Meet Norma Unfried (First WhyMomsMatter Award Recipient)
Friday, February 27th, 2009Norma Unfried
1951 ~ 2004
About Norma
Norma Unfried’s life here ended from a nine-month battle with melanoma cancer on October, 29th 2004 just after three in the afternoon. She took her last breath with her two boys, Josh and Jeremiah close by her side and in the arms of her husband whom she loved and was married to for over 32 years.
Above any other professional achievement in her life, she considered herself proud to be Josh and Jeremiah’s mom. She was an elementary school teacher for over 25 years who made the classroom a fun and memorable place for her students. As an advocate for children’s literacy the California Reading Association gave her one of their highest honors, The Margaret Lynch Award. Her love for reading and understanding of its importance developed as she grew up reading to her father who went blind when she was only seven.
Norma loved serving others and having fun. She always had a place in her heart, room in her car, a chair at her table, a seat on her porch for one more who needed to be loved and have a place to belong. Most of all, her faith meant more to her than anything.
Why Norma Matters
Both sons would agree that although she was not perfect, she loved each of them intently and unselfishly. Her impact on each of them is evident, especially now that she’s gone. What they miss most about her is the experience of her. Her phone call, her smile, her word of encouragement, her note of concern, her hug, her laugh, her voice, her look of pride, her tear of joy, her birthday cakes, her “I’m sorry for….”, her home cooked meals, her “Remember when…” and her “I love you.” For Josh and Jeremiah, the ordinary things about their mom are remembered as extraordinary.
~ Handwritten note to son Josh in 1999 after he graduated from college ~
Joshua,
Being your parent hasn’t always been easy and I’m sure I’ve said and done things that have hurt or confused you. But no one has ever made me as satisfied as you do by being happy! No one’s smile has ever warmed my heart with delight as quickly as yours can. No one’s hugs feel as sweet and kisses so kind.
The good times have become precious memories for me and I remember often. Your first step, the bus when it came by for kindergarten, the Halloween costumes I made for you, your teacher’s comments of how special you were, your first BB gun and scooter, your skateboard ramp, your basketball games, your youth.
You have brought pure joy. I am grateful for the closeness you had with me, staying up late hearing you share all your dreams.
You are a part of me! And no matter what happened in the past or what the future holds you are someone I will always accept, appreciate, forgive, adore and love unconditionally. I’m not perfect, but I am here for you…not to judge you but to accept you.
No matter what you are going through, no matter what we need to do for you, always remember that you have a family that loves you and you will always be welcomed home!
My dreams for your life might not always be the same as yours, but I want to be there and support you all the way. I would truly give my life for you and I’m so proud.
Always,
Mom
Why Moms Matter Project
The WhyMomsMatter Project gives you the chance to celebrate and honor the significance and beauty of motherhood.
We need your help finding and recognizing ordinary moms across the country who have extraordinary stories. Stories of moms whose lives have inspired those around them as they face the challenges of life.
Each Friday, a new mom will be introduced and recognized here as a recipient of the “Why Moms Matter Award.” MomFaves will highlight her life, interviewing her and her loved ones the following Friday on the brand new MomFaves Blog Talk Radio Show ~ “Why Moms Matter.”
MomFaves will publish an E-book on Mother’s Day of these stories and make it available to everyone FOR FREE!!!
Nominate a Mom
~ Beginning Next Friday, March 6th ~
MomFaves Blog Talk Radio Show
Danielle Smith from ExtraordinaryMommy leads the way to help the Founders of MomFaves (Josh and Rebecca) reveal why moms matter by featuring ordinary moms with extraordinary stories.
