“Being a Mother is a Blessing”

By Debbie Gregory

Mother’s are a symbol of kindness and strength, and as we prepare to celebrate their special day this Sunday, May 8th, the Macon County Chronicle would like to honor Mrs. Pat Sutton, who has been a mother for 45 years.

“I always wanted to be a mother, even when I was a child I knew,” said Pat Sutton, who has three children and three grandchildren. “My first son, Patrick Coley, 45, was born on November 8, 1976 and his sister, Danita Coley, 43, was born on March 6, 1979. And my other son, Michael White, 37, came along on October 16, 1984.”

“I worked full time, came home, got supper cooked, got everybody fed, and then we would start on homework,” said Pat, with a sweet smile on her face. “I thought I would never get through those years, but I did, and looking back I’m like – I miss that!”

“The kids were good when they were growing up, and they followed the rules that I set for them,” she continued. “It was a 24 hour a day job with three kids in school, working 5 days a week, and being involved in all their activities.”

Pat says that she has a special relationship with each of her kids and they are all very different. “Danita is very independent and she works at Lockinvar and lives in Trousdale County. She is single,” said Pat. “Patrick and his wife, Jill, have two children, 17-year-old Ellie and 14-year-old Ryleigh. He works at North Central and he is a deacon at Long Fork Missionary Baptist Church.  Michael and his wife, Kassie, have one daughter, 8-year-old Karis, and he works at Hope Family Care. Michael was still at home when we lost his dad, David, and we supported each other throughout our grieving.”

“There is one thing my kids have in common, that’s baseball for the boys and softball for my daughter,” said Pat, “and this has been passed on to my grandkids.”

Pat said that church has always been a big part of her life, and her biggest contribution to her children was taking them to church so they could hear the gospel and be saved when they became accountable.

Pat and Terrell Sutton started dating in 2006, and they were married on June 11, 2011. “Terrell is patient and understanding and he has opened his heart to my family. I don’t know what I would do without him,” shared Pat, who has been dealing with multiple myeloma for several years now. “Terrell, along with my children and grandchildren have been my support system as I battle this disease. Of course, my grown children have their own lives, but they are nearby and they are always there for me when I need them.”

“My life has evolved through the years and although there have been some dark times, I wouldn’t trade it because it defines me as a person, and who I am,” said Pat. “With so many people behind me, it has added to my determination to keep fighting. I am also thankful that I still work, because it is my refuge from worry.”

“I am proud of my children – they all work hard and have made good lives for themselves. I taught them to be kind and considerate and I have tried to set a good example for them. I try to stay strong and positive for everybody and at the end of the day, I know there is nothing in this world more important to me than God, my family and my friends.”

“I know God has a plan for me and I know He won’t give me more than I can handle. I thank Him for my family – because I know being a mother is a blessing from God.”

Pat is the sister of Mike, Diane and Pam.

“Happy Mother’s Day to Mrs. Pat Sutton, and all the other mothers this Sunday, May 8th.