What is the most rewarding part of being a mom?

Seeing each child grow into their own person. Watching how they deal with challenges and triumphs. Being there to support them through the good and bad. Watching them give life, become a parent, and dealing with grief and loss of a parent. Then seeing how they choose to parent. My children and grandchildren are my joy, my life, my everything!

What is the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

Patience, understanding, and unconditional love. Children go through so many stages and each child is so different- thank goodness for this. I never thought I could love someone so deeply, with my whole being as much as a child. When I held my child for the first time, my whole body had a warm feeling throughout that spread the most joy, calmness, and love, I had ever known. I learned patience and understanding through adolescent & teenage years.

What would you do with $20,000?

I would take my children and grandchildren on trips or adventures to create memories. One of my dreams/ bucket list items is to take them to Italy to see where some of our extended family members live and where their great great grandparents were from. I love making memories with them. “None of us know when our expiration date is, so make the most of every day!” This is my motto I try to live by and would love to win $20,000 to make more memories with them.