"The best mothers in the world," Janet Althaus

Dear Youngest son of Dorothy Jean Snyder,

I think this is the best idea I have heard in a long time.

Dorothy had so many sayings besides "ask me if I care".

One of her favorite things to say, as we drove over the word DIP on the road, was, "Dorothy is Pretty".

"I'm going to beat the socks off you"
"Do it with love"
"Are you sure? Then do it"
"You and I are the best Mothers in the world"

What Dorothy brought to me, was more than words. I was a lonely person. She gave me friendship and love as if I were family.
She told me I was the greatest Mother in the world, because I loved my kids. She told me I could do anything and then helped me as I tried.

I miss her everyday. Whenever my boys and I gather together, someone always brings her up, and we all smile.

I love you Nick.

"Hugs in heaven," Anna-Mariah Brainard

Hi Nicky!

This is Anna-Mariah. I am inspired by your project.

I, of course hardly remember your mom I think I was 10 when she passed.

I remember her strong kind spirit though. I remember when my dad passed the both of you came over to my house to visit with me because my mom was at work, I remember eating ice cream. Can't remember if you brought it to me or if we went & got it together. But I do remember, feeling her concern & love for me. It was so nice to have another mother figure looking after me.

From a very young age I was taught that this life isn't the end for us. I've known since I was very young that we can live together in the here after I held onto that knowledge throughout my life because I was 7 when my dad passed, I knew then & know now that I have the opportunity to see him again.

Before Dorothy passed I remember my mom trying to explain to me that she was sick & that we were going to go over to her house to say good-bye. I wanted so badly to ask Dorothy to say hello to my dad for me. I wanted her to give him a hug for me. I knew she was going to see him. I didn't have the courage to ask her. I was so nervous to go to the house. Because as a child you really don't now what to expect. You don't know how to act. I remember walking into the house, saw the hospital bed in the dining room & I remember how she looked. I remember seeing someone who wasn't scared. I remember seeing someone brave & strong. When I walked to her bedside I didn't feel scared. I wanted to speak, but couldn't. I think she held my hand. She immediately said to me: "Do you want me to say hello to your dad?" I nodded my head yes. She looked right into me & said: "I'll give him a big hug for you, okay?" I was so relieved, & I was so happy. I went out to the backyard & played for the remainder of our visit. I felt good knowing that my dad would have a good friend like Dorothy to be with him.

I honestly don't remember much. Hardly remember the details. I can recall the presence she had though. She was a good woman I know that.

My Mom & Patti have always spoken so kindly of her. I have grown to learn that whenever I see a DIP sign I know that it means:

DOROTHY IS PRETTY.

Thank you for doing this Nick. Maybe, I'll have to follow your lead & do the same kind of thing for my dad. It's sad to realize how quickly we forget. I hope you & your family are well. I think of you guys often. I'm looking forward to read other peoples stories of her. I know there will be some good ones! Do you have a facebook?! If not, you need one!

With lots of love, Anna

"Three facts," La Wana

1) Dorothy did not like to be called Dot.

2) You would always know where you stood with Dorothy, she always told you the truth wheather you wanted to hear it or not.

3) Dorothy was the baby of the family and was spoiled growing up.

La Wana Marrs