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

I love watching my children develop from each stage to the next. Being their cheerleader in everything from first steps to trying new foods. I love being their safe space during the scary times of hospitals or knee scrapes. It might be most rewarding of all though to watch my girls interact with each other. I love seeing their empathy for each other blossom. I know I’ve done my job as a mother when I can see them looking out for each other.

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

We were getting ready to leave the house one morning and Molly was having a meltdown on the kitchen floor. Sara went over to give Molly a hug. I have a picture because it was so sweet. It was also sad though because Molly didn’t want Sara touching her. Sara hasn’t tried to hug her during a meltdown since. It’s a memory that makes me love my daughters. Molly struggles with overstimulation and has been setting boundaries. Sara is so empathetic and has learned to adapt to meet Molly’s needs.

What would you do with $20,000?

I would buy a reliable SUV. I currently drive a shaky, small sedan from 2000, and we’ve dumped all of our savings into it to help make it more road safe for our kids. Despite all the new parts and repairs, it’s just an old car. It has issues that we can’t fix and I want my girls in a safe vehicle so much, but we don’t have the down payment or credit score to make that happen at the moment. $20,000 would make a huge difference for us.