The Sunshine Report Happy Mother’s Day! Karen and Jay celebrate the amazing role that mothers play in our lives. Mothers are absolutely amazing! They seemingly have the ability to perform miracles. We marvel at what they can do. When we are young, they are the center of our universe. We depend upon them in so many ways. And, then later in life, as we grow older, we may be less dependent on them day-to-day, but the truth is – no matter how old you are – when you’re in need of direction, wisdom, or support – it’s your mother that you want to call. In fact, I recently heard a story that capsules it so well. A young man was describing a very difficult time he was experiencing in his career. He was in a very complex, technical profession – a discipline where his mother had no familiarity at all. And his initial thought was – why ask my mother how to solve this: She doesn’t know anything about anything. But he called her nonetheless – not even sure that he would tell her about his troubles. When he said, “hello,” however, and before he even had a chance to say another word, his mother instantly recognized the intonation – and said, “son, what’s wrong, what’s the matter, honey?’ Well, that opened the flood gates. He told his mother everything that had been going wrong. How he felt so lost and that he had no idea what to do or how to solve his problems. His mother listened – and then as only a mother can do, gave him the precise direction that he needed – along with the confidence that he would need to help him succeed. Not surprisingly, it worked. Then, later looking back on the situation, the young man reflected, saying, ‘while sometimes it seems that mothers may not know anything about anything, it turns out that they actually know everything about everything!” I’m guessing that you may have your own fond memories of how your mother has had such an important impact on your life. Shaping you in so many ways. At the same time, I suspect there are also the ‘little things’ – all those small gestures that show her love. Whether it’s the peanut butter and jelly sandwich – just the way she made it. Or the note of encouragement or love that you would find in your lunchbox – or really whatever it might be. All these little gestures weave a fabric of caring and support – that last a lifetime. In truth, there is no love like a mother’s love. So, on this special occasion, Mother’s Day 2024, let’s reach out and thank those wonderful mothers who love us, shape our lives and are the glue that binds it all together. Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers, the grandmothers – and all those wonderful souls who play such a significant role in our lives. Read The Report Meaningful Mothers and the Role They Play   Read More Home Schooling – Mothers and a Passion for Education Read More Positive Profile of the Week: Mary Jane Beauregard - Thoughts on Motherhood This week we are delighted to highlight a great friend, a leader in our state - and someone who truly personifies the ideal of being a great mother – Mary Jane Beauregard. To be in her presence is to know a marvelous balance. Strength and gentleness, guidance and understanding, someone who challenges you to be better and inspires you to believe you can. The greatest pain you could ever see in her eyes is when she sees other people suffering. She has made it her life’s work to help others live their best life. Of all the titles and roles that Mary Jane holds or has held, ‘Mother’ is by far the most important. She is also the loving wife of John Smith, whom she adores. NH GOP Republican Committeewoman, NH GOP Finance Chair, Republican Women of NH Chair, successful entrepreneur, and business owner as well as the owner of three beautiful horses which she raises in the countryside of western New Hampshire. Her values were shaped by what she considers an idyllic and blessed childhood. Mary Jane was raised by wonderful parents who held what at that time were traditional roles. Her dad was the breadwinner, and her mom was a housewife and devoted mother. While things do change from one generation to another, she is a big believer in the incredible value in the family unit. Unfortunately, today, she notes that motherhood in many ways has been trivialized. From Mary Jane: “As Mother’s Day approaches, it is my hope that young women don’t buy into the falsehood that motherhood only drags a woman down, for there is no greater gift to one’s own soul or to society than to bring forth a new life. Intimacy should be sacred and everything surrounding it should be as well. Women must learn that they have an awesome power, and they must respect and honor that power by wielding it during the times they are actively dating. That should be the foundation for starting a successful and happy future. We are so blessed today. We women can have careers without sacrificing motherhood. Men can marry without fear that they must bear the entire financial responsibility of raising a family. If as a society, we can once again revere motherhood and femininity as well as masculinity and fatherhood we can set things straight. Moms and Dads can work together to do a great job parenting if they choose to cherish their kids and cherish the sacredness of intimacy. I raised a son who is an Air Force Academy graduate and works at the Pentagon and a daughter who is a corporate lawyer. I did so while founding and running my own successful business. My family was and always will be my motivation. Love will always be my guiding light. My kids both have wonderful spouses who they adore and terrific children who are cherished. Being a mother, a stepmother and a grandmother is my greatest joy. I am immensely proud of them all. Family is everything. Sacrificing starting a family for material gain or sexual freedom will not make for any meaningful happiness ever. I strive to be a good role model for my family by doing all that I can to be the best person I can be. I don’t ever want to stop learning, experiencing, and growing. I’m so glad my children were born unto me and yours unto you. May God bless the children and be with every mother and father as they raise those children with the utmost love and care. Happy Mother’s Day!” Thank you, Mary Jane! We honor your spirit in support of motherhood! Happy Mother’s Day to you! Quote of the Week “My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute my success in life to the moral, intellectual, and physical education I received from her.” —George Washington     Jay Lucas | www.JayLucas.us  Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Jay Lucas | 7 Portwalk Pl, Portsmouth, NH 03801 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]