America's Favorite Mom

Donny and Marie Osmond will crown "America's Favorite Mom" chosen by your votes from submissions in five categories: Working Mom, the Single Mom, the Military Mom, the Adopting Moms and the COE (Chairman Of Everything) Mom. Don't miss this extraordinary event presented by Teleflora, Sunday May 11th 7/6c.

The Nominees

Gwen Beauchamp - COE "Chairman of Everything" Mom

Born on Mother's Day!
Our Mom really was born on Mother's Day!

After she and Dad were married they had 5 girls and 1 boy. They only raised 5 of us though; one sister had Cerebral Palsy and died very young. But Mom never let her grief keep her from caring for the rest of us. She did all of those wonderful things that all Mom's do, carpooling, room mother, softball coach, Girl Scout leader, Sunday School teacher...times five!

When we were young, Dad was laid off work. He got a new job but took a big pay cut so Mom had to get a job as well. We figured she wouldn't have time for all the extra activities any more, but she found it somehow. She didn't sleep for the next 10 years as she juggled a full-time job and keeping up with all of us. Grocery shopping was done on Thursdays at midnight, because the store was empty and she could get through quickly. When we were little we thought elves stocked the fridge and cabinets with food.

Money was scarce, but love and happiness were plentiful. Although the good times far outnumbered the bad, there were other tragedies in our lives. Early one morning our house was struck by lightning and caught fire. Awakened by the smoke alarm, Dad got Mom and the three youngest out a front window then made his way through flames to get the two oldest girls out. He was badly burned and the girls had scorched lungs, but Mom wouldn't let the paramedics go to the hospital until the whole family was in the ambulance. She refused to let her family be separated.

After we kids were raised & on our own, Mom & Dad purchased a home in the country. That first summer a record 13 inches of rain fell in one day and they woke up in the middle of a lake. The damage was extensive, and they had to get a Emergency loan from FEMA. But loans have to be paid back and other dreams had to be put on hold. Mom never let it get her down. The following year when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans and the refugees poured into Dallas, she was right there sorting food and clothing donations, delivering donated items and even organized her office and co-workers to pitch in and help.

In December 2004, Mom was diagnosed with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC) a disease with no cure. All the doctors can do is slow it down with medication, but eventually she will need a liver transplant. Although the disease is steadily progressing, Mom continues to work and try to live a normal life.

No description of our Mom is complete without telling you she is a fantastic cook and has State Fair ribbons to prove it. She was Grand Champion at the Texas Pecan Festival and even competes in national cook-off's. You haven't live until you taste her brownies and Banana Pudding Torte!

Through all the storms of life she is our shelter...the one we rely on for advice, babysitting, a shoulder to cry on and a really good meal! We know she will always be there for us and love us just because she's our MOM!