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No matter what stage in life you are in, you will always need your mom.
At least, this is how Daniel Brooker feels about his mom, Kathy, and that is because of how much he loves and appreciates her. Kathy has spent so much of her life being there for others and teaching her four children to do the same, and they know they are all better off because of this.
“Mom is just a very, very giving person,” Daniel said. “She really goes above and beyond to be there for other people; to help other people to do things. She’s always there no matter what time I call. She just always puts everyone before herself.”
Even in his late 20s, Daniel admits he still calls up his mom, and that is because he will never not need her. She has taught him the invaluable lessons of having a strong work ethic, remaining positive regardless of your circumstances, and being reliable and selfless.
She has also taught Daniel and his siblings what it means to be in a truly loving marriage. Kathy loves her husband Shawn so much, and Daniel knows his father loves her just as much. She has been there for him every step of the way, and her love has never faltered.
“She and my dad have been married for over 30 years now,” Daniel said. “They are there for each other. She is always supporting my dad. They have been raising me and my siblings. They have given so much of themselves.”
Not only have they sacrificed so much for each other, but they have sacrificed so much for their children. And yet, no matter what, Shawn and Kathy can always be seen hand-in-hand.
Kathy’s love for her family has helped create so many wonderful memories along the way as well. There was the Tebowing at Hersheypark, the A/C crank-up before Daniel’s first middle school dance, the Virginia Tech award ceremony and many more.
“We like to go tailgating at football games as a family,” Daniel said. “I remember we would travel in a van all over the country. Those were good memories. We’ll go to Busch Gardens as a family too. We also enjoyed watching each other play sports and watching movies.”
The important thing is, all these moments were spent together. That is what Kathy has always harped upon… spending time as a family.
She also tends to bring out the best in everyone, and that is because she is an amazing person in her own right. Kathy has a wonderful personality and a top-notch character, and it is no wonder that her family loves her and appreciates her as much as they do.
“My mom has always pushed me to the best version of myself,” Daniel said. “Even if that meant showing some tough love when I needed it.”
At the end of the day, Kathy is always going to do what is best for her family, and if that means she is a little blunt in her ways, it is what they need to hear.
She should be proud of the amazing job she has done as a mother, and her kids are grateful to call her Mom. They look up to her and still rely upon her, and they are appreciative beyond belief of Kathy.
“I love her so much and appreciate everything she’s done for me.” – Daniel
