Southlake Style's

5th Annual
Best Mom Essay Contest Winner

Jeffrey Lash and his mom, Jodi

The Lash Family - Jodi, Jeffrey, Richard and Jonathan

A Mom at Every Stage of Life

By Jeffrey Lash

In United States law, eighteen marks the maturity of a child into an independent adult. At this point, a child is no longer considered the responsibility of their parents. However, I feel that this technicality fails to describe the true status of a mother as her child grows. At nineteen years old, I feel my mother is still very much an important part of my life.

My relationship with my mother has definitely changed as I have matured. However, this change has been more than merely a shift toward my independence. My mother's place in my life has evolved, all the while remaining central. Now a student 250 miles away from home, my mom no longer tucks me into bed or takes my temperature when I am sick. She doesn't pack my lunch or pick me up from school every day. However, different responsibilities take the place of these from my childhood. My mom was with me durnig the transition from high school to college; we shared teary eyes on move-out day and phone calls every night during Orientation Week. We talked for hours about choosing classes and a major, about how to deal with a new roommate, and how to balance my life between work and fun. Even though not physically present, my mom was with me every step of the way.

As a child, my worldview was directly inherited from my mother. Her values and beliefs become one with mine. As I mature, I am beginning to develop my own views on the world. However, even as I do, my perspective is inextricably mixed with the beliefs and values that my mother has bestowed on me throughout my young life. Values like integrity, hard work, and moderation are still very important to me in all of my endeavors. The code by which I live my life is my personal interpretation and development of my mother's ideals. Her influence is still very strongly felt in every aspect of my life.

As I progress on the road to adulthood, I am confident that my mother will continue to be an important part of my life. Even as I become more independent in many aspects, I will undoubtedly remain strongly tied to my mother. She has always been an invaluable source of guidance, and I don't think I will ever be grown-up enough not to need her help with the major issues in my life. I am so thankful for my mother, for the role she has played in my past, her role in my life now, and the role she will play in my future for many years to come.

Congratulations, Jodi! As Southlake's Best Mom, Jodi was showered with over $1,300 worth of gifts from our generous sponsors:

“Mom’s Time Out Package”