Nothing tugs at the heartstrings more than combing through stories and photos sent by readers honoring their moms. From snuggly newborns to enjoying later-in-life trips as friends, one thing became abundantly clear: It doesn't matter how old you are; you always need your mom. Here is just a snapshot of what readers sent in. Happy Mother's Day.
This is a favorite memory for Karen Travis of Eden Prairie: mom Joanne Pederson, who now lives in Roseville, teaching her how to ride a bike. “I was scared, but she was determined,” says Karen. “She’s been holding me up (and letting go, when the moment’s right) all my life.” (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Mary Bosrock of St. Paul sent in this photo of her happy mother welcoming baby No. 7 in 1946. The siblings don’t look quite as happy. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Debra K. Haney of Rochester says her mom, Helen, loved to dress up her two daughters in matching dresses on Mother’s Day and get corsages for everyone. This was taken at their celebration in 1963; Debra is on the left, sister Mary Beth on the right. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Martha Bennington of Marine on St. Croix in 1971 with her first-born daughter, Liza. “Nothing is more precious than just hugging your baby girl, every chance you get,” she says. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Anne-Lisa Paulson of Chanhassen, with her mom at her brother’s baptism in 1938. “My dad was a first mate for a big shipping company, so he was gone for months at a time. And when Denmark was occupied by the Germans during World War II, he was gone for five years. My mother always made sure we had pictures taken every year so my dad could follow us, no matter where he was in the world.” (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Patty Miller of Minneapolis loves this photo of her mom, Gretchen, because it caught her in a moment of pure joy. Taken in 1940, it’s the first letter Gretchen received from Jake Miller, who she’d been dating, after he was drafted and sent to basic training. Jake was stationed overseas, and while there had his brother propose to Gretchen in his place. The two finally married in 1945, after being separated for five years. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
