mothers & daughters – Carol Hand

FAMILY — Carol Hand, center front, is surrounded by her daughters, from left: Lou Ann Dwyer and Sharon Woodworth, and, in back, granddaughters Casey Hand, Caitlin Dwyer and Carlie Woodworth.
    What did you see in your mother that helped you when you became a mom?
    Carol: “Well, mom was a worker at a lot of things … like keeping the family together. We didn’t have a lot of money, but we spent a lot of time in the kitchen playing games and listening to the radio before we were able to get a television. I think that you have to work at keeping everything going.”
    Lou Ann: “Strength, patience and a sense of humor.”
    Now that you are older, looking back what did you appreciate about your mother?
    Carol: “She was always there for us. She had our lunch ready and waiting for us and she was there when school was out. She taught us how to clean house and cook.”
    Lou Ann: “My mother never played "favorites."  She loved us all individually and unconditionally.  I appreciate the fact that my mother was always able to see my strengths before I did and pushed me to become aware of these. My mother is a great sport and finds fun and laughter in most everything she takes on.
    My father moved my mother to Houlton in 1960 from Pittsburgh, Penn.  She was a "city girl" born and bred. She had never met any of her in-laws, never been out of the city and here she was in Houlton, Maine.  She experienced her first Maine winter, fishing, hunting, fiddleheads, picking potatoes, gardens, canning, camp and all those things that hearty "Maine" women do on a daily basis. 
    She has been here for 48 years and while she does enjoy her trips back to Pittsburgh, I have never once heard her say, ‘I wish I had never left.’ I admire her courage, independent spirit and her ability to make the best of most situations. I appreciate the fact that she has taught me, most of all, to be an independent person and thinker.”
    Sharon: “ Mom is very special to me. She has helped me with my kids since they have been born. She is very unselfish, she will do anything for anyone and never complains.”
      What do you hope to pass on to your children and especially your grandchildren?
    Carol: “LOVE. I love my children and grandchildren very much and I think they all know it, especially my grandchildren. Don’t be afraid to show your love for someone. Hugs and kisses are a must with me. And, to my grandchildren, find yourself and be happy. Be true to yourself.”
    Lou Ann: “ I hope that I am still in the process of passing along to my daughter that family is number one! Regardless, if we agree to disagree, family is who you turn to in times of good, bad, right or wrong. I have tried to instill the values and morals I learned as a child. My daughter now exhibits the same traits that my mom has and has passed on through me. For this, I am proud! I hope someday my grandchildren have a chance to meet "Mamie."
    Sharon: “She has done wonderful things with my kids, takes them camping, makes bread, takes them to lunch, and especially likes to go to Corey’s ballgames, and ride horses with Carlie. She is a load of fun and we all love her. Happy Mothers Day Maime.”
    Now to the granddaughters: Caitlin is the daughter of Lou Ann and Bill Dwyer; Casey is the daughter of Albert and Sherry Hand; Carlie is the daughter of Sharon and Steve Woodworth.
    What do you appreciate about your mom and grandmom?
    Caitlin: “ I appreciate so many things about my mother and grandmother, but the thing that I appreciate most, but also tend to take for granted, is the fact that no matter what, they are always going to love me and be there for me. As I get older, and people in my life come and go, it's so nice to know that I have people in my life that are here to stay, through thick and thin, without judgments.”
    Casey: “I appreciate everything that they have taught me, and done for me. I have learned so much from them that will help me in my future. If it weren't for them I don't know where I would be. I love you both very much.”
    What do you do together that you enjoy?
    Caitlin: “Unfortunately, I no longer live in the same town as my mother and grandmother, so our time spent together is quite limited. I would have to say that my favorite thing to do with my mother and grandmother is just sitting down and catching up. Spending one-on-one time with those we love is always the most enjoyable.”
    Casey: “I enjoy a few days at camp or just staying at Mamie's house for the night watching movies. Just hanging out with mom being goofy, watching movies, and having junk food for supper while dad's at camp is always great. But no matter what I do when I'm with my gram or mom it is always fun.”
    Carol also has a son, Albert, and a grandson Corey Woodworth.