Patch Mother's Day Contest Winner from Land O' Lakes

The results are in and we have our winners in , which invited readers throughout the Tampa Bay area to submit stories about their mothers.

We’re proud to say that one of our very own readers from Land O' Lakes, Bettsi Hernandez, won one of the $500 gift cards.

Here's what Bettsi had to say about her mother, Judy Watkins:

My mother amazes me more and more every day. She has always been there for me growing up and has always been by my side. She is the type of woman that I strive to be when I am older. Wise, beautiful and most of all strong. She has been through more of life's obstacles than anyone that I know. She was there for me when I became a teen mom and she supported me through everything. Only in the past three years she had to deal with her father (my grandpa) being diagnosed with cancer and passing away all very suddenly, her brother (my uncle) also being diagnosed with cancer and passing away. Her mother in and out of the hospital, her only son being sent to prison, and finally her husband (my father) being diagnosed with colon cancer. She has been taking care of him and trying to nurse him back to health for the past three years, while working a full time job, and paying all the bills and taking care of the house by herself. Although we think his battle may be coming to an end she never leaves his side and is still taking care of him. At times I think she forgets to think about herself and take care of herself. She thinks of everyone else before she thinks of herself, and has always been so strong. Sometimes I don't know how she does it all. She definitely deserves to be pampered and to be given everything that she ever wanted and dreamed of. I have always wanted to be able to spoil my mother and show her just how wonderful she truly is. I love my mother so much. She deserves this.

Congratulations, Bettsi and Judy! Happy Mother's Day!