Although she won major book awards, the Newbery Medal, National Book Award, the Edgar, and others, to us she was “Mom”. She loved us, cared for us, encouraged us and sacrificed for us. She taught us to sew, helped with homework projects, and let us have lots of pets.
Our mother, Betsy Byars, also passed on to us a love of reading and writing. In our early years she read to us; in our elementary years she sought our opinions on manuscripts and now in our adults years we don’t share a meal where the discussion doesn’t turn to books. In fact, our first collaborative book with Mom was born over a BBQ dinner where we spent the evening talking about books while sucking sauce off our fingers – a great night indeed.
We have been blessed with a dynamic and energetic, yet sensitive and thoughtful mother who has given us much. Today we thank God for our mother.
Laurie and Betsy
Writing Sisters
I have to confess to just a twinge of envy! God bless you both, and your mama!
So sweet! And she was my hero, too. You had to share her with so many, I’m sure.
Thanks, Holly.
Happy Mother’s DAy!
Thank you. A nice day to celebrate mothers.
A beautiful tribute, ladies…you were blessed to have a very involved Mother!
Thank you for the thoughts. God bless.
What a wonderful legacy she passed on to both of you!
Thanks Christi, We appreciate that more and more each year.
I am thrilled to learn that she is your mother. Have you always had that mention of her in your “About” paragraph? It just never clicked with me until I read this post. Summer of the Swan — oh, my. That takes me back. Happy Mother’s Day!
Thanks Darla, We are kind of thrilled too. She’s a great lady and a great mom.
What an incredible blessing to be the daughters of Betsy Byars. I simply must go back and read some of her work! Wonderful mother and wonderful daughters–and what a grand photograph you graciously share with us here.
I, too, have been blessed with a wonderfully supportive mother. And now I, in turn, endeavor to be that kind of mother to my children.