This week's Wicked Woman: Dr. Betty E. Shewell.

Thank you to all of the readers who submitted nominations for a wicked awesome mother to celebrate this week! Betsy sent me a heartwarming nomination for her mother - Dr. Betty E. Shewell.

"I'm nominating my own deceased mother, Dr. Betty E. Shewell.  She was a loving mother and wife.  She was 55 when she received her Doctorate.  However, I saw her as Mom!  Since she was in education, we spent summers off camping in a tent by lakes and rivers, cleaning and catching fish for meals!  Mom and Dad encouraged my brother and me to always leave our campsite cleaner than we found it.  I gathered wood and learned how to build a campfire and cook outdoors with insights from my mother.  She encouraged us to learn swimming when we were toddlers, knowing the necessity of being safe around water.  So many life skills I learned from her, as well as the joy of unbridled fun.  I came to value education, through observation of her lifelong curiosity and avid reading.  And, through her example I believe I became a better mother to my own three daughters." - Betsy