Meet our 2010 Spa Mom Contest Winner:
Sally McFetridge

The Deserving Mother's Story
Written by nominee, daughter Andria McFetridge

Mom sacrificed everything to ensure I had a better life filled with opportunities by providing a well-rounded education, filled with educational experiences that were more memorable and beneficial than rote memorization from a school textbook.

Dad was a steel worker and Mom stayed home to raise me and my brother. However, Mom made sure there was always money to further my education, and to this day I do not know how she managed since my dad did not believe in “debt” and credit cards. They purchased everything with cash. They did not have new clothing for years, drove old, used cars, and made meals from scratch with cheap ingredients.

As she counted pennies, she enrolled me in a weekend art school when she and my teachers recognized my artistic talent; she enrolled me in private music lessons when she saw my musical ability blossom; she bought me a semi-professional flute after I had attended the District Band festival as one of very few freshmen; she enrolled me in modeling and finishing school when she saw that I was photogenic and had poise.

She took advantage of every free educational opportunity, such as community workshops, museum tours, and factory tours. We toured many historic battlefields and drove to various areas of the country to experience different cultures and lifestyles.

As a result, I am a well-rounded, strong, independent woman with a love for learning, an appreciation for culture and the arts, and a desire for community involvement.

She encourages me to strive for seemingly impossible goals. She is the first person I seek to share happiness and success, and she is the first person to offer me a shoulder to cry on during trying times. She is my best friend, and I love her for her selfless generosity and love.