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

I see my kids grow and become their own people with their own likes and dislikes, unique personalities, and achieve things I never thought they could. Watching them playing and enjoying their childhood, making memories that will last a lifetime. I’m taken back to when I held them in my arms and kissed their little newborn hands and feet. The most rewarding part of being a mom is seeing it all come together and knowing I had a part in all of it, that they feel safe enough to be 100% themselves.

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

The baby was just learning how to roll over. He was getting really close to doing it on his own. I was sitting on a mat with him working on it and my other 2 boys came into the living room. My oldest (who is my little brother) was holding the baby up and playing with him. My middle child has ASD and he doesn’t pay much mind to other children but he came up to the baby and knocked on his head lightly, smiling at him. The baby smiled back and it was the sweetest moment of all 3 of them together.

What would you do with $20,000?

I’d use the money to get a second car. We are a 1 car family right now and it’s difficult managing a schedule that revolves around getting my middle son to school and therapy. I spend an average of 2 hours a day driving to get our son to school/ therapy (depending on the day) and driving my husband to work. He’s a marine so I’m grateful his OIC is understanding of our situation because otherwise I’d have to wake up at 4am to get him there at 5 before turning around to get our son ready at 6am.