GRAND PRIZE WINNER

Mom: Marie

Submitted by: Mary, Farmington MI

Marie receives a mother's day brunch for two at the Century Grille, two tickets to Menopause The Musical®, and an overnight stay at the downtown Hilton Garden Inn. As well as having her story published in an upcoming issue of Twist Magazine.

My mother was considered the essence of fertility because she had the largest family in the parish banquet hall at Mother's Day brunches. Baby after baby appeared until she could boast of 11 freckle-faced children, mostly daughters. She was petite, deathly anemic and being married to her Irishman was no picnic but she managed to remain the soul of patience and humor. I wondered how this quiet, French woman, raised in gentility, managed to keep her wits. Like all mothers, she was not just a brood hen. She was an intellectual at heart. I remember being five years old, staring at my mother while she dusted with a rag in one hand and a New Yorker in the other. Her quick glances at the magazine nourished the curiosity she was raised with by her literate father and the sisters of Marygrove College. Never able to formally use her training, she didn't voice disappointment. Instead, for example, she had us watch a hornet stuck in a spider's web and say, Watch them fight: The spider will win! Menopause liberated mom and it had to be one of the happiest times of her life! She started to travel, play more bridge, volunteer and read with no distractions. Her health returned. Life, Part II, had begun and she became a joyous example to her eight daughters of life after 'the change.' At 89 years old, she exercises, knows the value of a good Cabernet and attends local jazz events. Joie de menopause!

HONORABLE MENTION

Mom: Michelle Krotkiewicz

Submitted by: Justin Krotkiewicz, Warren MI, age 13

Justin's mom receives two tickets to any Gem or Century Theatre performance.

My mother is the most deserving of the tickets for the brunch and show package and two night stay at the Hilton Garden Inn.

My mother never leaves the house to go anywhere but to go to the doctor, store, or my school. My mother has never been on a vacation in her life. When I was born, May 8, 1995, my mom said I was her Mother’s day gift.

I have 2 other brothers age 8 & 2 who my mother takes care of as well as my dad and our cat and bird.

Since I don’t have a job I can’t buy my mother anything for Mother’s day. All I can do is tell her how much I lover her. I wish I could see her smile on Mother’s Day and not clean house. Maybe if she won she would not have to clean house for a day.

HONORABLE MENTION

Mom: Anna Wodowski

Submitted by: Annie Hodnett, Warren MI

Anna receives two tickets to any Gem or Century Theatre performance.

My mom raised 7 children with only 12 years spearating oldest from youngest - nearly on her own. My father came & went, used money for himself only and brought extreme physical and emotional abuse into our home constantly. When we finally escaped the madness, my mom worked, took care of each of our needs and continued to be there every day right through til now. She is nearing 75, works 32 hours a week at a job that is a full time job for other employees, takes care of 4 daughters who are afflicted with Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis and looks as though she is only 50. We love, cherish and admire her for her tenacity, backbone and most of all FAITH to lead us through life as contributors in society. My mom even makes time to share these same traits with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she cooks a huge family dinner every Sunday and she never fails us when we need something. There is absolutely nothing we can say about our mother that isn't positive - and bias aside - every person she comes in contact with is offered that same kind, compassionate spirit that she has given each of us throughout our lives. I would love for my mother to have a special day and she truly is a winner in our hearts - regardless of whether she can win this competition. God provides no greater gift to these 7 children than this wonderful mother.

HONORABLE MENTION

Mom: Phyllis J. Putman

Submitted by: Glyniss C. Buford, Detroit

Phyllis receives two tickets to any Gem or Century Theatre performance.

Hello, thank you for presenting the public with a fun and exciting challenge.

My mother Mrs. Phyllis J. Putman is the woman I hope and pray will win this contest. She meets all the requirements of Womanhood, from beginning to end. At 76 years old she still has Menopausal symptoms along with senior moments. The two together can be a riot. It truly takes a sense of humor and sincere understanding, when this pair strikes. A while ago upon visiting my brother’s grave site at a large cemetery my mother loudly proclaimed, “Moses parted the Red Sea to escape Pharo.” People looked at her, but mom kept right on talking. I wondered… now is this a senior moment, or something else. Never the less I gave her a big hug and said “Let’s go have lunch now.”

Phyllis would be a perfect candidate for the hit Musical just because she embodies the theme. For example she’s a senior who can testify to the fluctuation of cycles, the breast, the birthing of seven children from her own womb, the highs and lows of Menopause, and the crowning glory of making it through with a few war wounds from cancer and tuberculosis. Phyllis will exclaim “it’s life!” and “I still have my laugher and optimism!” My mom is energetic though homemaking is her primary function, she’s never won a contest or raffle, or had her name in lights. Mom’s social life is on the down swing and she always appreciates a chance to dress up and enjoy life. I know this musical would make her sing inside and out.

HONORABLE MENTION

Nominee: Her Sister

Submitted by: Sharon Siemon, Taylor MI

Sharon's sister receives two tickets to any Gem or Century Theatre performance.

I’d like to enter my sister in your contest. Her life, like many women has had many ups and downs. Through each challenge, however, she remained a “steel magnolia.”

Last year the company she worked for closed all its Michigan stores. She dealt with it! Fortunately, she found a new job.

A victim of physical abuse by an ex-husband, she eventually got out of that relationship. She dealt with it! Fortunately, she’s now in a good, 20-year marriage.

When her daughter was in a roll-over accident, and underwent emergency surgery, she dealt with it! At her bedside for a month in the hospital, she then brought her home and nursed her back to health for several more months.

When I myself underwent life-saving emergency surgery, she came directly from work and sat with my husband, son and friend. Again dealing with it!  Fortunately, the surgery was successful.

And now she is facing another challenge. My sister doesn’t ask for much, but she recently mentioned how much a night away would help. Then I saw your article, a coincindence? I think not. It’s more an answer to prayer.

Your article states your story can be touching, serious, or silly. My sister could sure benefit from a bid dose of silliness right about now. The Hilton package sounds like the perfect remedy.

My sister has mad it to Menopause. I’d love to see her make it to “Menopause The Musical” as well.