[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 57 (Thursday, May 11, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E800-E801]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO MOTHER'S DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JEAN SCHMIDT

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 11, 2006

  Mrs. SCHMIDT. Mr. Speaker, this Sunday, the world will celebrate a 
tradition born in Greece and celebrated around the world, Mother's Day.
  I know that my fellow mothers in this House look forward to a special 
day with family. I know that my male colleagues had better be planning 
a special time with their wives and mothers, as well.
  The birth of a child is a magical experience that changes a parent's 
life forever. Joy, laughter, some tears, and always love, are just part 
of the emotional rollercoaster ride we call parenthood.
  My little girl was recently married and one day, God willing, will 
enjoy the experience that I wouldn't trade for a subcommittee gavel on 
the Appropriations Committee.
  But giving birth in large parts of the world is very dangerous, even 
deadly. In some parts of the developing world, 1 of every 10 mothers 
giving birth gives her life in the process. Equally disturbing, 3 
million brand new babies die in the first week of life due to 
inadequate healthcare.
  On this Mothers Day, let us celebrate our mothers. We can hardly 
repay them, but we can try at least for one day. But let us also pause 
to appreciate the struggle mothers thousands of miles away in places we 
will never visit. Let us rededicate ourselves to reach out to every 
human hand, no matter how small or how frail.
  On Sunday, please join me in honoring your mother and mothers 
everywhere across this small planet.

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