These Mothers are Grand

Older Caregivers Honored at Luncheon Yesterday

Rosalind Woodridge looks after three young people, ages 16, 18 and 20. Woodridge faces many of the same challenges that other caregivers face -- and then some. The children are not hers but her daughter’s. “Well it’s hard, because it takes a lot out of you and you have to take care of them. Not that we don’t love our grandchildren, but it’s harder when you’re older.” “It’s very stressful, it’s very hard work,” said Maria Martinez, another grandmother raising her child’s child, a 21-year-old man with disabilities. “Even though he’s a beautiful boy, he has some medical problems....everything is struggling, a struggle.” Martinez, Woodridge and dozens of other women were the guests of honor yesterday at a Mother’s Day luncheon held at the …

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My Mom: Forever Gorgeous, Forever Young

Robin Woods writes about a bittersweet Mother's Day

Mother's Day is bittersweet for me, as I haven't had my Mom with me since I was very young. Every day brings back memories which make me smile. I wonder how she would have liked the adult that I've become, as I continually strive to be the "firecracker" that she once was. A wee bit of a woman, less than 5 feet tall, Marilyn Sidman Ehrlichman was a force with which to be reckoned. Her flaming red hair let you know that she was fiery and fearless, with a very short fuse which I share with her. Mom was a consummate yenta, community activist, fashion plate,perfect mother and friend. I was her Cinderella, her princess—the firstborn of all girls in our family. She set her sights high on me, and I think I've delivered so far. Time has a way of …

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Mom's Memories Fading, But Never Her Love

Patch looking for your Mother's Day memories, stories, recipes and photos.

Essex County Associate Regional Editor Jack Durschlag has always had a close relationship with his mother. This year, more than any previous year, he recognizes the importance of sharing this with Patch readers. Every great moment in my life, my mother has always been there to stand behind and support me.  While growing up, she was the one who attended every holiday choir concert, listening to the same songs year after year at my elementary, middle and high school. She was the one who made sure I was there on time and had a clean shirt and the right pants and tie. When it came time for my bar mitzvah, she was the one who agreed to let me wear that pink shirt and bowtie when everyone else told me not to.  When I wanted to go to a far off …

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Tell Us About Your Mom

Would you like to share a story about your mom for Mother's Day? Email Patch!

Patch Regional Editor for Essex County Elizabeth Moore shares a story below about her mom in honor of Mother's Day. Please share your mother's story — and pictures — with Patch by emailing Livingston Patch local editor Scott Egelberg at scott.egelberg@patch.com. You wouldn't know it now, but my retired high school teacher mom started out as a skinny kid in El Paso, Texas who learned English when she was in elementary school. She was the first kid in her family to finish high school and go to college. She set a great example for her four daughters by being active in the community. My mom not only was our local PTA President, she also coached softball and attended college part-time, graduating when I was in sixth-grade, then went on to …

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Mom's Crayon

How Much is a Mother Worth?

The average pay for a stay-at-home mother's job in Livingston is $135,632!

Most stay-at-home moms are awesome. The ones I admire show more resourcefulness, are more organized, and have more patience than any executive I’ve ever known.  In their former lives they were lawyers, accountants, teachers, computer programmers, nurses, personnel managers, corporate trainers, and in my case, a marketing manager.  We readily gave up our careers in the belief that staying at home with our kids is an investment in their lives as well as precious time for us.  Our children are only going to be little once: we don’t want to miss that.  We’ve given up the benefits of a salary and the status that goes with it, because people in our society who do not make money have virtually NO status, to remain at home raising our children. …

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Mother of All Deals

Inexpensive Mother's Day Gift Ideas

If you're still searching for perfect gift, we found great deals on ways to spoil Mom.

Mother's Day doesn't have to break the bank.  You can spoil Mom and still keep some money in your pocket.  First, send Mom out on Thursday for a fun night of make-overs, fashion and entertainment at the Livingston Mall.  Then pick up a free card, or 2 or 3 at Stop & Shop. And, you will still be able to splurge on lunch at TGI Fridays with their new coupon.  She'll love you! Make sure to check out all the great deals this week for mom, the kids and even a comic book junkie. If you found a deal, let us know. We'd love to hear your great find. Leave a comment below and then come back each week to see a new crop of great deals. Remember to check with the merchant for additional conditions: Here is an awesome deal going on right now at Stop & …

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What to Get Mom For Mother's Day?

Livingston mom knows what she'd like to receive on Sunday.

As a mother of three children, I could argue that everyday is Mother's Day.  But I will take the official day of homage and celebrate proudly.    Mother's Day is the one day that I can hang up the various hats I wear daily — as cook, chauffer, social secretary, maid, fashion stylist, tutor, beautician and event planner — and just  relax.  I can't wait until Sunday, when I will be doted on. Then, I will graciously accept the heavily pasted and over-glittered homemade card from my 6-year old, the almost dead African-Violet plant procured by my 10-year old from her school's Mother's Day plant sale and the "I'm so going to borrow this" bracelet from my 15 year old, which fittingly has all her favorite colors.  My personal favorite gift, though…

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