a family with hearts blazing with my mom's love and support. My two brothers, Khari and Tristan are really glad to have a mom so special.

She is humble, and has a very large heart. A heart that gives freely and lovingly. My mom serves on many committees and devotes her time for charity.

The committees she's on are: Pride, Youth to Youth, vice president of Berkeley PTA, vice president of The Youth Department in Church, Lioness, and chairperson of her Union. But somehow, she still finds time for us. The biggest committee of all, is her family.

I admire my mom's personality, so sweet, sincere, and supportive. I really try to be like her, but somehow, I find myself a bit more serious and very kind-hearted too. Someday, I hope to develop more patience, and exhibit some of my mom's uniqueness.

I truly believe that my mom is unique because no matter what hard times come her way, she manages to keep on smiling through it all. My mom makes me feel special, she tells me that I am her star and to keep on shining through the dark clouds of life so that the light may guide a friend to a path of happiness and peace. Whenever I perform with my singing engagements my number one fan and manager whom I know as mommy, is there cheering and supporting me.

The music seems to be magic, that keeps her heart beating in the world. Mom loves to hear my voice singing God's praises. Love is so important to my mom, she spreads it all around to all who enters her world.

Mommy collects hearts in all forms around the house there is her trademark.

Her own heart is as large as the ocean which is full of so much love.

Many of my friends are blessed by her acts of love. Sometimes my mom even goes to visit the schools to show that she cares and encourages them to stay focused. She continues to preach how important education is for a successful life. I may not always agree with the way she is raising me. Sometimes she seems so strict, and we do not always agree, but I know parenthood is not easy, and she often tells me that she can hardly wait for me to become a mother so that I can understand what it takes to raise a child; and right now I know that I am not ready to raise a child.

Even though life has been rough for my mother, she keeps on giving, loving, and helping people. All her acts of kindness are just an expression of her desire to shine for Jesus.

Recently my mother, won the VIP Sunshine Award, so as you can see, my mother is a very important person. She is always lightening up someone's dark world with her bright smile and generous heart.

My mom shows me how to love in the true meaning of God's word. Teaching me not to expect anything in return because in return God gives more abundantly.

My mom's love is more precious than gold. The song most dear to my mother's heart is the song written by Regina Bell. If I Could. This wonderful person, I have been talking about, is non other than Mrs. Debbie Kay Martin my wonderful mother and wife to my father, Eric Martin.

Erica Martin is a 15-year-old Berkeley Institute student