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

The most rewarding part of being a mom is all of the moments we share each day, whether it’s my 5 year old sharing something he learned at school that day or my 26 year old sharing big news about a promotion. It’s a tapestry of moments that slowly weave together over time. It’s watching each child grow and develop their own personality while discovering who they are. It’s also the love we share, in the quiet moments, the loud moments and even the exhausting moments.

What is the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

One of the biggest lessons I have learned in recent years is that I can’t control everything. It’s letting go of the life I thought I wanted to make room for the life we’re living. It’s learning to give myself grace on the hardest of days and being stretched beyond imagine with the daily unknowns. My children don’t need a perfect mom, they need a mom who will always show up and advocate for them. Being a special needs mom I have learned to celebrate progress, no matter how small.

What would you do with $20,000?

It’s going to sound cliché but due to the fact that I’m a teacher and special needs mom, money and burnout are at the forefront of my mind. I would split the money 50/25/25 to payoff some smaller debts, create a safety net, and take a trip as a family. Our little ones are at the perfect age to experience all things Disney, and we would be overjoyed to give them the same magical memories and unforgettable moments that our older children hold so dearly, moments we’ll all treasure forever.