her foster mother, warmed the hearts of members of the Continental Society.

The title of "Mother of the Year'' was awarded to Mrs. June-Ann Furbert after Bonnie Hayward's story was selected from hundreds of entrants by school children.

"Sometimes children, as foster children, feel they're not wanted but that's not the case with Bonnie,'' said Mrs. Furbert. "It's a tremendous, wonderful feeling to know your daughter feels that way and wrote a story that was chosen from many others. I couldn't have chosen a better gift for Mother's Day.'' Mrs. Furbert, one of the organisers of last year's "Moment of Consciousness'', has two children of her own and another foster child. She and her husband became Bonnie's foster parents six years ago.

"It's been a growing experience. It's different than having a baby and growing with them. This is a growing experience and it's been really wonderful for her and for me.

"Little did I know six years ago what would come,'' Mrs. Furbert told the approximately 250 persons in attendance at the Belmont Hotel. Being a parent is difficult sometimes and wonderful other times. That's part of being a parent.'' In her story, the Francis Patton student said her foster mother has become both her "friend'' and an "advisor'', with enough love and compassion for her and some left over.

Listing her mother's community works, her Christian background and the rules in their home, she told the judges "My mother is everyone's mother at heart...If I had my way, she'd be `Mother of the Year' every year.'' Mrs. Furbert said: "What she wrote enabled me to become the `Mother of the Year', but it was the essence of her and that's more important to me. She's very shy but when she does say things you know she's really thought about them.

"I truly feel she was overwhelmed and it was a wonderful experience for her.'' She added that she hoped Bonnie's story would serve as an inspiration to other young people in Bermuda to let their mothers know how they feel about them.

"I don't just accept this for me, I accept it for all other mummies,'' she said. " I'm happy God gave us Bonnie. God is the answer. Put him first in your life, your family's life and your children's lives.'' Mrs. Furbert was presented with gifts in honour of the award and Bonnie was given a plaque and a $200 gift for further education.

MOTHER OF THE YEAR -- Mrs. June-Ann Furbert was awarded the title of "Mother of the Year'' by the Continental Society yesterday. She was selected based on her foster daughter, Bonnie Hayward's story on why she should be selected as "Mother of the Year''.