3 brave women: a mother's day post

From left to right: My aunt, Diane; my grandfather, Elliot;

my grandmother, Olga; my mom, Rita

This post is dedicated to three special mothers in my life.

Olga

My grandmother, Olga, is a remarkable woman. Born in Guayaquil, Ecuador she moved to the United States at the age of 20 when she married my grandfather. She became the young mother of two beautiful daughters and brought them up with love. Olga was widowed at a young age, but her strength and resilience kept her going.

She is now the matriarch of a large and growing family. She is greatly loved by 2 daughters, 7 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.

Olga, we look up to you for your strength, your great ability to love and your courage. We love you for your sassiness, your laughter and your warmth. Happy Mother's Day.

Rita

My mother is my best friend and I am the luckiest girl in the world. The youngest of two daughters, she was brought up in the small American town of Keene, New Hampshire.

After graduating from college she bought herself a one way ticket to Spain - and act of bravery that has inspired me and shaped the way I have chosen to live my life.

My mother is good. She knows how to speak to people and make them feel special. She loves her children with all of her heart and would do anything for us.

Mom, they say girls worry about becoming their mother. I could only hope to be half the person my mother is.

Diane

I saved my Aunt Diane for last on this Mother's Day post because she needs our prayers the most at this time. And she needs to be recognized for the truly amazing person that she is.

Diane is my mother's older sister. She is a nurse practitioner who was made for the job. She is intelligent, caring and good. The mother of 5 children, she has the strength of ten mothers and is braver than anyone I know.

When her son was captured in Libya over a month ago, my heart went out to her. It has been over a month since Jim's capture and Diane is proving to be as strong and full of faith as ever. A mother's capacity for love is so great. Jim is loved by so many, but especially by his mom.

Diane, you are amazing and I love you like a second mother. We are here for you and we are praying for you.

The world needs more mothers like the three amazing individuals I've introduce you to today.

Do something for me. On this Mother's Day, tell your mom you love her.

__________

If you want to help support the release of my cousin, Jim here are some things you can do:

1) Sign the petition

2) Print out the poster and post it on the facebook page

3) Write a letter or make a phone call directly to your US congressional representatives, supporting their diplomatic efforts to secure a timely release. You can find their contact information here.

4) Use any personal contacts you have with media outlets and the government to publicize the issue. Let's keep the issue in the public eye!

Thanks, from the bottom of my heart.