attended, parenting classes, a 4-month culinary training serving 900 women, a support group for veterans and the elderly. I recently have completed CADD- computer-aided drafting and design program and graduated #1 in my class. I am currently enrolled in a PSU, Inside/Out class, studying, domestic violence and abuse cycles. I am also earning my Bachelors in Criminal Justice.
I enjoy music, dancing, photography, scrapbooking and interior design. Although I have accepted my fate in prison, I maintain my innocence and have filed for an appeal. I have my faith and hope in God, and I see a bright future ahead of me!
Quote.
I’ll think about that tomorrow, after all, tomorrow is another day. – Margaret Mitchell, Author of Gone With the Wind
What I do well as a mom.
I do a great job staying connected with my children despite the prison walls and support their hobbies and interests. I can join in family events thru video visits, and continue to teach my children the importance of family, traditions and making memories.
What I learned from another mom.
To laugh and not fear what others are thinking. To simply relax, trust my instincts and enjoy each moment. Let the kids be messy, funny, silly, loud…just be present and enjoy the journey.
Lesson learned from my child.
I learned how fragile and precious life is. Our family lost a very close family friend, Uncle G. My daughter asked, “Why can’t we just bury Uncle G in the backyard like we did my hamster?” I explained why and then we made a plan. We gathered special items that reminded us of him, placed them in a special box and buried the box in the backyard. She taught me the simplicity of death and to approach it with love and logic.
Successful motherhood moment.
I participated in a literacy program that provided me with the opportunity to record my voice, reading a favorite story to my children. I sent the CD along with a copy of the book, and a special note to each child. They can now, listen to me reading a story to them when they can’t be with me. Another moment is when my daughter and I volunteered to lead a “Back to School” backpack campaign.
Mom I admire.
Erica Watson, my mom and best friend. I admire her for the way she does not judge or criticize people; the way she listens with an open mind, and her perseverance to always move forward.
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Originally published in Amazing Moms: Parents of the 21st Century Copyright © 2018 Motivational Press. Reprinted with permission.
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Photos courtesy of the author.
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