Greatest Moms 2019
Southern mothers are like no others, pouring their souls into raising their children to be the best they can be. Tough as nails and graceful as swans, these Southern moms tackle the challenges of motherhood with heart, dedication and love. In honor of all great moms, we celebrate the winners of South’s Greatest Moms contest. These ladies deserve to be treated like the queens they are.
Brenna Michaels
Brenna’s husband says that Brenna puts her whole heart and self into being a mother. He says the bond she has with their son Rhett (3) is a one-of-a-kind friendship that is blossoming every day into a perfect flower. When asked what Brenna would say is her greatest accomplishment when it comes to being a mom, she says, “When I became a mom, I knew absolutely nothing about babies. Learning to trust myself and my instincts, leaning on God — letting go of perfection — it’s been the most amazing journey.” She reminds other moms that perfection isn’t possible; to just enjoy the mess and savor the cuddles. When Brenna isn’t busy running the business she and her husband own and spending time with Rhett, she enjoys a mani/pedi at Sea Salt and Sugar, a massage at Savannah Day Spa, and shopping at local boutiques.
Sarah Johnson
Sarah’s husband calls her the quintessential southern mama. She starts each day with a homecooked meal for her four children, Titus (6), Maggie (4), Finn (2) and Theo (1 month). Not only does Sarah raise four kids, she also homeschools the older two, works out, leads a Bible study group, and runs a local photography business she co-owns with her husband. Her advice to other moms: “Prayer. Lots of it. And community. I need God’s new mercies every morning and his strength to practice patience with these crazies! And I get loads of encouragement from other moms letting me know I’m not alone in this.” Sarah loves being treated to a spa day at Sweet Water Spa.
Angel Sorochak
Angel says the best part of being a mom is the constant reminder that unconditional love exists. She has raised her daughter Addison (16) into a beautiful, strong and vibrant young lady. “Growing up in today’s society is tough but through love, open communication, prayer, and my husband and my family’s support, I feel we have been able to raise Addison to be the best version of herself she can be and I am so proud of who she is becoming,” says Angel. Angel says being a mom is a roller-coaster of emotions — love, worry, happiness, sadness and everything in between, but at the end of the day, each emotion is a blessing and she wouldn’t change it for the world. Being a mom sometimes means Angel likes to get pampered. She says you can never go wrong with a day at the spa.
Anne Gold
This mom of two and grandmother of five is a true Southern mama and they all worship her. Every week you can find all of her family at her house enjoying a big Sunday supper, a feast which Anne cooks up and which includes her delicious biscuits and homemade pound cake. Having taught school for 40 years, you know she loves children. She says her best accomplishment as a mom is, “Watching my children rear their children with the same values that they were taught by us. I tell people to teach your children to love and respect and always have a hand out to help those in need.” Anne definitely helps all she can. When she’s not busy in the kitchen, she loves to go to Glow Med Spa.
Melani Arpin
Melani may not have birthed her own children, but that doesn’t make her any less of a Southern mama. She stepped up to be a mother figure to her niece, Amber, when she needed a mother. She also has two stepsons, a great niece and a grandson. Melani says the best part of being a mom is the support, comfort and having all of the children know she respects them and she is grateful for them allowing her to love them. Her advice to other moms, “Raising children is not a contest. Eat dinner together at the dinner table. Talk, catch up with each other. Listen and have wonderful conversations.” When she’s not busy being a mom and grandma, she loves to eat at 1790, Crystal Beer Parlor and the Sundae Café. She also can’t resist a massage at Salt Water Spa.
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