[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 74 (Thursday, May 14, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1154]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  SUPPORTING THE GOALS OF MOTHER'S DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. PHIL GINGREY

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 12, 2009

  Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House 
Resolution 388, celebrating the role of mothers in the United States 
and supporting the goals and ideals of Mother's Day.
  House Resolution 388 enumerates not only the ``immeasurable 
contributions toward building strong families, thriving communities, 
and ultimately a strong Nation'' made by mothers but also the 
importance of Mother's Day in recognition of these contributions.
  From hallowed chambers to corporate boardrooms to classrooms to 
assembly lines, none of us would be the individuals we are without our 
mothers. While every family, every relationship is unique, we know that 
the bond between a child and a maternal figure--whether a mother, a 
grandmother, a stepmother, or a foster mother--is so very important. 
Strong families are the backbone of our nation. It is therefore very 
appropriate that we take this time today to celebrate and recognize the 
contributions of our nation's mothers to the strength and prosperity of 
America.
  Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take a moment of personal 
privilege, as I have done before on the floor of this House, to talk a 
little bit about a very special woman--my Mother, Mrs. Helen Cecelia 
Gannon Gingrey.
  Born in New York City in 1918, my mother has lived and continues to 
live life to its fullest. From the hustle and bustle of Manhattan to 
the serenity and beauty of South Carolina, my mother--grounded in her 
deep faith and her love for her husband, her children, her 
grandchildren, and her great grandchildren--has never stopped, never 
strayed from her commitment to God and to family.
  Mr. Speaker, at 91 years young, my mother has also refused to let 
time and its effects keep her down, so much so that at the end of last 
year, she opted for a second knee replacement--with full knowledge of 
the inherent risks--because of her commitment to living life and making 
the most of every opportunity that God has given her. She faced this 
challenge as she does everything--with a big smile and an abiding 
faith.
  I am happy to report that in the months following the surgery, she 
has recovered very well and hasn't missed a beat. As this House honors 
our nation's mothers, I would like to say a special thank you to my 
mother, not just for the blessing that she has been to me and our 
family, but for being a shining example of a life well-lived.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this Resolution for 
mothers everywhere, and I yield back.

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