Shorewood Mom ‘Always Knew How To Make Us Feel Special’

SHOREWOOD, IL— Moms do so much for everyone around them. We try to celebrate them all year long, but Mother's Day is a perfect opportunity to shout it from the rooftops and post it on Patch: Mom rocks!

Here at Patch we've launched an initiative to help recognize the awesome moms and mom figures in communities like yours.

This submission comes from Jenny Aguilera who nominated Bonnie Kokal of Shorewood.

What makes your Mom extra special?

My Mom has done so much for our family. Starting when we were kids, waking us up on our birthday with a special cupcake (Hostess) lit with a candle — a tradition I now carry on with my girls. She always knew how to make us feel special. She was not just a mom to me and my brothers, Joe and Jeff, but she also was the neighborhood mom, often being a go-to and feeding and welcoming all our friends. Don’t get me wrong — she would also put all of us including our friends in our place when we needed it. My Mom gained great respect from all the neighborhood kids.

Fast forward to today, My Mom has became become the best grandma! From the beginning, she would attend school and sport events and often babysat for all of us. You can call her any time day or night and she would be there.

Why do you feel your Mom deserves the spotlight?

My Mom took care of all of us, often made home-cooked meals and worked a full-time job for many years. She never asked anyone for anything but would give her shirt off her back for anyone — unless you're my daughter Mikayla who “borrows” many of Grandma's shirts because she likes the way Grandma smells. She lost my Dad 16 years ago and her beloved dog Molly this past year. She has suffered two broken hearts yet keeps going to take care of all of us. My mom has earned her spotlight.

Happy Mother's Day to Bonnie Kokal, and thank you for all you do!

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Know an amazing mom? Nominate them here.