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

It’s when my 3-year-old does something that most people might overlook, but I know how much effort, growth, and courage it took. A new word, eye contact, a shared laugh are the moments that land differently because I've walked every step with him. It’s when my teens open up to me not because they have to, but because they trust me. When they come to me with real thoughts, real struggles, and I realize I've built something solid enough to hold them.

What is the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

Love grows strongest in the hard places. Not in the easy, picture-perfect moments but the therapy days, the tough conversations, the exhaustion, the times I chose patience when it would be easier to shut down. That’s where our bond deepens. That’s where I realize how strong of a mom I actually am.

What would you do with $20,000?

I would create a safety cushion. Putting a chunk into an emergency fund. I would invest in my kids’ futures like programs, tools, or experiences that help my son communicate or thrive. Opportunities for my teens to take classes, hobbies, or something they’re passionate about. I’d use that $20,000 to buy stability, reduce stress, and create more good moments in our everyday life.