Easterns Blog

Mother?s Day is just around the corner!? This is a special time of the year for mothers across the world to be recognized, appreciated, and celebrated for all of their hard work.? Being a mother is a hard job but being a mother in the military is another level of difficulty.? Fox 5 DC captured a very special moment last month when they followed Shadia Everett of Fairfax County, Virginia to surprise her son, James at his school.? James is a student at Riverside Elementary School in Alexandria, Virginia.? As a Navy petty officer, Everett was only given one week to visit the U.S. and leave her station at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, Africa.? The joy and excitement on both of their faces spoke volumes.? Small moments like that become memories that last a lifetime especially when you are unable to see your loved ones everyday.

Easterns Automotive Group was so inspired by the clip that they decided to partner with Fox 5 DC to Pay It Forward.? Initially, Everett was the one trying to surprise her son but this time she was the one ?to get surprised.? Easterns and Fox 5 DC came together to provide Everett, James, and close family members with a limo ride to the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland.? The family was treated to an early Mother?s Day brunch since Everett won?t be home the actual holiday.? It was a very special day for the family because it truly does take a village to raise a child.? While Everett is deployed, James is in the loving care of his ?grandparents, aunt, cousins, and even church members.? Mother figures are extremely important because James is still able to receive that love even though his mom is not always able to be present. ?All of these wonderful people did not hesitate to step up to the plate and help while Everett is hard at work hoping to provide a nice future for both her and James.? We would like to send a special shout out to each and every single mother that works tirelessly to provide for their family.? You are loved and appreciated!

If you know someone in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area that goes above and beyond the call and is worthy of being recognized, Click here to nominate them.

Watch the video to see the way everything unfolded.