We all came from somewhere and very likely, there was a woman cheering for us, whether we deserved it or not. To all those mothers and mother-figures who kissed our scraped knees and made us peanut butter and jelly sandwiches the way we liked them; who celebrated our wins and gave us a shoulder to cry on, we thank you. We salute your strength, your infinite hearts and your good advice. (Maybe we didn’t take it, but that’s on us.) You made us who we are today. Grab a tissue and sit back ’cause we’ve got tear-jerkers and warm fuzzies coming your way. Thanks to all the moms, wives, friends, aunts, teachers and more who’ve played a role in shaping our lives! Happy Mother’s Day!
Amy Amos – Front Office Manager
She’s the mom who’s house all of my friends “ran away” to. She’s picked me up after I’ve fallen (as an adult!), more times than I can count. She is extremely intelligent and has a heart of gold. Thanks Mom!
Karen Fuller, Sr. Director Corporate Sales and Marketing
This is my mom, Bev Simons and I on Mother’s Day a few years ago. It’s hard to believe she’s turning 80 in a few weeks. She’s the funniest person I’ve ever known, she taught us right from wrong and how to play five card stud poker. Her teenage dream of becoming a Catholic nun didn’t work out but it had nothing to do with the extensive use of profanity she continues to this day. She never misses an opportunity to, well, she just never misses an opportunity. I received a promotion a few months after this photo was taken and later learned that she emailed my boss to praise his good judgement. I think they’re now friends on Facebook.
Jane Ferebee-Grady Guest Experience Manager
My Mom, Diane Ferebee, has always been a strong and steady figure to me. It takes a lot to get her flustered, and I spent many a year pushing that boundary. When my father began his exit from this world, my sisters and I took turns helping my Mom care for him for months. It was during that time when I really began to understand what it means to be a Mom. While I helped her help him, I was also caring for my first son. She showed me how each day is to be cared for and taken as it is. Embrace what comes, go with the flow, and appreciate each moment while we have it. Now, she cares for my youngest son and has done so for the past year. Both of my sons have gotten their footing in this world under her care, and I know that we are all the better for it.
Emily Cotterman Brand Sales Manager
My grandmother is 93 years old and has been my support system for as long as I can remember. Whenever I’m having a bad day, I know that I can call her and she’ll tell me what she always does to make me feel better, “Take it one day at a time, Emmy”. She recently moved to Florida, so I don’t get a chance to see her much anymore; but, I recently got a tattoo with that phrase so that even though I don’t see her as often as I’d like, she’s always with me.
Iona Muir, Food & Beverage Director, Metropole at 21c Cincinnati
My mum gave me a passport for my 18th birthday. She never wanted us to limit ourselves and this was her way of telling us to go out and explore.
She taught me to watch my finances. My parents separated when I was about 10 yrs old and while my dad was a wonderful man, at that time he was not the best at helping to support us and I have clear memories of going grocery shopping and watching my mum add up her purchases as she went around the store to ensure she had enough money to pay for them when we got to the check out. She had envelopes in her desk drawer where she put money each week for various bills so when they became due she knew she would be able to pay them. When I started my first job at 16 she lost her weekly child benefit allowance paid by the government so I started to pay her that amount each week out of my earnings. If I needed a new coat for winter she would give me a budget and if the item I really wanted was more than that she would pay for it on her credit card (which she rarely used) and we would agree on a repayment plan for the difference. As a result of all this I can always do quick math in my head, pay my bills on time and too much debt makes me nervous.
She taught me to work hard as she went back to work full time and took every opportunity for a training course that would step her up a level in nursing and therefor increase her pay grade as well.
She always wanted me to be safe so when I would go head into town with my friends on a Friday/Saturday night her last question to me was always “do you have enough money for a taxi home?” and would hand me money just to be sure.
All of these lessons I am passing on to my daughter.
Sarah Robbins – Chief Hospitality Officer
My mom, Suzanne Brown
She is one tough cookie, but full of love. A quote she lives by is “duty first, self second” which I believe is credited to Queen Elizabeth. She has been a huge influence in my boy’s life – and has drilled that quote into them!
Melanie Tapp, Corporate Director of Food and Beverage
This is my grandma Estelle Pitt. She passed away about 4 years ago. I grew up spending 3-4 days a week at her house and she was so influential to me and my sister and cousins. Never have I met a woman who loved life, her family and laughter as much as my gram.
The thing I miss the most about her is calling her and hearing the joy in her voice as we laughed together. She always answered the phone with “Oh Melanie! I need to hear that laugh. I’m so glad you called.”
Jason Campbell, Executive Chef Mary Eddy’s 21c Oklahoma City
This is my momma Coleen Campbell. She made me into the man I am today by teaching me to work hard, to be proud but stay humble in life, and to help others. She showed me how to cook and how a meal brings people together. I’m proud to say I’m the only one who knows her secret potato salad recipe, the one my siblings try to recreate . She was a lover of books, history, butterflies, her family and the color yellow. Still to this day, no matter what I do, I still strive to make her proud of me. She was caring and would help anyone who needed help. Every holiday she would buy “Feed the Hungry” bags for families in need, every trip to the grocery store- I will never forget that.
Craig Greenberg – President of 21c Museum Hotels
My wife, Rachel (and the mother of our two sons) is the best listener I know. She is patient, open-minded, and supportive when listening. I’ve seen how this trait (among others!) has understandably endeared her to so many people. Whether a stranger, a close friend, or our boys, Rachel is always there to listen. I’m trying my best to emulate her listening – it’s not always easy, but I know it’s important.
Emily Tucker – Senior Director of Brand Services
My mother instilled in me the art of being friendly. From the tellers at her local bank to her co-workers, she makes it a priority to get to know everyone and makes whomever she is speaking with feel like the most important person on Earth. It is something I strive to carry through in my own life. Love you Mom!
Eric Metzger – Corporate Operations Manager
I remember marching in St. Louis for women’s rights,The ERA and Geraldine Ferraro in 1984 with my mom. Then Jesse Jackson for president years later. From hosting Thailand refugees and helping them find work and a home >to working and helping women in prison get their GEDs >to being ordained as a minister and having her own church. Helping couples and countless families during the most difficult times in their lives and leaving if anything the feeling of hope with her exit. All that being said what resonates the most is her unconditional love and acceptance she gave and continues to give me every day. I love you mom!
❤️your son, Eric
