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My mom in the news!

Today is Mother's Day. That means, of course, I visited my mom and bought her a gift. But I got a much better gift from her today.

I was surprised to see that a four-column photograph of my mom, Jean Kramer, appeared on Page A1 of The (Alton) Telegraph on Wednesday, May 4. In my mom's humble style, she didn't even tell me about it. When I asked why she hadn't told me, she said she figured that I would see it today.
My mom was pictured wishing a happy birthday to Charley Kevilus, known to most Alton-area residents as Joey Moyer. Despite suffering from cerebral palsy, Charley earns enough money from his business, Joey's Can Co., to pay most of his bills. Charley has roamed Alton for more than 25 years collecting aluminum cans. To read more about Charley's inspirational story -- and to see the photograph of my mom -- read The Telegraph's account.

Unfortunately, the Web site cuts off the full caption for the photo. Here's the full caption as it appeared in the paper:

Jean Kramer wishes Charley Kevilus a happy 60th birthday Tuesday afternoon at the office of State Farm Insurance agent Scott Neudecker in Upper Alton. Kramer, of Brighton, said she found the stories she read about Kevilus to be inspiring and has sent him Christmas cards and birthday cards for many years. This year, she wanted to meet him in person. Despite suffering from cerebral palsy, Kevilus has lived a largely independent life, collecting cans to help pay his bills.

In addition, my mom and my younger, non-cycling sister, Karen Brooks, collect cans and regularly deliver them to Joey's Can Co. Even though Charley is unable to speak, he did acknowledge that he has read the numerous cards my mom has sent over the years.

Thanks of a friend of my mom's who gave her a copy of The Telegraph at church this morning, I have a copy of the paper as well. It was a great Mother's Day gift in reverse and a reminder of what a remarkable woman I have for a mom!

Roger 0 comments 10:02 PM