Connect What is the most rewarding part of being a mom?

Watching my daughter grow into an own individual - regardless when others try to quiet her. This has had such a profound impact on me and she has taught me to be happy as who I am.

What is one memory of your kids that you will never forget?

The moment we rescued our cat, Pete. We regularly go to shelters to pet the cats, but this day, we took one home! My daughter, who was minimally verbally at the time (she was delayed even at 4 due to her autism) and this bizzare white and orange cat jumped into our laps, and as she began petting him, she not only made eye contact with the volunteers, but directly asked "do you think he likes barbies ?". The therapeutic relationship with animals allowed her to finally start speaking!

What would you do with $20,000?

I would catch up on financial matters that need to be taken care of, I would repair parts of our home, and set aside a little bit to make an amazing sensory room for my daughter