[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 59 (Thursday, May 8, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E884]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           MOTHER'S DAY 1997

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 8, 1997

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
all mothers, with special admiration and appreciation for the two 
important mothers in my life, my own mother, Mr. Ivalita Jackson and my 
mother-in-law, Mrs. E. Theophia Lee.
  I would like to thank my mother for her commitment and dedication to 
our family. My mother worked very hard to do the best for her children 
in this world by instilling the values of God, family, and community. 
She set before me the goal of working to accomplish success in life by 
not resting on the laurels of yesterday, but on the promise of another 
tomorrow. She offered strength and dignity in the face of difficulty.
  I thank her, not only for the gift of my life, but the joy she 
provided in my experience of growing up.
  I would like to also extend a special Mother's Day greeting to my 
mother-in-law, Theophia Lee. I hold her in great esteem and respect for 
the devotion she showed as a mother to my husband, Elwyn, who is the 
man he is today because of her nurturing.
  This Mother's Day greeting is not only for the two mothers I have 
singled out, but it is also a tribute to all of the mothers of the 18th 
Congressional District who will be honored this Sunday, May 11, on our 
Nation's day for mothers.
  This Mother's Day is for grandmothers, mother-in-laws, stepmothers, 
foster mothers, godmothers, mothers who take in children, mothers who 
adopt, those who act as mothers, for those women who have no relations 
by blood but who give the gift of mothering to children.
  Our Nation's mothers are the foundation for the most prosperous and 
productive country in the history of the world. They are the nurturers, 
and care givers that prepare our Nation's young for the challenges that 
life may hold. Their work may be inside or outside of the home, or 
both, and their contributions to this society can never be fully 
appreciated or valued.
  Mothers bring a unique and valuable perspective to all aspects of 
American life. Today, thousands of mothers in this country have become 
active and effective participants in public life and public service, 
promoting change and improving the quality of life for men, women, and 
children throughout the Nation. They serve with distinction as 
legislators, mayors, judges, doctors, lawyers, and administrators, and 
their impact in these areas has proved to be monumental.
  I could not find words descriptive enough to fully express the depth 
of admiration for women who fill this import role in our society. They 
are committed to their families and community not for public acclaim, 
but for love. Many of them are single and have no real financial 
support save for the income provided by their own efforts.
  They may feel the crushing weight of the glass ceiling, in limited 
promotional opportunities, and most acutely when pressures of home and 
work conflict. This conflict should not be seen as a detraction from 
your ability to be a leader in corporate America, but a vital 
leadership skill to hold or to have held the rank of mother.
  Many mothers in this country are members of our working poor. They 
work for minimum wage at jobs that make great physical and emotional 
demands while meeting the challenge of providing guidance and support 
to their children. Every day, I am humbled by the accomplishments of 
these mothers.
  I would like to also extend a special Mother's Day wish to new 
mothers. Know that you are loved and appreciated in your new roles as 
care givers to our Nation's next generation. Mother is the highest 
title which you will hold for the rest of your life.
  I wish all mothers a blessed and joyous Mother's Day.

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