Mike's mother, Carmen

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Raising five children, my mom was notorious for pulling the proverbial "all-nighter." Only hers involved packing lunches, ironing uniforms and playing Santa, the Easter Bunny or many other illusive childhood gift givers. As an active son, I had loads of extracurricular activities that required more commitment from my mom than myself. On this Mother's Day, I'd like to thank her for her enthusiasm and dedication to my life, as well as my three sisters and brother. My mother's untiring efforts made us strive to find that one thing that would make us happy in life. In the end, our happiness was closer than we all imagined—it was being with her.

Mike Perrone; Chicago, Illinois