BY DEREK HARDIN
Staff Writer
The qualities of a mother are uncountable and limitless; the responsibilities are large and often overwhelming; the love is unending and unconditional.
Children often overlook these traits, taking the role and influence of their mothers in their lives for granted, seldom giving them the recognition that they deserve.
Diana Stapleton of Union and Paula Terry of Englewood, however. were two mothers recently selected by Positive Parenting in the Miami Valley as Outstanding Mothers of the Year.
According to Lisa Evens, public relations official for the Dayton Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who sponsored the award, Stapleton sad Terry were among ten mothers chosen throughout the Miami Valley in an effort by Positive Parenting "to give some value to an institution that is often unvalued: motherhood."
Evens, who created the award, stated that women are recognized and honored regularly for their roles in professional and voluntary fields, but not for their important roles as mothers.
Nearly 135 nominations of outstanding women were considered for the honor. A cross-section of judges from various religions and levels of public service ultimately narrowed the entries down to 10 honorees.
Stapleton is the mother of seven children and is a registered nurse currently serving as a mid-wife's assistant, giving mothers care during home births. She is a leader in the La Leche League, a volunteer organization that helps mothers who wish to breast feed their babies, and is currently providing home education for her young children.
In addition. Stapleton has taken two trips to Bangladesh with medical professionals to offer free medical help to the people of that region who lack proper health care. Sponsored by her church, the Christian Life Center, she has traveled to remote villages throughout Bangladesh giving the people much needed medicine sad vitamins.
She was nominated for the award by her husband Steven who stated that be thought it would be a nice gesture to enter Diana’s name for possible selection as outstanding mother.
A lot of things (Diana)) stands for or represents are what Americans think of as a good mother," commented Steven.
Steven did not have to go far in order to mail his nomination since he is currently postmaster for the West Milton post office.
Diana and Steve have been married for 23 years. Several years ago, the couple provided home foster care for medically fragile children. It is through this care that they met their adopted daughter, Hannah, who is a special needs child.
Diana claims that she was both surprised and honored to receive the award. "When you are a stay-home mom, sometimes you don't feel fulfilled" Diana observed. It really validates it though to have my husband nominate me.
Diana's future plans include going back to school in order to become a licensed mid-wife.
Her children include: Paul, 21; Nicholas, 16; Rachel 13; Courtney, 12; Hannah, 8; Gabriel, 5; and Victoria, 2.
Paula Terry is the mother of four and is an employee of the Montgomery County Health District, recently returning to work after the death of her son Mark, 15, in November.
She is an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she works closely with the youth. She is also involved with the Boy Scouts and is a volunteer supporting families of cancer patients who are undergoing transplants.
She was nominated by members of her church who observed her strong courage and strength during Mark's two-year battle with cancer.
Rarely leaving the side of Mark's hospital bed, Paula gave Mark a mother's tender care, while he, in return, showed his mother that, even during the hardest times in life, it is still possible to find joy.
"It's you who decides what your life will be like," reflected Paula. "We discovered we could have fun there (while in the hospital) and we discovered a lot of miracles along the way.
Paula stated that she, her husband Gary, and her children are Picking up pieces after Mark's death and moving on. They have made the choice to remain positive and let joy be their state of mind. Upon learning she received the award, Paula was surprised and appreciative. However, she remains humble, stating that the 24-hour-day care for her son "wasn't anything any other mother wouldn't do."
Paula's children include: Rebecca, 21·; Jason, 19; Mark, 15; and Nathan, 13.