Walmart is searching for Mom of the Year

I am sure there are many mom's that come across your mind when you think of Mom of the Year. There are so many wonderful moms out there but in my life there is one mom that comes to mind when I think Mom of the Year.

Marianne holding her baby boy.

I have been beyond blessed to know Marianne personally for about 10 years now. Marianne has had a lot of heartache trying to conceive children. But no matter how hard it has been for her she is always excited for anyone she knows that was expecting even though I know her heart probably aches.

Marianne and her husband were Youth Leaders at our local church and all of the youth loved them. Their love for people and children was evident in everything that they did. They poured their heart and soul into the youth making a difference in the lives of the teenagers.

Eight years ago we embarked our on adoption journey and she was so happy for us. Holding my hand along the way at times as we dealt with courts and lawyers. As happy as she was for me I could feel her pain. Her desire to have children was evident and I knew she would be an awesome mother.

In 2005 they were given the opportunity to adopt a little boy. As excited as she was, she remained cautious until it was finalized. I remember the call I received from her telling me that baby was on the way and she was rushing to the hospital.  When you adopt a child it is never a 1 day process it often takes months and sometimes years. Throughout it all Marianne remained faithful in caring for this baby boy and I remember getting the call from her to tell me that it was finalized. She was so excited and we shared many tears of joy that day.


The adoption journey continued for Marianne and her family when in 2006  they began the process of foster to adopt a sibling pair, two brothers. The two brothers are fine young men if I do say so myself and I credit that to Marianne and her husband for being wonderful examples. Their journey didn't stop there over the last 6 years Marianne has had 9 children in her care all under the Foster to Adopt program. When you go into her home she has a frame of pictures on the wall with all the children that have been in her care over the last 6 years along with their names. Not only have all these children come into her care but they have also taken up a place in her heart. She often talks of the children with fond memories. When a new child comes into Marianne's care she loves them unconditionally with her whole heart. When the court order comes for the children to be returned her heart aches for them. It takes a very special person and family to continue on the Foster to Adopt journey after having many children returned to their parents or to kinship homes.

I am in complete awe of Marianne and how she makes it seem so effortless ... caring for children who have been through so much for weeks, months and even years only to have to return them. She continues to do this day after day and month after month for the last 6 years. Welcoming children into her home and loving them not knowing how long they will be with her. As a mother myself and knowing the love that I have for my children both by birth and adoption, I know I couldn't just return them after any length of time. My heart would just break. But Marianne and her family continue on this journey they are on, being blessed daily by the children that touch their lives. And blessing others like myself by showing us the true meaning of unconditional love and how to not just show it but live it on a daily basis.

Marianne, I want to thank you so much for the work you do advocating adoption, blessing children and everyone that you come in contact with your smile and positive outlook on life. But most of all thank you for blessing me with so many years of friendship. I am beyond grateful and blessed to be your friend.

So my MOM OF THE YEAR nominee is Marianne Miller.

Disclosure: I’m part of the Walmart program by Mom Central. I received compensation as a thank you for my participation. The opinions on this blog are my own. Mom of the Year Award: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY Internet access and valid email account required. Nominations open May 10, 2012 to July 8, 2012 for legal residents of Canada over the age of majority. Entrants cannot nominate themselves. One (1) grand prize available to be won consisting of $10,000 cash, a $100,000 donation by Wal-mart Canada Corp. to charity/cause and a trip to Toronto (ARV $22,000). Seven (7) runner-up prizes available to be won consisting of $10,000 cash, a $10,000 donation to charity/cause and a trip to Toronto (ARV $22,000). Charity/cause subject to verification and final approval by Wal-mart Canada Corp., at its sole discretion. Odds of winning depend on how the judging panel evaluates each entry according to the criteria. For Official Contest Rules and to nominate an entrant, visit [www.momoftheyear.ca].