Hannah's Socks • warm feet, warm hearts

Last night was quite emotional for me!

I only learned 2 weeks ago that Hannah was a finalist for Humanitarian of the Year in the Toledoan of the Year Awards. That in itself was so exciting for my family.

At the ceremony, as the emcee read the list of nominees, Hannah crawled up on her chair when she heard her name. She had that big Hannah smile as she looked around the room.

I was so proud of this moment for her. Hannah sat down and we listened as all the nominees were introduced. Each nominee had done extraordinary things, and they all are all heroes in my mind.

The Humanitarian of the Year award was the second one announced. There were six nominees, all deserving. The emcee said, "And the 2008 Humanitarian award goes to... Hannah Turner."

Our table screamed with surprise and excitement. Tears rolled down my face as my young daughter went to the front of the room to accept her award. Hannah's Socks Board members, Cyndi Sculfort and Lydia Hymel, were just as excited as Vic and I. Hannah took the microphone and said, "Thank you!" then my husband Vic filled in to give kudos to all our supporters, volunteers, and the entire Hannah's Socks team.

Hannah took her award home to show her four brothers and three sisters. She told them that it was for all of us because "we all help the poor people."

Then there was a quiet moment in our house — and that never happens.

All ten of us hugged, and I felt like I was the luckiest mom in the world.

You can read the story in today's Toledo Blade, and we've also posted photos from the night on the Hannah's Socks Flickr page.