What is the most rewarding part of being a mom?

Watching our kids grow up to be considerate humans who care about others, and not just themselves. Seeing their personality bloom, noticing their quirks, their humor, their kindness — and realizing you get a front-row seat to someone becoming who they’re meant to be. Feeling like someone’s safe place: There’s something powerful about knowing that your presence alone can calm, comfort, or empower your child. It’s a kind of purpose that feels deeply grounding and irreplaceable.

What is the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

There’s a moment as a mom when you realize that no matter how much you plan, prepare, or protect, life still unfolds in its own unpredictable way. Kids grow in directions you didn’t expect, they challenge you, they mirror you, they surprise you. Being a mom stretches your patience in ways nothing else does, and somehow, you keep finding more of it, even on days you thought you had none left - but you don’t need to be perfect to be who they need you to be - their mom.

What would you do with $20,000?

I’d use the $20k to finally give my family some room to breathe. These last couple of years have been really heavy financially, & it’s worn on me in ways I don’t always say out loud. Paying off some debt & catching up on bills would lift a huge weight off my chest. It would let me exhale for the first time in a long time. Once things feel steady again, I’d love to do something fun with my family, something that reminds us what it feels like to enjoy life without that constant worry about money.