CHILDREN OF OUR FALLEN HEROES HONOR THEIR MOMS

The children of NYC first responders, killed in the line of duty, tell us about their other hero… their Moms. The New York Police & Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund wishes all the mothers out there a Happy Mother’s Day. Thank you for all you do!

Rebecca's Thoughts About Her Mom, Marie

buzzfeed.com

My mom shows me, my sister and my brother how to stay strong. I was only 18 months when my daddy died suddenly on 911, we were all hurt and confused as to why this happened to us. None of us were okay at that moment: she lost the love of her life and she had to explain to us why daddy isn’t coming home. She stayed strong for herself and us, continued to raise us as if my dad was still here, with his values and morals and keeping his dreams alive in us. I know she sacrificed a lot, but she never showed her weak side to us. She gives advice when we need it, comforts us when we are down, makes us laugh when we are sad. I am so thankful and blessed with a beautiful, smart, and amazing mom.

Casey's Thoughts About Her Mom, Colleen

My mom is amazing because she raised me and my siblings all on her own and has done an amazing job. She always puts us first. She is always there when I need her and is truly my best friend. She has had a hard job raising us on her own but she has made it look easy. I love and appreciate her more than she will ever know. She is strong, beautiful, and caring.

Mary Ellen's Thoughts About Her Mom, Catherine

buzzfeed.com

Mom was left a New York City Fire widow at the age of 29. In 1955, she and Dad had just celebrated their 4th wedding anniversary, my brother would turn 3 in November and I would be born 3 weeks after my Dad, George, was killed on 10/5/55. My mom has never asked for anything for herself and she devoted her life to my brothers and me and our families. I would truly have had nothing in my life if I did not have the wonderful mother I was blessed with. My mother has loved unconditionally and never faltered. Many people have told me my mother had given them strength when they had faced life's difficulties and losses, because of the way she lived her life and carried herself after my father’s death. Mom’s faith, family, and friends sustained her. After a lifetime of giving, Mom at age 88, has started to slow down, yet when I ask her what she is thinking about she says, “Happy thoughts!”

Chris's Thoughts About His Mom, Linda

buzzfeed.com

She is so amazing, because she is able to take my brothers and me to all our sport practices and still make us three meals a day. She is also very special, because she loves all of us so much (even when we get on her nerves.) She supports us in everything that we do and encourages us to help others and try new things. She is intelligent, kindhearted, and beautiful.

Alexa's Thoughts About Her Mom, Dena

buzzfeed.com

My mom was pregnant with me when my dad was killed on September 11, 2001 and gave up her career to take care of me and raise me as a single mom. She has always been there for me and does everything for me. I know taking care of me isn’t easy, but she never complains and loves me more than anything. She is the strongest person I know and has overcome so many things and she never gives up. I am lucky to have her as my mom.

Eileen's Thoughts About Her Mom, Margaret

buzzfeed.com

My dad was killed on duty and she was left with 3 teens, 15, 16, and 17. She didn’t skip a beat trying to protect and provide for us. She is so strong and even with her medical issues, she forges on. She is strong, loving, and a leader.

Jami's Thoughts About Her Mom, Pamela

buzzfeed.com

My mom is not only an amazing mother, she is an amazing person and friend. There is nothing that my mom wouldn’t do for anyone. Her kindness and generosity speak volumes about her. She is one of the strongest women I have ever known. She is beautiful inside and out. My mom was able to take over the role of being both parents for 3 boys and a girl at such young ages. I truly believe that she was put here on earth because of her strength and being able to handle the cards she was dealt. I am beyond proud to be her daughter!

Francesca's Thoughts About Her Mom, Margaret

My mom always exhibits strength no matter what situation we are facing. My mom is so special, because she not only had to be my mom, she also had to be my dad, which wasn’t easy, but she did it. I don’t know what I would do without her, she’s one of my best friends. She is loving, strong, and caring.

Elizabeth's Thoughts About Her Mother-In-Law, Jean

buzzfeed.com

My mother-in-law passed, but if anyone was special it was her. When my husband died in the line of duty, he was only 28 and I was 23. For a mother to lose her son at such a young age is a horrible tragedy. She, in all her grief, found it important to help me through this tragedy. She nurtured me through my grieving and was very positive and optimistic leaving her pain behind and giving me the strength I needed to move on. She is my hero, because I would have never gone on in this life without her selfless and loving comfort. I know she is in heaven where she belongs.

Victoria's Thoughts About Her Mom, Marie

buzzfeed.com

In the face of tremendous adversity, my mom has remained every bit as lovely and caring as she’s ever been. If raising 3 children during the toughest time in our lives wasn’t enough, she just earned her PhD. She is now Dr. Mom. She is exceptional. Through the darkest times in our lives she gave us hope, and a strong foundation to build our lives.

Rob's Thoughts About His Mom, Joan

buzzfeed.com

My Mom is my hero, because she is the strongest person I know. From all the hardships we have faced as a family, she’s been the rock. She is the Greatest Mother on Earth.

Frankie's Thoughts About Her Mom, Theresa

buzzfeed.com

She has 4 amazing, beautiful children that she raised all by herself. She sacrificed a lot of her time for us. She has 4 daughters with 4 different interests and she never let us miss a practice, game, or rehearsal. My mom is my hero because she lets me follow my dreams and she did everything in her power to give me the same opportunities as everyone else.

ANSWER THE CALL

The New York Police & Fire Widows' & Children's Benefit Fund is a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance and a network of support to the families of NYC first responders killed in the line of duty. When these brave men and women make the ultimate sacrifice to protect our city, we believe it is our duty to step up and help the families they have left behind. To learn more about our work or to make a donation to support these inspiring families, please visit our website: www.answerthecall.org