New Haven Register Mothers Day contest What is the most important lesson your mother taught you?

First place: LaShante James, New Haven

Winner, $250 gift certificate, Joiya Day Spa, Hamden
Unfortunately, the most valuable lessons in life are learned through painful or challenging experiences. My mother, Pamela Monk Kelley has taught me a lesson of strength, survival and success. In spite of becoming a mother at the age of 16 (she would go onto marrying her high school sweetheart) and losing her only son in October 2009, she has earned a Bachelors degree, a Masters degree, two Sixth year degrees and was featured in People Magazine, June 2011 for her research on the infamous Monk Family. At times, a sudden loss is the most painful. My brother was a doting son, who showered his mother with love and affection. On the day after her wedding anniversary, she would find out that he was involved in a car accident. After four days of being in a coma, my brother died on October 29, 2009 at the age of 25. My mother did experience a low period, but she did not stay there. To honor my brothers memory, she enrolled in a graduate program to pursue her certificate in Administration, and authored a book, All Roads Lead to Newton Grove, a history of the Monk Family; which landed her an article in People Magazine. Her motivation was making him proud of her. Because of her strength, survival and success, I have been able to mirror her outstanding achievements in my own life. I am a mother, wife and an award winning teacher in the city of New Haven. My mother has taught me how to take the unexpected hurdles in life and to use them as propellers to greatness!