Community reporter Megan Hussey would like to dedicate this edition of Show Us Your ‘Sun’shine to her mother Frances Hussey, who supplied the world with a lot of sunshine during her time on earth–along with three devoted daughters who love and miss her more each day.
Motherhood stands as a universal symbol of love and comfort, strength and wisdom. And in this edition of Show Us Your ‘Sun’shine, we honor Mom.
Tulips, report both ProFlowers (https://www.proflowers.com/blog/mothers-day-flower-statistics) and Teleflora (https://www.teleflora.com/mothers-day-flowers?catID=cat210089), rank among the five most popular floral gifts given on Mother’s Day. So in honor of this special day, we present an art submission by Brooksville artist Gary Duquette, a Watercolor Artist and Muralist who graces us with a bouquet of ‘Tulips.’
Duquette has both originals and prints available for sale at www.artbygaryd.com. He is currently accepting commissions; email [email protected] or visit www.artbygaryd.com for more information.
Reader Brittany Bryant offers a bouquet of warm sentiments for mother Ellen Bruce, owner of Ellen’s Cafe on 3rd in Leesburg. Bryant, who works at the restaurant, says that she and her mom are a team that have withstood these tough times together.
“I would be no one without this woman!” said Bryant.
Bryant said that Ellen’s Café has continued to serve the community by providing curbside pick up service that includes free cookies with every order. And as of Monday, May 4, the restaurant reopened to 25 percent capacity.
Bryant is amazed by her mother’s strength and spirit. And this Mother’s Day, she has a special message for her.
“Ellen Rose Bruce;
No matter what obstacles the world puts in front of us, we always overcome them because we are a TEAM!
So much of who I’ve become is tangled up in who you are. I hope that falls like a compliment. It’s meant to be one because I rather like who I am. (Thank you for that, by the way). We’re not one of those mother/daughter pairs in which the end of one is indecipherable from the beginning of the next. No, we too have our distinct differences. I’m thankful for them; they demonstrate a creative God. He used your strengths to inspire me. He used your more vulnerable moments, too. I watched you suffer some of the deepest kind of pain and took from those experiences with a steel resolve that has served me well when I’ve had to call upon it. I wouldn’t be who I am, were it not for the moments I watched and learned from who you are.
I never once second-guessed my place. I have a confidence that comes only from knowing the favor of an Almighty God and the love of my mother and step dad as well.
With that being said,
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY MOMMY.”
Also this Mother’s Day, readers who wish to support mothers and families in need may donate to Dawn Center Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, which provides shelter and services to abused families of Hernando County on a daily basis.
The Dawn Center would like to thank community sponsors of its recent Virtual 5K fund-raising event.
Those who wish to join the community in supporting Dawn Center are encouraged to participate in this week’s ‘Sun’shine Summons; an opportunity for Hernando Sun readers to spread their own sunshine by performing a good deed to benefit a charity mentioned in Show Us Your ‘Sun’shine, then submitting a photograph and/or account of their act of kindness to be featured in the column.
Readers are encouraged to donate essential items such as disinfectant wipes, disinfectant spray, paper towels, toilet paper and any non-perishable food items. To arrange the details of the donation, contact [email protected] or call 352-639-0892 to get more information.
“I love the idea of (people taking) pictures (of donation efforts) because it helps people feel connected when they can’t physically gather,” said Jessica Coughlin, Community Engagement Coordinator for the Dawn Center.
Any readers who choose to answer our ‘Sun’shine Summons by donating to Dawn Center are encouraged to submit a photo and/or account of their good deed, for inclusion in a future edition of Show Us Your ‘Sun’shine. Send these submissions, along with any other good news, to community reporter Megan Hussey at [email protected].
