What is the most rewarding part of being a mom?

The most rewarding part of being a mom is seeing the look on their faces when you help them with an issue. Knowing that you’re guiding them down the right path by seeing the humans they are becoming. Having a 19 year-old who has moved out on his own and calls you to fill you in on his daily activities or for advice, and hearing I love you, out of blue, is also pretty rewarding. I am currently parenting my elderly parents & that is also rewarding because I know that they are safe & cared for.

What is the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

Motherhood has taught me that each and every child is different and has different needs. It has taught me patience, humility, gratitude, and that adults don’t know everything. We have to be open-minded and willing to learn new things on a daily basis because our children teach us new things every day. Each day is a new learning experience, being that no one comes with a handbook to learn about each other. We are simply learning from one another.

What would you do with $20,000?

Being that this past December, my husband, and I received guardianship of our niece and nephew, and became a family of eight, the money would be extremely helpful with every day expenses. We are not wealthy, but knew that we couldn’t leave our niece & nephew scared and alone to go into the system. We knew it wouldn’t be easy, but we also knew it was what had to be done. Thankfully, the kids are happy and thriving. Despite our struggles, If we had to do it all over again, we would.