'My mother is my inspiration'

In 1999, we invited youngsters to tell us why their moms were special for Mother's Day. This is what Evan Lysacek had to say about his mom, Tanya:

She guides me through each day and makes everything that I do important. She puts others before herself and she sacrifices her life to accommodate her three children.

My mother knows how to reach into my soul and rekindle my spirit. She is my brain when I am absent-minded. She is strength when I am weak, and she never fails to reassure my faith in the human heart.

When I was little, I thought that my mom was a superhero. I still believe that she is a superhero, but now for different reasons.

My mother knows me better than I do. She has always been my pride and joy. I can't imagine living life without my mom, and just like I will always be her baby, she will always be my mommy. I love you more than anyone on Earth, Mom.

From the bottom of my heart I would like to wish you a Happy Mother's Day.

- Evan Lysacek

Age 13, Naperville