Mother's Day is a time to celebrate and honor mothers around the country. Today, more than a week after the recent tornado, Bartow County mothers honor their children as love and gratitude are expressed all around.

One of those mothers is Melissa Rutledge. Upon hearing that Spring Place Road, where she resides with her husband, was in the direct path of the tornado, the family moved to a nearby family member's home, seeking shelter in the basement.

"I'm blessed to have such a child who would come out in the storm and risk his own safety," Rutledge said recounting the tale of her son's bravery as he struggled to get to his mother. "He knew in his heart [that] something was wrong."

Rutledge and four of her family members were trapped in the basement after the house collasped above them. Calls for help were difficult to get through with cellular reception problems due to the storm. However, even though he could not contact his mother, Josh Ross refused to give up or lose hope. Scrambling through debris with only flashlights to lead the way, Ross, his step-father-in-law Matt Oram, and a team of neighbors eventually freed the family after four hours.

Close by, the Huskins family also suffered the loss of their home on Gaines Road. Four generations of the family have lived on the property, and they intend to rebuild. However, with Mother's Day celebrations throughout the day, this family stated they "haven't thought that far ahead" and are "taking life one day at a time now instead of making plans."