I would like to extend my wishes for a happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful moms throughout our congressional district and across the country. And, for all those women who play the special role of "Mom" without the official title -- Happy Mother's Day!
I'm especially grateful on this Mother's Day to have my Mom, 
Mary Edwards, as a continuing influence on my life -- a role model and just a terrific person! I've learned so much from my Mom. Like many, I'm not sure I had a deep appreciation for those lessons when I was growing up, but as a Mom and a woman, I'm honored to be her daughter.
This Sunday presents each of us with an opportunity to take pause and to look at the challenges mothers face. As a working mother, I understand the critical challenges we face providing for our families and ensuring a bright future for our children. Like you, there's not a day that passes that I don't wonder, worry, hope, or plan for my son. Whether it is a good education or quality, affordable healthcare, we want only the best for our children, and we strive to make their dreams a reality. As mothers, we take seriously our stewardship of the 
earth for our children and future generations. We know what it means to struggle to feed, clothe, and provide housing for our children and families.
As mothers, we know the importance of pursuing peace and diplomacy for our sons and daughters. On this Mother's Day, I hope you join me in keeping close to our hearts those sons and daughters who serve our country in Iraq and Afghanistan and in other far off places and the thousands whose lives have been lost. I honor their service and the sacrifice of their Mothers and children and families at home.
On this Mother's Day, I also think of the tremendous responsibility we face as a nation for the ongoing hardship of the nearly 5 million Iraqis, most of whom are women and children, who have been displaced by the violence in their country. I want to take time on this Mother's Day to honor so many Iraqi mothers who've suffered loss.
There's so much work to be done and so many reasons to do it. As a Mom, I have at least one reason in my home -- my son. I look forward to doing for you and your children and families as much as I will do for him -- as a Mom and as your representative in Congress.
Happy Mother's Day!
Donna
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 
