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

After losing my own mother as a very young girl, the most rewarding part is being able to see my children and grandchildren grow up happy and healthy! Teaching them about life, to be hard working, to love the Lord, to be good humans, and to appreciate the things we have been blessed with. Also, in a world with so much focus on differences, being a biracial family, we teach our children and others that the color of someone’s skin is not what defines a family but the love we have for each other.

What is the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

Not every child is the same! Whether a biological child, step-child or adopted child, each is their own special person. You cannot love them all the same, instead loving them each individually. That doesn’t mean more or less, just differently in a respectful way. We are a family and loving each other unconditionally is the most important thing in this life. We support each other through ups and downs and for the most part are a close knit family.

What would you do with $20,000?

It sounds cliche but I would LOVE to have a family vacation with every one of our children and grandchildren together, including all 19 of us! We have never been able to do something so big with all of us due to scheduling and expense with so many of us but this amount should be enough to cover everyone’s costs for a trip of a lifetime!