The IHOP "I Mom" Contest

In an IHOP world, moms rule. To celebrate moms this year, IHOP invited guests to tell us why they their moms in 250 words or less.


The Winners

Katie S. Goodlettsville, TN When I was growing up my mom had to play the role of two parents 6 months out of every year. My father is in the Navy and had to be out to sea a lot. I remember times as a child when we would drop my father off for his latest deployment and then we would go home and she would let me spend the day in bed with her watching tv and playing games. I now know it must have killed her to have to be that strong every time he left but she never let on. She always made sure my brother and I were happy and would reassure us that 6 months was not THAT long. She spent many days helping us make paper chains to count down the days until homecoming. Now that I am grown up she is still there for me every day. We talk all the time and she continues to help me through every new trial as I raise children of my own. She truly is an exceptional mom. Jamil M. Snellville, GA I 'heart' my mom and think she deserves a special meal at IHOP for many reason; some which I couldn't even begin to express on paper. She was and still is a single mother of six girls, but thank heavens we are all grown and on our own now. I remember when mother would always give to us before she gave to herself. She would feed us before she fed herself, clothe us before she even thought to think if she had something to wear and provide us with a warm bed before she thought about comfort for herself. My mom still does this today with all nine of her grandkids. So you see to be able to say, ' mom here's to you for all the meals amongst other things you always seem to do, I hop at the chance to give to you.' Sandy N. Fremont, CA I love my mom because there is no one else in the world like her. She puts everyone else first and doesn't take time to care for herself like she should. She helps us kids (yes even at my age) whenever possible. Little things like watching my son or giving me a ride when I need one. Although she's not the best cook, I try to teach her. She makes the best of the worst and gives us her all! Elizabeth P. Lakeland, FL My mom is the kind of mom they sing songs about. You know, the mom that says 'that's okay, I don't really like apple pie' when there is not enough to go around. She spent her whole life dedicated to me and my sisters. She did all the thankless jobs, like keeping the house clean and the family fed. She never, ever raised her voice and handled three kids with love and devotion. Even now, with her grandchildren, you will find her sitting on the floor of their playhouse at the age of 70! She is awesome!!! IHOP is her favorite and she deserves it every day! Bernice P. Union, OH My mom lives over 800 miles away and would do anything for my family, just a phone call away. She defines motherhood as she has dedicated herself to staying close to her children despite the distance. She's a great mom and has instilled greatness in me as I am now a mom!