The winner of Sherway Gardens $10,000 Mother's Day Shopping Spree is Stephanie Hurwood of Oshawa. Below is the essay she submitted for this contest.

To Whom It May Concern,
I am in my early twenties and the lady I'm writing to you about is my stepmother by marriage, and although she is not my biological mother I feel that she is part of my heart and soul.
Her name is Cynthia McNairn and without her guidance in life I would not be able to decipher right from wrong, nor would I have led such a good life surrounded by those who love and care.
Let me begin by saying, that I was a very troubled youth, abandoned by my very unstable biological mother by the age of seven, and my father became a single father tending to a young confused child. In the summer of 1987 my father through a friend was fixing Cynthia's computer when sparks flew. In turn Cynthia wanted to show her appreciation by taking my father on a date to Ontario Place. Although interested, he declined as he had no one to take care of me.

As soon as Cynthia discovered that my father was a single father she promptly invited me along on they're first date. I was eight years old and teased them, When are you going to get married?" I'm sure they were uncomfortable as this was they're first date, but coincidentally a year later they were married and Cynthia and I are inseparable. At this point, my pain and insecurity of being an abandoned child quickly diminished as I had acquired this wonderful woman who endured my adolescent years both trying and exhausting. Throughout those years, she fully supported me and never treated me as anything but her own. She showered me with love, and never gave up on me. (Although I'm sure I contunually tried her patience.)

As years passed, my parents tried every way possible to have children of their own, but were unsuccessful. I know this caused Cynthia pain as she longed to have a baby of her won, but even amongst her suffering, she continually introduced me as her own and loved me immensely. My father passed away in March 2002, I'm sure he rests in peace knowing that he has provided me with a mother, a confidant, and my very best friend. Cynthia and I have been each others support systems and without her, I wouldn't know what to do.

I recently had a son of my own and I still reside at home with my mother, she gets to raise him along side myself and I see such happiness in her eyes when they are together. She has even already started a college fund for him and constantly spoils him, not only is she a natural role model, but a terrific Nana.
Cynthia (my mother) has many problems of her own, which at times I'm sure are unbearable, but she is such a strong woman and never lets it effect her ability to do anything she wants, nor does she ever complain although I know she is suffering. With that statement aside, she is the most unselfish, caring individual and the world would be a better place if there were more people like her.
I truely believe that this person, "my mother" should get some recognition as she took a misguided, troubled youth and with her guidance, stability and wisedom, made me who I am today.
I would like to thank her for the last 17 years and for loving me for who I am.

Some women abandon their responsibilities when the going gets tough, but my mother Cynthia picked up the pieces and even throughout my trials and tribulations stuck by my side and put the pieces back together, and for that I think that she is the most deserving, unique mother. My son and I are blessed to have her in our lives.

Thank-you for your time,
Stephanie Hurwood

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