What is the most rewarding part of being a mom?

Getting to experience the joy, and difficult moments, as a family. We get through them together. We make memories together that we will cherish forever. Every day is a blessing and I try my best to cherish each moment and not sweat the small stuff. Seeing them grow over the years is something I am grateful for and feel truly blessed. I did this on my own. I helped them grow into the amazing, kind, smart, funny, talented, happy kids they are. God has blessed myself and my children.

What is the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

That what they say is true…the days are long, but the years are short. Serene to believe I’ve been a mom for 19 years now. It really is flying by. I try my hardest to cherish each day and try not to sweat the small stuff. Each day they get older and need me less. I know I’ve raised them to know I’ll always be there for them, they for each other, and pray we continue our close bonds when they are grown and flown. I am proudest, in my life, to be their mom. Nothing I’ve done this far is greater.

What would you do with $20,000?

Pay off my debt from a 5 year divorce and continued family court battles. Save/invest for myself, my retirement, and the kids college. Vacation with the kids somewhere amazing like Hawaii that we wouldn’t afford otherwise Consider buying a home instead of renting. Get a new car which will be needed at some point soon as I have a 2015 vehicle. This much money would be a game changer and whole new fresh start for the kids and I. I would be able to breathe for the first time in a very long time.