Mom

Mom learned the value of hard work at an early
age.  She supported herself through nursing
training at Maine General Hospital and went on to
work at the Veterans' Administration Center at
Togus for thirty-three years. She also worked at
the Augusta Mental Health Institute, as well as
doing private duty and working at various nursing
homes throughout the years. She developed an
interest in flower arranging and established a
small floral business out of her home. She
prepared the flowers for numerous weddings and
was well-known for her lovely wreath bows. Mom
always loved learning new things and dreaming big
dreams. After returning from the sale in Missouri,
she said, "I guess I got carried away at the sale,
but I just wanted to set you up in the pony
business." Mom was characteristically generous to
her friends, her children, and her grandchildren.
She is pictured surrounded by the children she
loved. Mom died in October 1997, two and one-half
years after the ponies arrived.
Ethel Ludwig Olsen
Daughter of Leon Dana Wotton and Edith
Fullerton Wotton of Warren, ME
Mom (far left) with fellow nursing students
at Maine General Hospital School of Nursing.
For many years, my family was involved in
decorating and selling wreaths at local
craft shows or by mail order. Mom made all
kinds of fancy bows, and Dad prepared the
cones and berries.  Mike and I often helped
to decorate the wreaths at craft shows - it
was often very hectic.  My brother probably
made the "barn" wreath shown above.
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season
we shall reap if we do not lose heart.      -Ephesians 6:9