What is the most rewarding part of being a mom?

My son Alec is 31, and close to perfect. Watching him thrive despite the 16 long years we had with sick siblings and all of the poverty that goes along with chronic illness is very hard. Insurance doesn't pay to not work, gas for the appointments, food while you all live at the hospital, etc... And Alec has been very kind, patient, depressed, scared, and felt alone. Bc he is everything, I love to help him whenever needed.

What is the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

Forgiveness. We must forgive ourselves for not being everything we felt we needed to be for those we love so very much. Mothers tend to beat themselves up when we let anyone down, and when the mental load is so very heavy; we feel like we fail everyone. Its been 11 years since his last brother died, we feel it every single day and work very hard to make sure we are good to each other. We didn't all have strong role models.

What would you do with $20,000?

I would get to finish the remodeling of my home and take my beautiful son on a motorcycle trip anywhere he wants to go. He is a music teacher, works a second job at a chicken factory, and absolutely loves and deserves the time away. We never got a nice family vacation while we were all alive. I would love to spend this time with him when stressors are not a factor. Thank you for the opportunity to share our story.