The other night while putting my son to bed, he hugged me and whispered, ‘Do you want to be my best friend?’ My heart melted. What he doesn’t know is he’s been my best friend since before he was even here. The most rewarding part of being a mom is getting to raise this little human I adore while building a bond that grows deeper every day, and knowing it’ll last long after he’s grown.

I’ve always been very type A—on time, organized, and in control. Motherhood quickly humbled me. Between running late, the occasional blowout in the middle of a restaurant, and toddler tantrums I’ve learned to let go and be flexible. The biggest lesson has been slowing down, meeting life at my son’s pace, and truly cherishing the small, everyday moments.

If I won, I’d use the money to create more stability and freedom for my son and me. Things like investing in his future, making memories together, and honestly just having more time to be present with him. At the end of the day, that’s what matters most to me as a mom.