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

Most rewarding part of being a mom for me is sharing in the bond Colton and I have. It’s hard to put into words, but you can feel it. It’s what makes it all worth it. Without words we communicate through affection, through music, through laughter…our bond is sacred. I can’t think of anything more rewarding than that.

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

He was 5 months old and we were sitting in a window. I had a cake in the oven because I picked up baking to make money so I could be home with him after his traumatic brain injury. I never focused on what he might do or not do, my only plan ever was to just love him. Pour as much love into him as possible -that has been and always will be my mission. One morning, sitting with me in this window I went to tickle him and he gave me a little chuckle. I have been living for his laughter ever since.

What would you do with $20,000?

I work really hard believing that I don’t need money to make his life better. That it was OK that I didn’t have all the resources and it was OK that I didn’t have a lot of financial support. I like to say, love and laughter is our $. But $20,000 in reality will make a difference. I could use it to pay off the car that transports us everywhere, treatments I can’t afford, the adaptive bike of our dreams -he loves the wind and being outside. $20,000 would go a really long way in our small world.