Happy Mother's Day 2008
Notes from Rebecca Itow's 9th and 10th grade honors English students at Simi Valley High:

My mom is the most amazing woman I have ever known. She inspires me to work hard for my goals and to not let others bring me down. I can always talk to her about anything. She has helped me through the good times and the bad and has never left my side. Even through I might not show it, I will always love my mom. She is one of the most incredible people I have ever known and I'm glad that she is my mom. I'm the luckiest son in the world to have her.

Bryan Reina

My mother is not a superhero. She can't work at light speed, and she can't do six things at once. But, what she can do is amazing. Besides working in a fulltime job, she can come home and still manage to make dinner. And if you need something else done, she'll try to do that, too. Whether it is pointing out the police's favorite hiding spots or getting help on a school project, she knows what she's doing. My mother is always there for me, and I love her very much for that. Thanks Mom, and Happy Mother's Day.

Sarah Carmona

Appreciation. The word seems too benign and insignificant to describe how I feel towards all the love and devotion my mother has shown me throughout the years of my life. My mother is the drive within me that pushes me to be the best I can possibly be. She cares for me even when I am at fault. It is the loving bond we share that keeps me striving to make her proud. I am forever grateful and loving to she who raised me.

Yasmin Sharawy

Michelle Foster can be described by many words: loving, caring, selfless, but most of all mom. Of all of the different positions that she that she holds, mom is her proudest one. She may not be your typical mom who bakes cookies and sew, but she makes up for that in other ways. She will do everything from backpacking and skiing to going to baseball games. She is all that I could want in a mom and more. I couldn't ask for a better mother. Happy Mother's Day Mom.

Michael Foster

The one who has raised me through my childhood and the one who is raising me as I continue to grow is a strong and beautiful woman, my mother. She has taught me everything I know. There's been one person in my life that has always been there for me and who will love me for who I am. My mother is my true best friend. On a daily basis she makes an impact on my life. The fact that my mom loves me and cares for me through thick and thin makes her my hero.

Tessa Niles

Thank you so much for all you have done for me in the past seventeen years. You have always been there for me, Brett and Carlee, through the good times and the bad. I love you and hope you have an awesome, relaxing day. Happy Mothers Day. Love,

Aimee Nelson

My mother is special because of her unconditional love and warmth. It does not matter if I'm clean or dirty, healthy or immensely sick, her hugs are always the same, warm and filled with love. Her hugs have the ability to take away any pain, fill up my life, and rejuvenate my day. My mom guides me through life's journeys whether she is helping me directly or from afar as I grow slowly from a boy to a man. It does not matter how old I get for I am forever her little boy.

David Castro

A mother is the symbol of love, always caring. She always has good intentions with everything she recommends you and is one of the only people you can really trust. She is there to help you when you're sad, smile for you when you succeed, and ready to yell at you when you make a mistake. She is always there to correct you and make you a better person and is always there when you feel as if you are alone. There is a reason why there are so many different names for moms, it's because they are everything.

Yuvraj Brar

My mama is one of the most important people in my life. For over fourteen years she has raised me, cared for me, and looked out for me. She has taught me right from wrong, and has loved me unconditionally. Thank you for always being there for me, Mama. I love you always and forever.

Katie Crilley

My mom has always been there for me through thick and thin, just as I've always been there for her. We very rarely get into fights, unlike the other kids and their moms. She is my idol. She has been through so much over the past year. I admire that. Most people would have just stopped and given up, but she knew there was more to life. I hope that one day I am as strong as her. I lover my mom very much, and hope that I can be at least half of the woman she is.

Kristie Gallagher

I love the laughs we share together. The feeling that I know I can tell you anything. The thought that if I come to you with any problems, you can always make them better in some way. I love your sense of humor; it always makes life a little bit more exciting. I grew up following your examples and I am proud of the person I have become. I am your daughter, and proud of it.

Sarah Saturday

My mom is a necessity to my life. She feeds, clothes, and runs errands for me. She brings me comfort and helps me with my problems. She does everything possible to equip me with skills I will need in the future. She raised me from when I was an infant and taught me right and wrong. She serves me gladly without please or thank you. Moms are unexplainable in their love to their children. I guess it's just an instinct, but she still deserves the thanks and gratitude. So thank you mom for everything. Ethan Pantz

A woman that knows when something is wrong and always cares for others instead of caring for herself can only be classified as a mom. Mothers always know how to take care of a situation and give help when needed. For this Mother's Day I would like to thank my mom for all the help she has given me over the years and thank her for always being there for me when I needed her. She has taught me what is right and wrong and always supports me one-hundred percent of the way with what I do. Thank you Mom and have a happy Mother's Day.

Lucas Dunn

Great, kind, loving mother, comforter, nurturer, caring mother. You were there when I was in need. You cared for me like I was a helpless seed. I can never repay you enough for all you have done. Not even with hugs and kisses and all of our fun. Instead I give you pure love of a mother and son. You will always be my mother, Yes just one. The bond between us will never break as mother and son. None shall ever replace you. For you treat me as special and most passionate. My mother I love most.

