Vicky H. Reiff

is honored with a Brick from Angela K. Reiff, Cindy Reiff, John, Jr., and Lise Reiff.

Admiration for our mother comes in many ways. What is most impressive to us is how her priorities lie, and her modesty throughout her accomplishments. For instance, Victoria Reiff would be the last one to bring up that her work from years ago made the Junior League of Wichita what it has been over the years. She will not tell that she helped start Big Sisters of Wichita. Vicky will never bring up her business skills, and that she has been the most valuable employee in many businesses.

What she will tell you is how excited she has been to go back to school after more than twenty years to get her degree in Social Work, and her current work helping others as a counselor. Add to all of this the fact that you couldn't find a more unconditionally loving, caring, and supportive woman, and you will find it is this that makes Victoria Reiff a heroine in our eyes.

Submitted by John Jr. and Lise Reiff

I really don't know why everyone makes such a big fuss about my mom. I mean, all moms bandage their kids' knees and hold them until they stop crying. And all moms drop everything for a child in a crisis. Every mom is best friend to her son, daughters, daughter-in-law, their friends, her brothers, her sister, her sisters-in-law, her friends, her friends' kids, their spouses, her neighbors, her former neighbors, former employers, and former husbands . . . right? And isn't it just part of motherhood to have an ear and a shoulder for everyone, all the time? Don't all moms have insight and understanding bordering on the supernatural? Hasn't every mother taught her daughters by example the complete meaning of "woman": kind and strong, empathetic and unyielding, patient and ambitious, nurturing and assertive? Aren't all moms gentle trailblazers? Doesn't every mother go back to school after her kids are grown, graduate magna cum laude, go on to get her master's degree, and devote her life to serving the underprivileged? Aren't all mothers role models? What's the big deal don't all moms give their children a reason to brag? submitted by Angela K. Reiff When I decided to take on the task of writing why my mother is a heroine I thought it would be an easy one. So many qualities to choose from. I could mention her kind, caring heart towards others. Her being my best friend, roommate, and confidante. Or do I mention her remarkable achievements in school? I wanted to include her teaching me daily how to be a stronger woman and the sympathy and helping hand she lends to all: family, friends, clients, strangers. But I can't. I can't explain how she has influenced my life more than anyone thought possible. I can't explain that she possesses every quality I would like to find in myself. I can't explain it because it would be impossible for me to get across all of my mother's wonderful qualities. Words cannot express how much she is valued as a mother, a woman and a human being. You will just have to meet her and then you will know. You will know how blessed we all are to have her in our lives. submitted by Cynthia L. Reiff July 28, 1998