Parent Story
Nancy and Tierney's Story
The following was written and presented at the Mom's House 20th Anniversary Gala by a former client of Mom's House, Nancy and her daughter Tierney: It's an honor to be celebrating here with you tonight. When Diane asked us to speak to you, we accepted the invitation with a mixture of glad willingness and terror. Neither one of us is exactly shy, but speaking to a large crowd is still pretty intimidating. So, if you don't mind, I'm going to pretend you're all teenagers. Please start acting up now so I can maintain this illusion. There are two reasons why I wanted to do this, in spite of my fears. First, I feel an enormous sense of gratitude for all that Mom's House has done for us. I absolutely know our lives today are better for it. The other reason is that I am never at a loss for kind words about this wonderful establishment. Being able to speak tonight gives me a way to say thank you to all of you who are part of it. I'd like to share a little of my story with you, and Tierney will break in later with some of her own memories. I'm a teacher today. I've been teaching science for about fifteen years. I've been learning my whole life, though I wasn't very good at it until I was well into my twenties. As long as my head stays on straight, I will continue being a learner for the rest of my days. When I tried to put my Mom's House experience into words, I found the easiest way to do it is to break it down into a couple of the more important lessons this student has learned. Lesson 1: I don't know everything. My family had a lot of problems, and unfortunately, I inherited some of them. I lived a dangerous life that was almost guaranteed not to last very long. When I finally saw this, I made the decision to shut up and listen to the people who knew how to help me. And I would forever after be amazed at how many of them were out there. Lesson 2: Just do the right things, and everything will be all right. I learned to walk through the doors that were open to me, and not smash my head against those that weren't. I didn't see single parenthood as part of the grand plan for my new life. I doubt anyone does. But the birth of my daughter was a thrill and a wonder, and I knew that raising her was the most important thing I would ever do. I had loved finally being able to continue my education, and I knew I had to get back to school so I could provide a decent life for us. Mom's House was the door that opened to get me there. We started out with Tierney in the infant room, and eventually progressing through the toddler and preschool programs. The quality of care our children receive there is incredible. (Tierney: Attending Mom's House was not like going to just a day care. The presense of the teachers and other parents created a warm atmosphere which made it feel like home. I made my first real friend at Mom's House in the toddler room.) In Mom's House, you get to be part of this amazing operation. You do a decent job with the work you are given, get good grades, help raise funds to keep it all going, and you can move ahead to a life of self-sufficiency for you and your child. You do the right things, and it all works out just beautifully. Today I'm a professional in a secure job. I bought a little house several years ago, and I enjoy it every day. Life is good. The moms at Mom's House come from all kinds of backgrounds, and face their own unique challenges. The common bond is the desire to create a loving home for their children. (Tierney: The greatest memory I carry with me of my time there is the comfort I felt in knowing that my Mom was often there. When she was at school, I felt like I was with people who loved and cared about me.) I know too much to ever underestimate the value of education. I see the effects of poverty in some of my students, whose parents are trapped in a cycle of dependency, or in working far too many hours for far too little money. I know the real worth of what Mom's House has given us. Which leads me to... Lesson 3: Remember the gifts you have been given, and give back when you can. Part of this for me is in my job, in being a caring adult to those among my students who really need one. It's in never refusing to help whenever I can. The people who make up Mom's House are not just the loving and dedicated souls who work there, either. I want to say thank you to all of you who helped, and continue to help. * those who donate to Mom's House to keep it all going * those who hold our babies and rock them to sleep * those who give us clothing donations so we can go to job interviews looking like professionals * those who play Santa and Mrs. Claus to make our holidays brighter in those lean years, before we land our first full-time jobs in our careers * those who give of their many talents and services, in all the things they do for us. (Tierney: The activities every day were fun and engaging, whether it was walks through town together, or arts and crafts time with Betty Ann. I feel grateful for what Mom's House has done for my family. I always liked selling chocolate bars for them through my high school years. I feel what I learned there enabled me to start grade school earlier than most. I was the youngest in my graduating class. It gave a good start in my life.) I want to say an extra thank you to the person who, for me, has been the in-the-flesh embodiment of Mom's House. She has reached out to me with offers to help with a hundred problems large and small. Thank you, Diane Avery. And thank you all.