To My Mother

My mother is my hero. If you don't know Mama Cavanaugh, Mama Nancy, or Nurse Nancy as she is lovingly referred to, you must meet her! Mom has always been a great example to me of service, learning, and love.

Nancy is always involved in some type of service, in fact I think she has a problem saying no. She has held so many callings at church, including some of the most difficult. She volunteers every weekend at the White Elephant, a thrift store in Sitka, Alaska that donates proceeds in the form of community grants. My mom has helped with school projects, theater productions, and summer camps in which we've been involved. She often gives her time for less than it's worth to help someone or the community. She also serves as Deputy Mayor on the City Assembly in local government. One story that I can recall of my mother's service oriented nature takes place years ago on a typical stormy day in Sitka when we were driving home from the grocery store. A man and his son were walking home in the rain and may or may not have been hitch hiking. Whatever the case, my mother pulled over and offered to take them home, even though it was much further than we were going and we had other things to attend to at home. My mother is a saint!


Mom has always been a wealth of knowledge. She has more books than her bookshelves and home can hold, and she is always reading something new. How she fits in reading to her hectic schedule, I don't know! I can ask my mom any health question and she will know the answer and can explain it to me without grossing me out and in a way I can understand. In fact, my mom has the answer to most all of my questions. When I was in high school, my mother decided to use this knowledge to teach. So she went back to school for her Masters in Education. Now she is upgrading yet another degree in Nursing. She is always attending conferences to enhance her career. She is knowledgeable of politics and world events. She is a scholar.

But most importantly, my mother is a great example of love. When I was at home and sick during the nights, my mother knew, and she would sit with me and talk to distract me. She is so kind to everyone and cares about their feelings and well being. She was a fantastic mother and is arguably an even more amazing grandmother to my nieces. I have no doubt that when my future children have the flu, Nana will come running to feel their glands and read them a story (and sneak them some fruit snacks or Pez dispensers for later!). My mother is a great friend and is loyal to those she loves. She set a great example for me as a wife and a mother and as a person.

I love you, Mom! Happy Mother's Day!