Jason Mathiyakom

My mom is the reason I am able to live and explore all the beautiful things in life. I would not be able to live without her delicious meals everyday and her ability to clean my pigsty of a room. One of the memories I have with my mom is the Sunday mornings where we would cook breakfast for the rest of my family members that would still be sleeping. We would cook eggs, French toast, pancakes and many other varieties of food just to see their excited faces in the morning. Takumi Tsukagoshi

My mother was the one who raised me. When she raised me, she showed me the morals of what is wrong and what is right. She taught me about choosing my decisions carefully, and how they can change my future. Furthermore, my mom helped teach sports to me and how to treat others in a game. I am praising my mother because she shaped me to who I am now. Groutam Krish

The things my mother has done for me are amazing. She would help me out with homework, cook, clean and be an overall great person. I thank my mother for what she has done for me, and I hope she will have a great Mother's Day and a wonderful year. Tyler Galbraith

My mom, one of the most caring, loving, and hardworking women ever, is someone that can make you rethink all the negativity in life. She can cook, clean, have fun and go to work all in one day, no matter how tired and frustrated she is. She works with all her strength in whatever she does. Her work ethics are astonishing and unbelievable. My mother Nancy Nguyen, truly is an extraordinary mom that deserves recognition. Happy Mother's Day, Mommy. Tommy Huynh Nguyen

Mom, I know these last couple months have been difficult on us since dad has been working in Arizona and we're only able to see him on the weekends. I don't know how you could be so strong because for me, it's unbearable not having dad home during the week. You sacrificed a countless number of things just in this past year for me. You're now working two jobs just so I can graduate high school in Simi. I just wanted to let you know that I love and appreciate everything you do for me. I love you Mom, you mean the world to me. Your loving daughter,

Breanne Metcalf

My mom, my guidance and my strength. Through all of her sacrifices and her love, I have become a kind and loving person. She has always put my family first, never herself, and I know that she wouldn't have it any other way. Her never ending support has guided me through every situation and her confidence in me has given me confidence in myself. I can trust her with anything and know that she is always there when I need her. I am the person I am today because of my mom and her amazing faith in me. Happy Mother's Day Mom. I love you always and forever, to infinity and beyond, with all my heart and soul.

Jordyn Gallagher

Mommy, I feel like the luckiest daughter in the world to have a mom like you. You're the most important person to me and I appreciate everything you do for Anjali, Anil, and me. You give us everything we have always wanted without having a second thought. Support us in whatever decisions we make and think about nothing but the three of us and the rest of our family. I'm so happy to have been blessed with a mom like you and wish you the very best in life. I love you very much and God bless you.

Anita Kundal

No woman has given me more in life than my mother. Many people tend to take that motherly figure for granted, but once they are gone everyone notices how much we really need a mother. My mom just came back from India after 2 weeks, Being the only woman in the house, I understood what my mom does for us everyday and how much we take advantage of her. I was in her shoes for 2 weeks. Mom, I really appreciate all you do for us. And I just wanted to say that, I love you and Happy Mother's Day.

Jaspreet Saini

People come and go in our lives, my mom however has been with me from the beginning. She has taken every risk in life to give me better then what she has had. We have been separated from each other for months on end, but she managed to be with me every step of the way. If I could send a message to her that I know she would see I would tell her how much she means to me, how grateful I am for raising me to be the person I am today C.J (Rooney) Hofner

All of my life my mother has been there for me through thick and thin. Her inspiring presence and demeanor has put me on the right track since I was born, and I am showing no signs of falling off anytime soon. She always tells me she loves me and to always be strong in times of challenge and controversy. She is always there to comfort me after bad days and will always seem to make it all better, no matter how bad it was. My mother sets an example for everybody around her, and I couldn't be more proud.

Alex Van Brasch

Mom is a person who always takes care of your every want and need. Only one who you always can count on. There for the worst of times and the best of times. Here for your every move, recital and wedding. Echoes her words of wisdom so you will learn them Radiant she is.

Jaimee Greenhalge

My grandmother taught me a huge amount when she was around. Unfortunately she passed about a year ago, but she still lives through her children and grandchildren. She taught me that I can do more than anyone else thinks that I can. She taught me to always talk to people before I yell or scream. She taught me life lessons and was a great friend on top of all of that. I miss her greatly but she lives on through me and my family forever.

Matthew Axworthy

A few days ago I was telling my mother on the phone about this relationship to a former very close friend of mine, and how uncertain I was regarding this issue. My mom gave me the following advice: "do what's best for your soul". Although she knew that it probably was best to leave the guy behind and move on, she did not tell me to do so. She left the decision with me. That is what I love about her. My mom always gave me responsibility for myself, and that is why I am responsible today. I am so thankful, for the trust she put (and puts) in me so that I could grow and experience while being guarded by her.

