My mother?s strength and independence has helped me to realise the importance of being self sufficient and hard working, says Kathy Bean. Her mother?s name is Felicia Elizabeth Monica Stevens and Ms Bean says she can do just about anything.

?She does everything around the house that a man can do,? she says.

?And she taught us to be self sufficient so we don?t have to depend on a man or anyone for anything.

?Her ability to keep the faith during extremely trying times is an inspiration to me and it reinforces our Christian upbringing.

?Her strength and courage are to be admired and keep me going when I feel like I can?t go on anymore. My mother is a prime example of a woman who has sacrificed much to ensure that her daughters and grand-children are never without.

?I remember her working three jobs many years ago to ensure we lacked nothing.?

Ms Bean said her fondest memory of her mother is watching her sew for her sister and herself.

?I remember her sewing and making identical outfits for my sister and I,? she says, ?Hand-me-downs didn?t exist in our home.?

Mrs. Stevens? is famous for her fish chowder, but Ms Bean says: ?My favourite is her Spanish rice and fruit cake.?

Her mother?s favourite saying is: ?Envy no one ? ?cause you don?t know how they got what they have!?

Ms Bean says her mother would go further than the extra mile for anyone she loves.

?My mother has opened her home to many without homes over the years,? she says. ?She is a friend and mother to many. ?She would get out of her bed, half asleep, at 1 a.m. in the morning if there was a need to help someone ? I say she?s the ?Good Samaritan? because she goes out of her way to ensure that everyone is happy. ?I probably don?t say if often enough, but I love you mom.?