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

The most rewarding part about being a mom is getting to witness how loved my children feel. As autistic children that are nonverbal there is currently no other way to determine how they feel aside from their behavior and with all the hugs, smiles and kisses I get on a daily basis I feel confident saying I do a decent job at being their mother. Another major reward is witnessing all the Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapy that I’ve been able to provide them with paying off.

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

A memory I’ll never forget is when my eldest daughter said “I love you” for the first time. She was 7 years old and after years of saying it to her, not knowing if she understood me she finally said it back! I remember crying and her being concerned that I was hurt but, they were tears of absolute joy. She’s 10 now…..my youngest will be 9 soon and has not spoken any words, but I cannot wait for the day where she can say it too.

What would you do with $20,000?

If I won $20,000 I would use that money to put a down payment on a house. As a single mother with two children on the spectrum working and saving money for a house has been tough. But a house of our own, with a sensory room for the girls, a decent backyard for them to play and have a trampoline and space enough to have some therapies at home to make my life a little easier is my #1 goal. This money would certainly help with that. I’d also use some of it to treat myself on the trip as I deserve.