mothers & daughters – Dot Campbell

FOUR GENERATIONS — Dot Campbell, center, is pictured here with her daughter Sheila Cowperthwaite, back left; granddaughter Kelly Little, back right; and great-granddaughters Allison, left, and Emily, right.
    What did you see in your mother that helped when you became a mom?
    Dot: My mother, Amber Stockford Shaw, taught me to be responsible, to show respect to others, to be caring and get along with others. She also taught me right and wrong.
    Sheila: My mom was a good role model of a godly mom and was always available to help and advise me.
    Kelly: I’m thankful that God has blessed me with many godly influences, especially my mother and grandmother. I have learned much from them. As a little girl, Gram showed by example the importance of a servant’s heart, of giving yourself to others. She always had time for a visit or an errand to help another out. She still does today as she is the busiest retired person I know!
    My mother taught by example as I learned the importance of honesty and being true to your word. I was also taught responsibility and to be respectful of others. My mother continues to be a wonderful example to me; I often look to her for advice as I strive to be a good mother.
    Above all, I’m thankful to my mother and grandmother for the legacy of faith that has been passed down. Faith can not be inherited, but godly mothers and grandmothers can make sure that Jesus is never a stranger to their children and grandchildren.
    What was it like to become a grandmother as well as a mom?
    Dot: Being a grandmother is a different role. You have less responsibility and more time to just enjoy it.
    Sheila: It was very exciting! It added a whole new dimension to my life — a new generation to love, nurture and enjoy! Because Kelly is a great mom to her girls, I get to have all kinds of fun grandparenting! We are blessed to be a “team of moms” working together to help and support each other.
    What do you appreciate most about your mom and what kinds of things do you enjoy doing together?
    Dot: I appreciated her always being there for me. I enjoyed sewing with her and we always played games together. She always took time for us.
    Sheila: I most appreciate my mother for her steadfast love and devotion to God, her family and others. She’s unstoppable!
    Kelly: Mothers and daughters don’t always have the privilege of also being very best friends. I treasure that relationship with my mom. We enjoy sharing recipes, discussing our most recent “good book,” and shopping!
    Emily: I like going shopping with my mom. And I appreciate that she’s always there for me. I don’t know what I’d do without her.
    Allison: Mom is always there to help us when we need something. I like cooking with my mom and grandmothers. Mom taught me how to make whoopie pies and I like making bread and Christmas cookies with my grandmothers.
    What tradition or lesson do you hope to share with your children and grandchildren?
    Dot: I hope they learn to enjoy each other, to make the most of every day, to keep their faith and to lead good Christian lives.
    Sheila: I want my grandchildren to care about other people, to be respectful, kind and helpful. And I believe they are!