I don't mind sharing the essay at all. Here was the contest instructions: "She's the person who's there when you need her the most, lending a helping hand and sharing a hug. It could be an aunt, grandmother, babysitter (even an uncle or grandfather). Just tell us how she adds magic to your life and you could add a little to hers on a Disney dream vacation." So here is the essay I turned in:
As a 27 year old married adult woman now, I have gained a new perspective on the people who have always been a major part of my life from the moment I was born. Our society tends to focus on ones' occupation in life but fail to consider the most important job- an unconditional loving mother. So for me, I would like to consider my mom, as my magical/fairy God-given-mother. She has filled my life with magic since the night of November 3, 1982. And she did this because they considered it part of their responsibility or "job" as my mom. I truly see and appreciate how much her love as impacted my life and made it MAGICAL. To me, having a family with such a wonderful woman is as magical as the wonders of Disney...it brings the same smile to my face and warmth in my heart that no words can truly describe. Cindy Young, my mom,is the one person that has always been here for me at all times: the good, the bad, the sad, the embarrassing, the proud and the once in a lifetime moments. And though she deserves to be recognized for the great person she has been to many, she will feel as if she is unworthy and for that alone, I admire her. This is for my dear momma:
I'm writing this essay, not as a daughter but as an admirer. I have been studying this great woman's movements and actions for 27 years. I have been very lucky to have her as the person I must observe. I've learned so much being her student. I have learned responsibility, loyalty, love, patience, cooking 101, budgeting, the processes prioritizing, how to not let anyone bring me down,and the list really could go on; but above all that I have learned from here either directly or indirectly the most important is how to love those important to me unconditionally.
She may wonder why I would choose a person like herself (who she views often as codependent, insecure and unsure) to have as a role model. Well, from the moment of my earliest memory, I knew without a doubt that my mom loved me no matter what. Though she tells me all the time how much she loves me, no words are really needed to be said to explain it because she has always showed me love through her actions. Throughout these 27 years, I have found things about my mom that make me love and cherish her more. Now, I must admit some of these things are so simple that you wouldn't even think of them as significant, and you might even hope that no one would ever even notice them. But it is these little kind acts of hers, I have been taking notes on all these years.
* She has a love for simple things
* She is an incredibly genuine person
* She believes in me even when I let her down
* She has the ability to know when I am sad
* She knows the right time to call
* She has always put my needs first
* She is still a kid inside with a beautiful innocence
* She treats everyone fair
* She helps everyone and sacrifices herself
* She hugs & kisses me at least six times when I have to leave her
These are just some of the little things that fit together to make Cindy Young the wonderful person that she is. She deserves to be honored with a Magical Trip to Walt Disney World to share with those she has loved unconditionally; not because she is my mother, but because she has devoted her life to being a wonderful, unselfish individual.
Win or lose I want her to know that no matter what comes our way in life that I will always love, respect and admire her. She is my "magical fairy godmother."