Katharina Stiruweiss

Somebody I look up to and I love with all my heart will have to be my mother. She is always there for me when I am right or wrong. I can tell her anything and she will keep it between us. She is like a friend at the same time. I also know if I am in danger she will be there to protect me and with out her I can't live. She is like my second half. The love and passion I have for my mother is so strong. She is an independent woman and does not count on anybody and that is why I love her so much

Gregory Edmond

My girlfriends' mom, Cindy Hypes, just recently passed away from cancer. She influences me to be a great dad in the future. She was a single parent taking care of her daughter. I find her a great influence and an amazing mother and person. I do not know what I would do without my mom. I love you mom. R.I.P. Cindy Hypes

Jared Zahorik

This letter goes to my great and always caring mom. She has stuck with me through thick and thin. Most moms could not probably handle all the many problems I have caused. This is what makes my mom the most special person in my life. She was always there for me when I was sick and the many times I have been in the hospital. If only I could repay her. I don't think I could live up to that much of a repayment. I love my mom very much

Nelson Kiblinger

One woman who means the world to me gave me life and gave me strength. She has loved me from the moment I arrived. As I go through teenage years we bicker now and then, but in the end we love each other more. She is the one I look up to for guidance. She is my role model for what I look forward to become. My mother is my favorite person in this world. No one can do a better job than her when it comes to dealing with me. I love you so much mom.

Katie Musgrove

I love my mom and I admire her a lot. She is the most important person for me. She has taken care of me all my life. I know she will always be there for me, to comfort me when I feel sad or when I am depressed. When I am at school or when I go away on a trip, I always think about her. In this world, there is only one mother that I will love always and pray for her, even when we are separated form one another. Victor Roiz

You are my inspiration and my role model. You are always here for me when I need you the most. You always make me smile and you're the only person I trust completely with all of my secrets. You don't laugh at me when I tell you my hopes and dreams. You have made me the young woman I am today. You mean so much to me and I can't explain how much I love you. You are my best friend. I'll love you forever, I'll like you always as long as I'm living my mommy you'll be. Savanna Panetta

My mom is truly one of the greatest, strongest people I know. She is a single parent, has a great job and house, and is very well put together. She treats me and parents me as well as she possibly can. I am so thankful I have her as a mother. She is my idol and role model, and I want to be just like her when I grow up. Kim Kliretich

My mother is not only my mother but also my best friend. She is dedicated to my life and always wants the best for me. There is seriously no mom like her. She is one of a kind and no one can compare to her or take her place. We have our rough times and those will always come and go. But as my mother she will stay forever.

Pauline Ohannessian

There is one woman who stands out most to me, and that would be my mother. My mother has not only raised me, but stuck by me through all of the mistakes I've made. Sure, moms are supposed to stay by you as you grow up, but mine really cared and helped me through every problem. She's the only mother I have and the only one I need. Happy Mother's Day, Mom. Thank you for everything you taught me. I've learned so much. I love you. Kristy Alexander

I was separated from you during the beginning of my teenage years, but now I'm with you again. Although I may not tell you, I appreciate everything you have done for me. I know you've done so much to help me succeed. Thank you mom.

Claire Stachelradt

The woman that has inspired me, to be all that I can be, is my wonderful mother, who is like no other, she has always been there for me, and helped me to see all the positive things in all human beings. She is patient and kind, and always keeps an open mind. She has been there with an open ear, and is always willing to hear anything I have to say, no matter the day. I appreciate you more than you'll ever know and I would just like to show that you have changed me into the woman that I want to be.

Amanda Filippelli

My mother is the strongest woman I know. Although we have had some hard times in our past, I adore her dearly. The way she respects me and does not judge me, the way she shows me she loves me and cares for me. I do not know what I'd do without her. We have a very unique relationship. At times we act more like sisters than we do mother and daughter. I respect that. I actually really like it. My mother has been through so much and I admire the fact that she kept her head up. That makes me an even stronger person. I absolutely love my mother unconditionally.

Irene Leon

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there, and my mom especially. My mom is one of the most intelligent people. She knows what to say when I am having a bad day. She works long hours, but I know that she is doing it because she wants to raise money to support our family. She tells me what to prepare for in the future because life can throw anything at you unexpectedly. She taught me how to act so that people will respect me. In return, I hope you have the best mother's day.

Allyssa Munoz

My mother has been and is still working hard. She supports her mother who happens to be living in a poor country and myself as well. Her intentions are unselfish. She feels that I am lucky to be living in an area where I have what I need and do not have to suffer as she has. Right now I am truly proud because she currently going to a local community college, trying to master the English language, losing sleep studying, and trying her best. We have a very close relationship. I am happy to say my mom is one of a kind and I love her.

Diana Munoz

Dear Mom, I just want to thank you for everything you have done for me. Words cannot even explain how much I love you. You work so hard to make Zach, Dadda, and me happy. Even though sometimes I get on your nerves and act very forgetful. I hope you know I will never forget what you have given me. You have fulfilled many of my dreams and given me much joy. I will always be there for you mom. Happy Mother's Day. With lots of love,

Josh Abraham

Sometimes I say things that I don't really mean. I want to take this opportunity to apologize, and right the wrongs. You raised me into a smart 15 year old that is fun to be around. I guess I got some good genes. I cannot imagine that anything in the world deserves more recognition than raising a child, and doing it well. There is no way that I could thank you enough, even though I do not show it all the time I love you. Zachary Kessler