Happy Mother's Day! This year, we decided to celebrate the holiday by asking our readers to answer this question: What is the most important lesson your mother taught you and how have you applied it to your life?

We got more than 15 responses, many of them moving. Read Ann DeMatteo's story for more on our first-place winner LaShante James.

James' $250 gift certificate was donated by Joiya Day Spa in Hamden. We are grateful for their generosity and also for the $50 gift certificates by Leon's Restaurant on Long Wharf in New Haven, The Mochi Store in New Haven and Charli's Cupcake Factory in West Haven. Please "like" them on Facebook and pay them a visit!

Here is James' essay and those of the three runners-up and four honorable mentions.