Mother’s Day 2026 Inspires Powerful Stories Of Strength, Sacrifice And Love

Brunhilde Merkle’s remarkable life story is one that makes people wish they’d known her.

And it’s especially poignant today as America celebrates 250 years of freedom. Coming of age in a time of history shaped by terror and unimaginable human suffering, Brunehilde knew the opposite.

“My mother was a woman who had survived great pain, searing losses, and true fear unmatched by any reality TV show,” said her daughter, Janine Bogart.

The Newport Beach-Corona Del Mar (California) Patch reader responded to our informal survey for Mother’s Day. We asked readers to share their mothers’ timeless advice and stories about the mark they’ve left in life.

The daughter of a merchant and governess, Brunhilde was born in Weisenberg, Germany, in 1928.

“Just 9 years old as Hitler rose, Brunhilde survived Nazis, air bombings, and starvation through World War II,” Janine Bogart said.

During the American occupation of Germany, which started after its surrender 71 years ago this month, Brunhilde worked for Troop Information and Education as an aide to an American officer. German-born citizens in these positions often served as interpreters and educators who leveraged their language skills and cultural understanding in the effort to build a democracy in Germany.

Brunhilde married an American first sergeant who “went AWOL just to be with her,” her daughter said.

As one of hundreds of thousands of European immigrants after World War II, Brunhilde embraced her life in America

Brunhilde mothered her seven children equally and without favoritism, her daughter said.

“My mother loved us all so very much,” Janine said. “And each of us loves and honors her spirit and sacrifice as she embraced a new world in the USA.”

She was universally regarded as a selfless grandmother and a “kind and warm friend,” Janine added.

Brunhilde’s best advice?

“She said that a swine shall never turn into a prince, yet an innately ethical man who has lost his way just may.”

‘She’s A Viking’

Southampton (New York) Patch reader Karen Lalli’s mother, who will turn 100 in July, emigrated to the United States from Sweden after World War II ended.

“She was 21 years old with a steamer trunk full of clothes to work in Bronxville as a baby nurse,” Karen said. “She didn’t know anybody, and there were no pay phones to call home to Sweden.”

She may as well have first coined the phrase “take one day at a time” because it was her mantra from the moment she stepped off the boat, Karen said.

“She’s really lived 99-and-a-half years just like that,” Karen continued. “She still drives, and she still does charitable things for people. She’s a Viking, and I’m glad I have her still.”

‘The Balance To The World’

Cynthia Roberts, a Joliet (Illinois) Patch reader, is grateful her mom is still living, too.

“Every day I am blessed with her presence and the knowledge she continues to share,” Cynthia said. “I don’t know how fulfilled my life would be without the many lessons she’s taught me and the life examples she used to make it all make sense.

Her mother’s advice still guides Cynthia today: “Don’t worry about what they do; you worry about you.”

“This was such an important part of building integrity and doing what’s right regardless of what anyone around me is doing,” Roberts said.

Cynthia’s mother is not just a great parent.

“She is the balance to the world,” Cynthia said. “Her genuine kindness cannot be duplicated, purchased or acted out. She is truly kind from the inside, and it doesn’t matter what she's going through, she will always be kind to everyone she encounters.”

She added, “I love her more than life itself.”

Lasting Lessons Of The Depression

Brooklyn (New York) Patch reader Bee’s mother set an example throughout life: Be appreciative. It was her way of life, especially during an illness.

“My mom was very gracious, especially during her illness. She was not an ‘entitled’ older adult,” Bee said. “Typically, she was most satisfied with the simplest aspects of life, never expecting or wishing for anything elaborate.”

Her background had everything to do with that. A Depression Era-baby, she was frugal throughout her life and “a saver of anything that might be needed in the future,” Bee said. “She was an extraordinary shopper for sale or coupon items, teaching me the value of a dollar.”

‘She Didn’t Have To Preach To Us’

Beverly Smith’s mom didn’t give advice to her kids in spoken words but showed them the way through example.

“She didn’t have to preach to us on a daily basis, but if we needed advice or guidance, she was always there,” the Durham-Middlefield (Connecticut) Patch reader said. “Through our childhood years, then into those adolescent and teenage years, she helped guide us to do the right thing, but most of what my sisters and I learned was from watching Mom and how she lived.”

If a neighbor was ill or grieving a loved one’s passing, she whipped up one of her delicious casseroles or prepared meals, Beverly said. Her mom’s devotion to her church, her community and local charities was “unmatched.” She spent hours gardening, canning and freezing, and at the sewing machine yet still found time to help her girls with school projects.

“When we all grew up and started to have families of our own, she was always available to help when needed, giving the best advice to us as new mothers,” Beverly said. “We were blessed to have this wonderful woman as our mom, and the grandchildren were equally blessed to have had a super grandmother.”

She died in 2000 from Alzheimer’s disease.

