What is the most rewarding part of being a mom?

Watching my kids grow and learn especially with all the adversity they have both experienced. My son survived shaken baby syndrome at the hands of his dad, and when he was 2 yrs old had a virus in his cerebellum. He had to relearn how to do everything from walking to talking. My daughter has also had her dad walk out on her when she was 5, she’s almost 18 now. She also has experienced racism at school. She’s used sports as an outlet to her adversities. Both are very resilient!

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

Watching my son receive his diploma at his walk-through graduation in 2020 was an incredibly humbling moment. There was a time when I wasn’t sure he would survive the day, let alone make it to high school graduation. A survivor of shaken baby syndrome, he spent two weeks in the ICU as an infant. At age two, he battled a rare brain virus that left him hospitalized and forced him to relearn how to walk and talk. Watching him overcome so much and reach this milestone filled me with so much pride.

What would you do with $20,000?

If I won $20,000, I would first pay off bills to ease financial stress. Then, I’d take my son on the senior trip he missed due to COVID giving him the experience he never got. I’d also travel with my kids and mom ( she deserves it too, as we take care of my dad who has dementia) creating lasting memories together. Family time is so important to me and spending time together is everything. This money would help me financially as well as creating unforgettable memories together!