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

The most rewarding part is finally feeling like my life has purpose. I always knew I wanted to be a mom, but now I truly know God put me on this earth to be a mom—to be my son Kam’s mom and taking care of him every day 24/7 as his mom and caregiver gives my life meaning. I feel as if serving my son is serving God at the same time. What an honor it is for both!

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

This isn’t a happt memory as you may expect, but it changed my life forever and it charged me in my motherhood with more resolve & purpose than ever before. I’ll never forget the day I found my son—who was 4 mo old at the time—unconscious on the couch. I was in shock, but took immediate action and started cpr while 911 came. I’ll never forget feeling that feeling that no mother would ever want to feel as if they were losing the most precious thing to them in the world…and I almost did, but God!

What would you do with $20,000?

I would love to take my son and my husband to Hawaii! Our family is native Hawaiian heritage and our son’s name is Kam Kekoa. His medical issues are terminal and it is a dream of mine to take him to the beach together because he loves the water and the memories would last a life time. Flying with a medically complexed child is complicated and expensive. Any extra money would go to buying an adaptive vehicle to fit all his medical supplies and needs for every day transportation.