Honoring Amazing Moms

We invited our readers to nominate someone they know to be honored as an Amazing Mom. We had so many great entries – it was a pleasure and an inspiration to read all the stories shared by so many of you. In fact, there were so many wonderful entries that we chose five finalists in addition to our winner.

Winner: Patricia Pineda, nominated by her daughter, Dayann Pineda

Photo by Makenzie Howard Photography

Patricia Pineda, aka my mother, is the most amazing mother and person in the world. I look up to her so much; she is a great role model, parent, daughter and friend. My mom has a big heart for serving her community, and has taught my sister and me that kindness is key! My mom is a U.S. Navy disabled veteran, and just graduated with her bachelor’s degree last August, showing us that there is always an opportunity to advance your education and knowledge even as an adult.

As a single parent, my mom literally gives everything she has to support us and is the strongest person I know; no matter what we have been through or go through, she trusts in God and always pushes forward! She is a great mentor to others, and my absolute best friend and twin!

Nancy Moore, who writes our Green Country Grown-up column, interviewed Patricia for our May issue. Read that interview here.

Amazing Moms Finalists

Jeannette Baird. I’m nominating myself.

I work hard in and out of the home. As moms, we’re not supposed to brag, but I’m here to say that I give my three children the world and sacrifice my own sleep, hygiene, sanity, wants and needs in order to make sure they have the best childhood.

I grew up in a dysfunctional, single-mom household. My sisters and I had to mature a lot quicker than most. We were exposed to plenty of adult situations, and we experienced significant trauma throughout our childhoods. I made a decision as a teenager that I would not be a statistic. I would not be a teen mom, a dropout, or any of those negative labels that go along with being raised with adverse childhood experiences. I knew that I wanted better for my children, and the day I heard my daughter’s heartbeat, I knew I could never expose her to the kind of childhood I had.

Even when my daughter’s father and I divorced, I stood by my promise to keep her father involved in her life, to make sure she had the opportunity to have a relationship with her father, which is something that I didn’t have as a child. I didn’t let a divorce – or any of the other bad life experiences – make me into an unavailable mother. I’ve made my mental health a priority so that I can care for my children as my best self. My kids get to be kids, and I think that they have a pretty great life. I am remarried, I have another daughter and a bonus son. I always say that I’m raising my children to be healthy adults. I was determined to break the cycle, and I believe I have.

Jessica Moore, nominated by her husband Jeffrey Moore

My wife, Jessica Moore, is the loving mother of our two children. Our son, Noah, was born with PFFD, a rare condition that causes one of his leg to be shorter than the other. Noah is a patient at Shriners Hospital for Children in St. Louis, and since birth, has undergone 12 surgeries in an effort to lengthen his femur bone and reconstruct his hip.

In the midst of her busy schedule, Jessica manages to fit in multiple trips to St. Louis every year for Noah’s medical care and ensures that his weekly physical therapy appointments are never missed. Her dedication and resilience are nothing short of remarkable. I’m constantly in awe of her ability to handle everything with such grace. Jessica truly is an amazing wife and mother, and I’m endlessly grateful for all she does for our family.

Sara Framel, nominated by her husband

My wife, Sara Framel, is the most amazing mother I have ever known. She gives herself tirelessly to her family, her work and our community. In 2012, she became a bonus mom to my two children, Hope (now 18) and Zach (almost 16). She stepped into this role with her whole heart and has been the most amazing mom to my/our kids for nearly 14 years.

In 2017, Sara and I welcomed our son, Jack (now 6). Jack was born at 27 weeks and spent three months in the Saint Francis NICU. My wife did not skip a beat. Despite the incredible trauma and stress that we experienced during that time, she continued to take care of her family at home, take care of Jack in the NICU, and remain committed to her work – which has always been so important to her.

In addition to her being the most incredible mother to our three children, she has committed her adult life to helping others. She has spent her career working in Tulsa non-profits, working primarily with young people experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, substance abuse challenges, etc. After 11 years, in 2020 she transitioned to become President & CEO of Youth At Heart. Additionally, she gives her time as a Safe Place volunteer and sits on various committees and workgroups at other organizations to make sure that she is supporting the community the best she can.

She continues to show up for her children both at home and her children at work. She is just the absolute best, and we love her so much.

Angel Smith, nominated by Tamisha George

Angel Smith is the adopted mother of five children, all of which are siblings with a high trauma background. Angel and her husband now provide a safe, fun and loving home with structures, routines and consistency. Due to her early childhood education background, Angel is able to navigate triggering situations for her children and provide them with coping and regulating skills.

Her husband, Michael, has had some health scares along with her parents, but through it all, Angel continues to stay strong and positive. She is a light to everyone around her, including her classroom teachers and school family. As an instructional coach, Angel supports early childhood educators in their classrooms to build the foundation for secure and successful students in her community.

Maryann Hon, Esq., nominated by Whitney Webb

Photo by God’s Touch Photography

Maryann Hon has three children who were all adopted by her and her husband. They initially fostered the oldest child and were led on a journey to adopt him and later his two biological twin sisters. She is a district attorney in Creek County, and always puts herself forward to help anyone who needs help of any kind. She is incredibly smart, thoughtful and thorough.

As a mother, she is incredible. A natural. She always puts her children first, along with her wonderful husband, Ben. As a former colleague and now friend, I can say she made me feel like I was a worthy person even in times when I wasn’t sure myself. She has represented victims for many years throughout Tulsa, Wagoner and Creek County. Maryann  is truly a standout mom among her many other titles: wife, friend, attorney.  She works so hard and deserves to be honored.