Maria Mickelson won a day of pampering, thanks to a letter written by her daughter, Mandie Siems, for the Main Street Mother’s Day Contest.

The letter contest received more than a thousand submissions. Lindsay Leif was the runner up for a letter written by her daughter, Kendahl Lewis.

The contest is sponsored by Main Street businesses, including Bendixen Jewelry, Steve’s Pizza, Twice is Nice, Hallmark, the Yoga Studio of Austin, the Coffee House on Main, Piggy Blues, The Philomathian and Willow Cove.

First place: Maria Mickelson,

letter by Mandie Siems

Who is your role model?

A common answer to this question is, “My mother.”

You can count me in with that population. My mother has and continues to be an outstanding role model of how to be a loving, dedicated, and hard working woman. She has provided me with continuous care and support throughout my childhood, teenage years, and now into adulthood. I am grateful for the bond I have with my mother.

But what I am even more grateful for is the love my mother shows to children beyond our family. My mother is a second grade teacher and I have witnessed first-hand how teaching is more than just her profession. Teaching is her passion and calling. She cares for each of her students as if they were her own. In her 25+ years of teaching, she has made an impact on hundreds of students in the Austin community.

Each time my mother goes to the grocery store or out to eat there is a little child who runs up to her to say hello. My mother gives them a hug and the look in the child’s eyes is nothing less then pure joy. That is the impact my mother, their present or past teacher, has on her students. She doesn’t just teach, she cultivates, influences, and loves the young minds that are our future. But it is not an easy job. I watch my mother spend hours at night and on weekends preparing for her classroom lessons. I see true emotions, sadness or excitement, when a student is struggling or when they finally master a skill. I notice our own glove collection slowly getting smaller, but I smile because I know this means another pair of hands are being kept warm during winter recess.

It is not uncommon for me to meet someone, mention that my mother is Maria Mickelson, and receive a huge accolade in return.

“Mrs. Mickelson was my son’s favorite teacher!”

“Mrs. Mickelson encouraged my daughter to take music lessons!”

And the comments go on and on. I am proud to call Mrs. Mickelson my mother, but I am even more proud that she is a role model for the youth of Austin. Her dedication to her family, her students, and her community make her deserving of a day of pampering!

Runner up: Lindsay Leif,

letter by Kendahl Lewis

I think my mom is the most deserving of a day of pampering because she never takes time for her self. She is too busy managing our lives and making sure we have everything we need. There are 4 kids in my family, ages 5 to 11. Since my dad passed away my mom has to wear both hats. From sports, to theatre, to homework, to playdates, my mom is always there with a smile. Not only is she there to keep us on track, more importantly she is there to encourage us in all the we do. She teaches us the importance of a positive attitude. To always keep our chins up and remember to see the best in people and find the positive in any situation you may encounter in life. She teaches us to remember that no matter what situation arises in life, it is most important to pray for God’s strength and guidance.

My mom especially needs a day of pampering this time of year because she just finished tax season where, on top of taking care of all of us, she worked 15 to 18 hours a day, 7 days a week for 11 weeks straight. Yet she still finds time to help us out in everything we need and is never too busy to make us laugh. That is why I truly believe my mom is the most deserving and in “need” of a day of pampering.

P.S. My mom always says to have a good sense of humor … So in my brother’s words, “My mom deserves a day of pampering because her nails look nails look like she just finished World War II.”