Congratulations to our Mother of the Year winner!

We recently asked the families of our residents to send in a letter/note/email explaining why they would choose their mother (who is in our care) as “Mother of the Year”. We received some of the most thoughtful letters you can imagine. Every note was shared with the mother it was for on Mother’s Day as we celebrated in this time of social distancing. While there is no replacement for seeing mom (or dad) in person, these letters were an incredible bright spot.

While it was a difficult choice, we chose one to give the “Mother of the Year” award to:

Our “Mother of the Year” Winner Mrs. Joyce Mooneyham 

Here is what her son said:

My mother, Joyce Mooneyham, is such a wonderful and beautiful person. Growing up as a child, I along with my two sisters, were always in good hands, hers. If any of us needed anything she made it happen. My mother worked full time at the Bank of Herrin, provided for her family of 3 kids and took care of my dad, Robert Mooneyham, who had a difficult work schedule and was gone a lot because of his jobs in the coal mining business. My mother was the foundation that kept our family together. She was the rock that my dad and my sisters learned to lean on throughout our lives. My mom ran the household, cooked the meals for her family everyday and got us to the places we all needed to be while working full time. I never heard her complain, not even one time. She taught us to be respectful, to be responsible and loving people. It was easy for her because those traits define her as a person. I was very active in all sports my entire childhood and she made sure I never missed a practice or a game not to mention she never missed any games that I played in. I always tried to please her and make her proud of me. As I grew older, finished school and started my working career, nothing changed. She was always there if I needed her and I always knew that. I am now retired, wondering where the years have gone but I never wondered where my mother had gone. She was always right beside me. Joyce Mooneyham is a vibrant, energetic and compassionate person that has lead a full life. I have nothing but great admiration and respect for her because of what she has done for me and everyone else in my life. Yes, I am a “mommy’s boy” and proud of it.  That is the least I can be!

Mike Mooneyham: Proud Son of Joyce Mooneyham