Cruise strings together many stories

Coral Wilson

Many mothers feel special just having their children beside them. But

a mother’s day cruise on Newport Harbor Sunday afternoon made the day

even more enjoyable for more than 100 passengers.

The Newport Beach-based Adventures at Sea’s boat, Dream On, set

the scene with music, flowers, lunch and a view as it slowly traveled

the length of the harbor.

“Mom, I love you so much,” Stephanie Cole, 11, said she tells her

mother all the time.

Since Stephanie’s mom started a new job, she said the time spent

together has become even more valuable.

“All I can give you is this -- all my love,” Natalie Quiroz, 11,

said she told her mom that morning along with a card and a promise

for lunch.

Both children started the day off by cooking breakfast for their

mothers. They said they love their moms despite the occasional fights

and disagreements.

The cruise also brightened what would have been an otherwise

lackluster holiday. Marie Martin said her husband and two sons don’t

often express their appreciation, and that she had to buy the cruise

tickets herself.

“Just cut a flower, that’s all I need,” Martin said. “I just want

to feel appreciated.”

Even so, she said she loves being a mother. From making the

commitment with her husband, and raising their children into

adulthood, Martin said the whole process is fulfilling.

“When you don’t always get coffee in the morning, or flowers, or a

hug -- it’s OK,” she said. “Motherhood gives you a purpose. It gives

you meaning and something to strive for.”

Martin’s sons admitted that while they don’t always express their

love, their mother’s sacrifices are appreciated. William Martin, 15,

said she has kept him on track and out of trouble. Michael Martin, 8,

just grinned with a big, toothy smile.

“Pretty much I’m spoiled,” Michael said. “Pretty much I get candy

whenever I want.”

At 65-years-old Kay Hagen is already a grandmother. Having raised

three grown children, she speaks about motherhood with experience.

“It is about putting their needs ahead of mine and just trying to

make sure they are safe,” she said. “I want them to be happy, healthy

and with a good moral upbringing.”

When her children first left the house, she said she felt lost

without them. But now she volunteers, travels and leads a more

spontaneous lifestyle.

“I like them to come visit me but I am happy when they go home,”

she said. “I got used to living alone.”

For Lori Hasman, the journey is just beginning with her 4-year-old

son, Collin.

“I just love it in the morning when he wakes up and gives you a

big hug,” she said. “And the way he looks at you, you know no matter

what, he will love you forever.”

Her husband Jim Hasman grew up in a family of 10 children and said

the house was too quiet until Collin came along. Now Collin helps his

father create cartoon characters for work.

“It is so much fun to have a little one and to buy toys that are

not just for myself,” he said. “He opens everything up to what I was

like as a kid.”

The Hasmans’ neighbors, Karen Carroll and Joseph Elias, plan on

having children of their own soon. Until then, they watch how the

Hasmans raise their son and help where they can.

They plan to get married in a year and then start a family

immediately. Carroll said she is excited about being a mother and

Collin’s tantrums haven’t scared her off.

Collin was excited about the experience of being on a boat. But

the Hasmans found their pleasure in being with their son. The real

joy of being a mother is indescribable, Lori Hasman said.

“There is nothing to describe what it feels like to be a mother,”

she said. “You never know until you become one.”