Tag Archives: mother

As I sit at my kitchen counter collecting my thoughts, I try to focus on positive things to distract myself from worries. But the heaviness in my chest and the hollowness in my gut overwhelm me. I want my son home—in Milwaukee with his wife and dog. This is his last deployment (at least this is what we are led to believe). I tire of self-challenges, immersing myself in new exercise routines or keeping busy to prevent myself from getting too anxious about my son’s deployments. Most days I do really well, but today is different; today I feel like …

WRITTEN BY HEATHER ROTHBAUER-WANISH Edie McDonald is a busy woman. As co-owner of McDonald Company, she manages Goldsmith Coffee Bar and Five Star Catering, using both to give students hands-on business experience. She is also a wife and a mother. In all of her endeavors, Edie understands the importance of a strong value system. And she juggles her multiple responsibilities maintaining focus on her family and her faith. Faith Edie’s grandparents played formative roles in making faith an important part of her life from a young age. “When I was young, I looked forward to going to church in the …

WRITTEN BY HEATHER ROTHBAUER-WANISH The past year has been challenging, exciting, and full of changes for Meghan Kulig. With a new baby, a career transition, and a positive outlook on life, Meghan is excited to see what the future holds for her and her family. And, as with many women in the Chippewa Valley, she is busy balancing the five Fs: faith, family, friends, fitness, and finance. Faith After more than eight years as a news anchor and reporter for WEAU 13 News in Eau Claire, Meghan now works for Regis Catholic Schools as the Communications Director. She describes, “Because …

WRITTEN BY HEATHER ROTHBAUER-WANISH For Sylvia Hedberg-Thomas, each day is a new day of opportunity, hope, and desire to build a better future. In addition to assisting her husband, Jeff (who is blind), Sylvia works at the Eau Claire YMCA, is a mother to two daughters, and is a three-time cancer survivor. Through resolute faith, family dedication, and a focus on tomorrow, Sylvia is moving forward with an optimistic outlook that defies the odds. Faith Faith defines Sylvia’s life. She professes, “Without Jesus, I feel like I would have nothing. My faith is the most important thing in the world …

WRITTEN BY HEATHER ROTHBAUER-WANISH Jane Cooper is a woman on a mission to lead a happy, whole, and satisfying life. In addition to caring for her special needs son, she takes time for family, tries to find time to center herself, and works diligently to focus on the positive aspects of everyday living. Through both challenging and fulfilling times, Cooper knows that it is important to take a moment and appreciate everything the world has to offer. Faith “It is not that faith has shaped my life. It is that life has shaped my faith,” says Jane. Her faith is …

Nominated by Anneliese Fish (fan, baby sister, cookie dough) I once read a quote, “In the cookies of life, sisters are the chocolate chips.” How true this statement is! I love my sisters as much as I love my children, as much as I love red wine, as much as I love chocolate cake, all the things which I cannot live without. In all seriousness, I look up to my sisters more than anyone else in this world. They are both smart and beautiful, levelheaded and compassionate. They have helped guide me through life, and I know they will be …

Nominated by Teresa Jolivette I would like to nominate my friend and coworker, Tracey, for The Courage is Contagious Award. Tracey is a beautiful, busy mother of two girls, ages 10 and 7, and wife of Tim. She is an RN, a PTO leader-extraordinaire at a local elementary school, and an active member of her church. Tracey is also a cancer survivor. She was diagnosed one year ago with breast cancer. She has undergone treatment for the last year, including multiple surgeries, chemo, and radiation. She has been an example of strength, courage, and grace through it all. Tracey is …