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

Watching my kids grow and learn. They start off so tiny and delicate, and I get to be the one that helps shape how they learn and grow so they grow up to be such amazing adults. Seeing their smiles and hearing them laugh brightens my day no matter how rough the day has been. They give me energy and life when I need to keep pushing forward. I am not even close to a perfect mom, but they believe in me and it gives me all the strength I need to be the best mom I possibly can be for them.

What is the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

To be patient. To let go of the chains that held me down as a child so that my children can grow into the strongest, kindest people they can be. My past doesn't have to pass down to my children. I need to take care of myself and work through my issues so that my babies can feel loved and safe throughout their lives. I am still learning and growing and it's okay for them to know that. Perfection isn't something I want them to believe they need to be. They are amazing as they are.

What would you do with $20,000?

I would finally put roots down for my babies and I. We escaped a terrible domestic violence situation and we had to leave everything behind to be safe. I want to settle down and give my kids stability and a good home to grow up in. They deserve that and I would give anything to give that to them. I want to give them the light at the end of the tunnel.