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

It is a blessing, knowing that I am giving and teaching my son everything I know and have, but also enabling him to grow exactly into the person he is meant to be. I learn true love by giving selflessly and by seeing him use the tools and the love and slowly become his own person. It is a gift to be a part of it and to have the honor of being his mother.

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

One memory I will never forget is when I told my son I was changing him to another school to get him out of the bullying he was experiencing. He has mild ASD and get picked on often. Rather than advocate for him and push for him to fit somewhere, I realized that finding the correct environment for him was what was actually needed. He told me that he can now finally find kids that are like him and that he can finally be himself with. I realized you can learn from your kids too, not just them.

What would you do with $20,000?

I want to situate my son with room accommodations that promote learning. He needs sensory furniture that helps to ease and soothe his anxiety. Because he has ASD, he spends a lot of time indoors and I’d like to situate him better at home. I would also enroll him in activities to promote self esteem- karate, yoga, sports, as my income currently does not allow me to. Lastly, I would use some of the money to help with a move we have upcoming, due to a lease end date. We’d be so grateful.