American Mothers, Inc.

The facets of motherhood are many. Happiness, hope, hard work, pride, great joy and sometimes unbelievably deep sadness. Fortunately we don’t experience these facets alone. Others are present whose help and advice are extremely valuable. God puts certain people along the path to hold mothers together and keep us focused. These include our husbands, our own parents, our families including our church families and even pediatricians step forward to show us the way. We certainly don’t experience all these facets alone, but it is other women, other mothers, including those of you here today that I have found to be especially helpful. 

 In 1986 I was sitting on a lawn chair on Main Street watching a parade go by. I remember what year it was because in my lap I was holding my new born baby girl, just a few weeks old. The first woman governor to serve the state of Vermont was walking as part of the parade, and she came over to see the baby. My 2 preschoolers were there bouncing, jumping, excited to be at the parade. The governor, a mother herself of older children, said to me, ‘I know you are busy now. Stay informed. Don’t lose yourself.’

 I have benefited from a great group of women in town who were always there. Some were stay at homes and some worked outside the home, but all contributed to make our school and community the best it could be. These gals are still some of my best friends and when one of them calls me for a favor, I never say no because I understand whatever it is they ask for is something really needed.

 The facets of motherhood are many. Mothering is tough work, tiring, draining but unforgettably rewarding. Even the best of us at times make huge mistakes. Families today are under pressures our grandmothers would never have dreamt about. Fortunately mothering isn’t something we do alone. Each stage is busy, unforgettable, but shiny with precious memories that fill our lives and make the facets of motherhood a the best career ever.

Born June 5, 1954, Carolyn Whitney Branagan grew up on a Vermont dairy farm and graduated from the University of Vermont with a BS and M.Ed.  Carolyn married Christopher Branagan in 1976, taught school served as teaching principal then left her work to raise their three children.  Carolyn has been involved in her community in many capacities, serving on the local school board, supervisory union board, town moderator, and officer for the local soup kitchen.  She has also been a Director for the Franklin County Board of Home Health and a Trustee for the University of Vermont.  She is currently serving a fourth term in the Vermont House of Representatives and is a ranking member of the House Ways and Means Committee. She is a 35 year member of Georgia Plain Baptist Church.