“My best advice is for every son or daughter out there to love your mom, visit her often, hug her a lot, and never forget who gave you life,” Beverly said. “For my sisters and I, she made our lives so much better, and we couldn’t be more grateful that the dear Lord chose us to have the mother we had.”

She Had Many ‘Moms’

Mount Vernon (New York) Patch reader Cammie Jones never knew her mother. She was only 1 when Agnes Jones died, leaving behind her husband, Cammie and her six siblings.

“My stepmom (Helen Burwell-Jones), sisters, aunts, cousins, family friends and mentors were my saving grace,” Jones said.

Their combined advice came down to these character traits — honesty, respect and discipline.

“Help others when you can,” they advised. “Don’t allow anyone to take advantage, be a strong advocate and pray.”

‘When She Laughed, The World Joined’

“My mother was the most giving person I ever knew. She gave 100 percent to everyone,” Toms River (New Jersey) Patch reader Gail Marie said.

“She never really knew just how much she was appreciated and loved,” Gail Marie said. “She walked through life with a spirit of optimism and determination despite every obstacle in her way. She was a wonderful mother.”

Gail Marie said her mother had a gift for friendship.

“When she laughed, the world joined in because it was contagious. When problems with friends arose, she walked beside us and never let go,” Ann Marie said. “She was my very best friend, and so much fun to be around. It really doesn’t matter what her career was or her achievements, because she was a beautiful person and my hero. She was my mom.”

‘Always Stick Up For Your Family’

Angela Fitzsimmons always put her family first, said her daughter Kathy, a Tinley Park (Illinois) Patch reader.

Angela worked as a secretary and volunteered as a 4-H leader. “You could always find her outside being involved in your life,” Kathy said.

Her advice: “Always stick up for your family.”

Kathy’s mom died in 2012. “I miss her every day,” she said.

Christine Anderson’s mom was also her friend, “easy to talk to and understanding,” the Southington (Connecticut) Patch reader said.

She had an easy smile and helpful nature.

“Enjoy outdoors, nature, sunshine, and garden,” she told her daughter.

Lin said her mother’s guiding words, “always be yourself,” point her in the right direction.

“She is an amazing, beautiful, strong, kind, cool, loving woman,” said Lin, who reads Palos Patch, Oak Lawn Patch and Manhattan Patch, all in Illinois.

‘Go To School, Kid’

Across America Patch reader Oscar’s mother is a “dedicated and strong lawyer who constantly helps her community,” he said.

Her advice?

“Go to school, kid.”

Lorraine P. said her mother was “a single, independent mom who worked hard to provide for her daughters.”

“She also loved to shop, especially for shoes,” Lorraine said.

But that’s another story.

The real story of her life can be found in the values she emphasized in her girls. “To have integrity,” she told them, “don’t be a follower, have a mind of your own, and trust God.”

Family mattered to her mother, the Chestnut Hill-Mt. Airy Patch reader said.

“She loved her family and loved family gatherings.” Lorraine said.

“My mom always told me to never stress about anything,” said New Lenox (Illinois) Patch reader Janice, who described her mother as “witty, creative, smart and selfless.”

“She would have done anything for anyone,” Janice said. “She was a strong role model.”

Janice’s mother died a year ago. “I love and miss her dearly,” she said.

‘Keep God First’

These words from his mother have never failed Irvington (New Jersey) Patch AM reader Ted Woolridge: “Treat people with respect. Treat them the way you would want to be treated. My mother was a Christian. She loved and enjoyed her family. Best of all, she was my mother!”

Robert Jackson, a Harlem (New York) Patch reader, said his mother was “a beautiful woman and praying woman with a good heart.”

“Keep God first and keep the faith,” she told her son.

“I will love her forever, and may she rest in peace,” he said.

Enfield (Connecticut) Patch reader Jenn Olko said her mother is a “prayer warrior.”

Her advice is elegant in its simplicity: “Trust God.”

‘You Are Not A Grade’

Danbury (Connecticut) Patch reader Maggie Cortese said her husband’s Aunt Bessie, who raised 13 children, was on target with this: “Don’t raise your children to live with you the rest of their lives; raise them to be self-sufficient, contributing members of society.”

New Jersey Patch readers Klaramaelys Navedo and Ian X. Ortiz praised their “work mom,” a teacher who inspires others to do better.

“Never give up,” she is fond of saying. “You are not a grade.”

More Things Moms Say

“You can always replace your husband, but you can never replace your son.” — Homewood-Flossmore (Illinois) Patch reader Mare

“She told me to become an accountant — because in her opinion, the payroll accountant would be the last person to be let go from a company.” — Across America Patch reader Pam

“Live your dream; go with your passion. Do what you love to do with your life. You will have no regrets.” — Guilford (Connecticut) Patch reader Don

Keep the conversation going. Tell us about your mother in the comments below.