European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - May 8, 1988, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Expressed i the were Ude. That Ona another angina ton. Holce to Ina judges p five mall of Eive a oses whose having the and. Margaret Jones of West Berlin wrote tha essay which received the most Voles. In addition la the roses Tor her Mother she wins a 15-Mlnute phone Call to her Mother in the slates at stars end stripes expense plus a video of her and her family which will be Sanello her Mother. She quit the eighth Grade be a nurse. She was an enough she wanted More. Be to get tha while along tears and a lot o studying. By extra hard because of Ier through the years. Hot the College sometimes such crying because it was her and say you will make do. Did not have much Money to the school and Bills. My h school and on thursdays a meal for $1.25 each. I n the morning counting her old have enough. She would for a Coke. Gained but i would Leel so jeans and sweatshirts when Nice clothes. Mother handed a my first yes. Today my Mother is and graduated with honors. Days and i am so glad god of. Cathy Pigott i Kreuz Nach West Germany recently i be come 1o appreciate my mom More than Ever before. She has Given me timeless advice on everything throughout my Lite. She even bought or made most of my clothes alter i left Home she would always stay in touch by phone or mail. When 1 returned Lor vacations we became close friends Able to discuss anything from politics to personal life. Unfortunately my mom became ill and Lor Over a decade fought a disease Call Strogen s syndrome. She ova Lually could t drive or walk. Finally she became bed Ridden in constant pain. She demonstrated immense strength and courage fighting an internal Battle against an illness destined to destroy her body. She passed away Christmas eve in her bed while i was present. She survived years longer than the experts predicted primarily because of her love for her family. Now her advice constantly returns to me. Although my polyester clothes Are woefully of of style i still Wear them. When life becomes difficult i reflect on How hard my mom had it her last years and How she gutted ii out with dignity. She set the Standard for me in almost every Way. There is no grave she was cremated. I scattered her ashes Over the Ocean new year s morning. On Mother s Day i can no longer buy Lowers Candy or a card but Only a prayer. My mom May have passed away but a Day never passes that she is not with me now More than Ever before. Steve Schwalbe soul Garl Sis us i i Jusa Rivaro does it take a special person to make things right or to love you in a special Way. Or to take a real Crummy Day and make it not just All right but super. Or to make grilled cheese and homemade pickles a gourmet lunch. Or to make you believe to this very Day that you really were the Best tap dancer on stage out of 17 other Little girls. Or to put the last slice of pizza Way in the Back of the refrigerator so that you could have ii for breakfast. Or to take the Best part of the Garden to raise beets just Lor Sissy. Or to Surprise you with the dress you liked but could t a lord. Or to print your real Ege in the local newspaper of your Small Hometown. Or to go camping with you and not be upset when you tried to dry her shoes by the fireplace but burned them up instead. Or to always encourage you and to expect the Best from you. Of to love your husband enough to refer to him As son. Or to love your daughters As much As you do. Or to care when you re Happy and when you re not yes it takes a special person to do All these things. For me. That s my Mol a. Ralene Snow Frankfurt Day 8. 1968 the stars and stripes Page 15