Mothers teach us all a variety of lessons throughout the course of our lives and we truly enjoyed reading all of the touching memories that you have shared with your mothers. In fact, we loved reading their words of wisdom so much that not only are we giving our grand prize winner (2) Spa Day Admission Passes and (2) $50 Glen Ivy gift cards, we’re also giving 10 lucky runner-up entries (2) Mid-Week Spa Day Admission Passes!

And the winners are……..

Grand Prize Winner:

“Life is all about love. Life is all about finding peace with every decision you make. Life is about enjoying yourself,” my mother always tells me. And now, as I tell my mother that I am about to become a mother myself, I realize how important these lessons are. Life can be stressful, but I have learned that how we treat ourselves and others has the biggest effect of all. I can’t wait to share these life lessons with my own children.” — Carrie P.

Runner-Up Winners:

“All I have to thank for my success in doing art in college is what my mother always told me when I wanted something but could not afford it. To clothes or decorations, to food out or home goods she would say “We can do (make) that.” She taught me to believe I can make anything, even if most of my attempts failed to replicate the item, but we often found we made something unique together. This saved our family money and instilled creativity and determination within me that I am ever grateful for.” — Sorelle F.

“Making something out of nothing is the most precious things my mom installed in me. Making an ordinary day something to cherish and remember simply by going the long way home, stopping for a picnic of strawberries, and smelling the flowers. No matter who you are, no matter what you have, you can make the most of the moment simply by perceiving it a little bit differently. This is Glen Ivy to us… A magical place that is more than just pools and vistas… An experience that transcends the ordinary.” — Dana W.

“Approaching my first Mother’s Day without my mom I’ve been using one of the best lessons she taught me to help me shoulder my grief.  My mother, who died last year at the age of 66 from early onset Alzheimer’s disease, taught me the lesson of doing small things well.  Making the bed in the morning, washing the dishes, watering the plants… Each small task, done well, giving that little feeling of having accomplished something, and giving the strength to go on to another and another task until I’ve make it through the day. For this, I am forever grateful.” – Jennifer D. 

“My mom taught me that my inner voice is more important to listen to than any other.  The more you listen to that voice in the quiet of the morning, the more peaceful you will be throughout the day.  When things get tough and times are hard, it only takes a few deep breaths to find that voice again.  It is always there for you if you take time to hear it.  My voice calms me, centers my thoughts, and guides me to being a better person for myself and my family.  Thank you, Mom.” — Kelly & Rachel

“My mother always said education is the key to success. Knowledge is powerful and no one can take it away but it can take you far. She always supported me in my educational goal as she came from a very “Machista” background and women were not allow to get a higher education degrees. She was right! My divorce and division of assets could not take away my college diplomas. I am an independent woman that can take on life’s challenges. I will continue to excel as I recently got admitted to a USC graduate program. Thanks mom!” — Yadi C.

“Life lesson: Believe in the beauty of your dreams! My mother was the first to graduate college in her family and she was a single mother of three children. She sacrificed everything for us and she emphasized the power that education brings. My brothers are both in college and I am completing grad school, a true testament to her work. She suffered a stroke a few years ago and during this time she also lost her job. She did not let that these events deter her, she worked hard to get healthy and is now also in grad school!” — Bethany H.

“Before starting 1st grade at a new school, my mom told me: “Smile at everyone, whoever smiles back – that’s who you will be friends with.” Her advice worked that first day of school and it still serves me today. I find that smiling at everyone not only brightens other people’s day, but it truly puts me in a better mood too. It’s become a motto of mine and has helped me to keep a bright and optimistic perspective growing up. My mother is a wise woman with a beautiful smile, and a big heart.” — Krysten S.

“My mother taught me that anything is possible in life. If you want it you need to earn it and keep it. Life is about making mistakes and moving forward but also striving to be better and feeling that your life is well worth earning and having fun for. Keep doing the best you can and you will succeed!” — Jennifer C.

The most important life lesson my mom has taught me is to “be you”.  She always taught me never to compare myself to others or try to be anyone but myself.  This lesson has helped me so much during my first two years in college, where you are pressured to be someone different.  I have always been true to myself and never letting other influence me because I can always hear my mom’s voice saying “BE YOU!”  I will teach this to my children because why be someone else when you can be yourself? — Katie F.

“My mom taught me a lesson that is not unique but should be within all of us. To always give back. She is someone who puts others before herself. That was her later husband (my dad) when he was sick, helping out older people and still doing what she can for me and my daughter. She is someone who is truly amazing and special in my life and others that she meets.” — Stephanie P.

Thank you to everyone who submitted an entry. We will be contacting all winners via email and will send you your prize. From all us here at Glen Ivy, we wish all of you a memorable, meaningful and enjoyable Mother’s Day weekend.