Mother of the Year
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Every year in May there is a day that outshines all the rest — Mother's Day.  Shops sell more greeting cards, flowers, and candy for this day than any other in a year, and it's also the day the most long distance phone calls are made.  Why?  Because moms are the ones who we most remember for all they sacrificed, taught us, and who continue to enrich our lives no matter how old we get.  We need our mothers!  

Each spring, Around Town Alpharetta / Milton celebrates local moms by inviting you to nominate a special lady for "Mother of the Year."  This year, a very special young man wrote a delightful letter about why his mom should be honored in this year's contest.  Vinita Khanna of Alpharetta is a remarkable woman, and we want to honor her this year as Around Town Alpharetta/Milton's Mother of the Year.

Vinita is the mother of three wonderful children, Jasmine (14), Jay (11), and Vinnie (5).  She is married to Vinay and their family moved to the Alpharetta area from Virginia about three years ago.  All of the kids are bright, energetic, and involved in lots of activities that keep her very busy.  "There's never a dull moment in the house with two boys and a girl — with all three, the house feels very full when they are here.  I work the exact hours that they are in school so as to be in the house when they are here — I have always done that," says Vinita.

Vinita told us that being a mom has taught her a lot, mostly about being patient.  She says, "Lots of patience is required as you become a parent.  Be available to listen and to be there for your kids, and support them in their decisions, whether wrong or right; they need to know you are there to support them.  You do have to correct them as they get older, but at the same time, teach them that there are two ways to do things; usually the right way is the harder way, but you should follow the right path."  Jay told us that his mom "always" says that.  When asked if he listens, he replied, "Most of the time!"

The kids all say that their mom is fun, a good cook (especially with chicken), and they know she is always available for them.  Vinita goes out of her way to make her kids feel special, even visiting their schools to eat lunch with them on special occasions.  She told us, "You need to remember you will be putting in lots of hours as a parent; again, be patient; if you are doing the right thing, then you will get the right result in the end, and your kids will be what you expect and hope for them to be."

Well done, Vinita!  It sure seems like your kids know just how special you are, and they look a lot like their mom!

Congratulations Vinita!