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

The most rewarding part of being a mom is just watching my kids become good people. Life is hard right now, my kids are going through a lot of things that no child should ever have to deal with, but seeing the hard work of trying to be a good mom pay off fuels me. Seeing them make a good decision, or show random acts of kindness brings me more joy than I can put into words. Being their mom is my greatest responsibility and my greatest joy.

What is the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

The biggest lessons motherhood has taught me involve patience, persistence, and focusing on the present rather than worrying about the future. I am not a patient person by nature, but having children kind of forces patience on you! Persistence - when my world fell apart over two years ago, I had no choice but to keep going. I had to keep going for my kids, there was no other option, because that's what they deserve. And embracing the present feels a lot better than worrying about the future.

What would you do with $20,000?

I can't even begin to explain what a blessing $20,000 would be right now. I'm trying to get back on my feet and back into the workforce while going through a divorce and after staying home the past 12 years raising babies. This money would be used to pay bills, to help me make it through while I'm working on securing a steady income to take care of myself and my kids.