There’s nothing greater for a mother to hear than a teenager or young twenties child saying, “Mom is amazing!!” So often kids, especially teenagers wish their parents would become invisible for a few years. You know, just until the child gets over the embarrassment of their parents. My niece, Dustie Masterson has kids that not only loved her through their awkward teenage years, but on into those early twenties too. Her daughter, Raelynn, who is the oldest child at 22 years old, says, “Mom is always encouraging us to do what we think is best, and she doesn’t influence us one way or the other. People always talk about how hard Mom works on day-to-day tasks, and that’s great, but I think she puts way more effort into emotional matters. When I’m really upset, of tired, or even on the occasion that I’m scared enough, I always think ‘I want my mom’. It’s a bit childish, no matter how old I am, I think I’ll always need her in some capacity. Just talking about my bad days to her always makes me feel better and sleep a bit easier, and we sort of have a routine of talking together at the end of the night before bed. She’s also very quick to tell me when I need to eat or sleep because I’m too emotional and taking it out on others. It’s helped a lot, by helping me realize where my emotions are coming from, and coping mechanisms that’ll help me unwind from that state.”
The family is taking Dustie to the Halloween Circus that’s in town today. She’s really looking forward to it. She 
loves the time she gets to spend with her family, because as anyone wo works a lot of hours knows, that time can be limited. In fact, Dustie missed out last year when it was in town, but her children, Raelynn, Matt, and Taylor are pulling for her to get to go, because one of the circus days is her birthday. Raelynn says, “I don’t say it enough, but Mom deserves much nicer than what we can usually afford on her birthday. I love my mom. I hope her birthday is blessed and wonderful.”
Dustie’s daughter, Taylor says. “Mom is one of the strongest people I have and will ever meet, she handles everything with a grace like none other. Mom has always been there when we really needed her and she takes all of our opinions into serious thought, like when she left Walgreen’s she asked us what we wanted. I aspire to handle things the way mom does with such calm and patience. Mom has been such a huge influence in how I live my day-to-day life. When I get stuck on something I ask ‘how would Mom handle this’ after that I can usually figure it out. Mom has shown me how I want to be treated in all aspects of life and that is something I will always be grateful for. I love my mom more than anything and I feel like that can never be shown, but I sure can try! Happy birthday Mama!! I love you!!”
Dustie has always been an inspiration to her children, Raelynn, Matt, and Taylor, as well as to her husband, my nephew Rob Masterson. When Dustie came along, I could see that Rob was beyond happy. His life prior to Dustie was less than happy, and then she came into his life. Everything changed. I watched Rob go from sad and broken to happy and fulfilled. Dustie is the glue that holds her family together, and it’s a sweet thing to watch. They all love her very much and she loves them. Today is Dustie’s 45th birthday. Happy birthday Dustie!! Have a great day!! We love you!!
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