#215 of 365~A Sweet Nomination

Recently a friend of ours nominated me for a "New Mommy" contest.  It was an opportunity to win all this baby stuff at an upcoming "Baby Expo."  I didn't win, however I could have cared less about the stuff as her words of kindness overwhelmed and warmed my heart-the biggest prize of all.  This family has seriously blessed my life by allowing me to have a friendship with their children and the opportunity to be apart of their family life.  See her story here:

"Before she began the journey of motherhood, she mothered our child from Haiti. She dreamed of hugging, playing and educating her own child.  But daily she loved and mothered her students at Brownell.  Every parent could share a Kassie Mayo story that would touch hearts. She loved and cared for  three of my children as a teacher. I am most grateful to this amazing mom-to-be for her relationship with Via;  it began weeks after Via came home from Haiti.

 Via started at BT preschool, age 5, and had only been in America three weeks.  Kassie and husband Nick had been to Haiti on missionary trips;  she was a perfect choice to help Via transition to school.  I could tell a million stories, but one photo, captured on the first day, tells the story and predicts their future relationship.  Via did not want to leave me and she cried as I left the room.  Kassie spent the entire day with a scared, crying child. This photo shows an exhausted Kassie on the floor, cradling a sleeping child.  Kassie gained Via’s trust and love that day. Their relationship continues to this day.  

Kassie and Via have had ‘dates’ and exchanged letters as Via has grown up. Kassie is  a family friend we cherish.

She and  Nick are active in their church and have a faith life that should be an example to all.  They prayed and hoped for a child.  They sacrificed financially.  Kassie has undergone invasive treatments and horrendous side effects.  Their pregnancy is a miracle and a miracle baby arrives in June.  This amazing mom has been mothering many children for ten years.  And all  children and their families are better for having Kassie Mayo in their lives."

One of my favorite photos of us